Page 76 of Essence of his Soul

"Thanks for bringing me home, Diamere," she said, her tone light but carrying an undercurrent of something deeper.

He nodded, forcing a smile. "It was my pleasure." He knew this was a bad move from the start. Should’ve kept it simple. Dropped her off and bounced.

The family get-together had ended hours ago, but he stuck around, helping Kelly clean up after everyone left. It felt easy, familiar—just like old times. She washed dishes, and he dried, their conversation flowing easily about her teaching career, his military career, and all the years that had flown by. But the whole time, he couldn’t stop staring at her. Kelly had always been pretty, but now? Now, she was grown. A woman. Her curves were real, and her smile… Damn, that smile could melt ice. He tried to keep it cool, but when she asked for a ride home, it threw him off his game. Stepping out of the car, Diamere walked around to open her door. The second her leg slid out, the sight of those shapely calves almost made him lose focus. He had to get out of there quick. The sooner he got her to the door and left, the better. As they made their way to her apartment, every step felt like a temptation. Watching the sway of her hips wasn’t helping. His mind was racing—he wasn’t supposed to feel like this, not with Kelly. He was ready to play it off when theyreached her door.

"I probably won’t see you before I head back to Colorado, so it was good catching up."

"It was good seeing you too, Diamere," she said, fumbling with her keys.

He reached for the keyring, their fingers brushing in a way that made his body tense. That slight touch sent a jolt, something he didn’t expect. He unlocked the door and handed the keys back, trying not to let on how much that moment messed with his head. Kelly smiled up at him, a smile that made him feel like they were still those kids back in the day, but now, everything was different. She was grown, and so was he. And looking into her eyes, he felt something stirring deep inside that he thought he’d locked away a long time ago.

"You wanna come in?" Her voice was soft, almost hesitant, but something was behind it. A question he wasn’t sure he had the right answer for.

He should’ve walked away right then. Said goodnight and kept it moving. But he wasn’t ready to leave Kelly yet. Not like this. "Yeah, maybe just for a few minutes.”

The second he stepped inside, the scent of her perfume hit him. Subtle, sweet, and dangerous. Kelly slipped off her coat, and he handed her his, watching her hang it up like it was no big deal. But it was. Every move she made, every glance she threw his way, was messing with his head.

"Your place is nice," he said, his voice a little too strained, trying to keep it casual.

"Thanks." She motioned to the sofa. "Have a seat."

He sat down, trying to play it cool, but the attraction was thick. Kelly kicked off her shoes, curling up in a chair across from him like she was comfortable. Too comfortable.

"You want something to drink?" she asked, pointing to the small bar in the corner.

"Nah, I’m good." No way he needed a drink right now. He needed to stay sharp.

The silence stretched for a minute before she stood, saying, "I’ll be right back. Remote’s on the table if you wanna watch something." She left the room, and Diamere let out a long breath.

Bruh, what are you doing?he thought to himself. This was dangerous territory. Kelly wasn’t the little girl he used to know. She was a woman now, and being around her stirred up feelings.

When she returned, she’d changed into leggings and an oversized T-shirt, looking even more comfortable and tempting. Then she hit him with a question he wasn’t ready for.

"So, why haven’t you ever gotten married?"

Diamere shifted on the couch, trying to play it cool. "Haven’t met the right one, I guess."

Kelly chuckled, her smirk cutting through the air. "I don’t think you’d know the right one if she was staring you in the face."

She wasn’t wrong. But he couldn’t admit that. Not here, not now. "Maybe. But it doesn’t really matter now." He paused, knowing he had to come clean. "I’m actually dating someone. Ryan. She’s pregnant."

Her face fell, and he saw that flicker of disappointment before she tried to cover it up. "You’re having a baby?"

"Yeah, looks that way."

Kelly forced a smile, but Diamere could see through it. "Well, congrats. I hope you do right by her."

He shrugged, trying to keep it light. "Marriage? I don’t know yet." Why did he lie? He didn’t even know.

Her eyes narrowed, anger flashing. "What do you mean you don’t know? You got her pregnant, didn’t you?"

Diamere sighed, feeling the weight of her words. "I’m just not sure I’m ready for all that."

Kelly stood up, fire in her eyes. "You don’t know anythingabout being responsible, do you? And you called me a kid?"

"Kelly, I—"

"Don’t. Just go." She grabbed his coat and shoved it into his hands, her movements sharp and final.

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