Page 84 of Plus Size Player

“Youare the escape. We could’ve been anywhere, and it would’ve been exactly what I needed.”

“So, if I’m understanding you correctly, it sounds like you’re sayingI’mwhat you needed,” I teased.

With seriousness and sincerity, he caressed my cheek. “That’s exactly what I’m saying.”

Our lips met hungrily as I tasted the sweet perfection of his words. Lifting up on my toes, I gripped the back of his neck tighter.

“Excuse me, folks,” the security guard interrupted. “You can’t park here.”

Exhaling loudly, Russ pulled out of my arms. “Aight, man,” he replied irritably. Grabbing my face, he stared at me. “I have something I want to show you on Thursday. Can I see you?”

“Yes,” I answered automatically. “I mean, I have to get my schedule figured out, but at some point Thursday, yes.”

“Good. I’ll send you my flight information and you just let me know your schedule. I’ll plan something based on what you have available.”

“Okay, sounds good.”

With a quick kiss, we said our goodbyes and then I lightly jogged to my door.

Pushing my feelings to the back burner, I needed to switch gears. I had a little over an hour to get to my RLF meeting.

Once I decided what I was going to wear, I did my makeup and called my girls.

“—and after the massage, we checked into a suite at a nearby hotel, ordered room service, and then fucked until we were exhausted.” I sighed happily during the morning three-way call with my best friends. “This weekend was everything I needed,” I concluded.

“I love this!” Aaliyah squealed. “He’s giving you fun, conversation, laughs, romance, and bomb sex, what else could you ask for?”

“Is he a drug dealer?” Jazmyn asked.

Ignoring Aaliyah’s question, I burst out laughing. “No, Jazz!”

“He doesn’t want to talk about work, but he takes you on theseexpensive dates, so you know he has money. I’m just saying… I just rewatchedPower. I know the signs of a kingpin.”

“He’s a legitimate businessman,” I said.

“Have you seen a business card?” Aaliyah wondered.

I shook my head even though they couldn’t see me. “No, but—”

“Because drug dealers don’t have business cards,” Jazmyn interrupted. “I rest my case.”

My laugh turned into a cough. “Liyah, back me up!”

“I mean…” Aaliyah dragged the statement out. “Drug dealersdon’thave business cards.”

“I can’t stand either of you!”

We cackled loudly.

Amused, I pulled on the wide-legged magenta pants. I wanted to catch them up on the weekend’s events before I headed into my first official day with RLF. But I should’ve known they weren’t going to be serious.

“All jokes aside, I really like this for you,” Aaliyah said wistfully. “You sound so happy.”

“I am,” I told them, checking out the way the pants hugged my butt. I tucked in the sleeveless silk top and smiled at how professional I looked. “He makes…” My stomach fluttered. “I am very happy.”

“Are you finally ready to admit that there’s something real between you two?” Aaliyah questioned.

“Fine!” I exclaimed in exasperation. “It’s real.”

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