Page 45 of It's Love I'm After

“Every single one,” I confirm in my best sultry vixen voice.

“Before we get into that, let me make something clear.”

I swallow over the sudden lump in my throat upon hearing his serious tone that matches the fire in his eyes. Nodding, I hold my breath while waiting to see what’s coming next.

“I don’t give a fuck what’s going on between our grandmothers. I’m not giving you up, and I’m not letting you do it either. What we can do is keep them out of what we have going on, and that’s it. Under no circumstances am I sacrificing my happiness for someone else’s misery. I love you, and I’m letting you know now that I’m locking you down.”

My mouth opens and closes as Germayne’s words repeat in my mind, and I struggle to process his last sentence.

“Don’t doubt my feelings, Cha-Cha. I didn’t make a mistake in expressing them. Not only do I love you, but I’m in love with you.” Grabbing my hands, he pulls me down until our foreheads are touching, instantly elevating my heart rate.

Needing no further confirmation, I latch onto Germayne’s lips and kiss him with all the passion and sentiments I can muster. Savoring the moment, I release a low moan at the comfort I feel, along with how right this moment is. Falling in love with Germayne wasn’t something I set out to do, but feeling the leaping in my chest confirms my willingness to surrender anyway.

“I can’t believe my baby is about to go to school. It seems like I was changing his diapers just yesterday while dodging his little wee-wee.”

Staring at Caleb climbing the jungle gym at the mall, I spoon another serving of butter pecan ice cream into my mouth. Looking at my calendar and realizing that Caleb’s first day of kindergarten was fast approaching led to Germayne, Caleb, and I coming to the mall to shop for his school clothes. Despite knowing the time was coming and the confirmation of my baby becoming a big boy for real, I’m ready to cry in my bowl of ice cream.

“Yeah, but you’re gonna be alright. School is a natural progression of his existence. The great thing is that you won’t have to weather the storm of this next phase alone.” Germayne interjects.

Turning to look at Germayne sitting beside me, I smile upon seeing his rapt attention on Caleb.

“I love you, Germayne Malone.”

Germayne’s eyes slowly leave Caleb before settling on me, before a panty-melting grin dances on his lips.

“What’s not to love, Cha-Cha. Not to mention . . . I love you so much more.” Winking, Germayne’s keen focus returns to Caleb, causing my heart to race and butterflies to swarm in my stomach.

“Oh my gosh! Did you see me almost fall, Mr. Germayne? I almost wiped out.” Caleb’s voice shifts my gaze from Germayne’s side profile, and my chest expands at seeing the excitement on Caleb’s face while standing in front of Germayne.

Contrary to what I thought, Caleb’s resilience in entertaining the latest man in my life has come without incident. With Dedrick, Caleb didn’t say anything more than he had to and didn’t engage with him freely. From the moment Calebmet Germayne he has been open, free, and forthcoming with communicating with Germayne.

“I saw, and I almost went over there to fight that equipment for being in your way,” Germayne confirms.

“You can’t beat up that thing, because it's not real.” Caleb laughs.

“If it made you fall and hurt yourself, I would have definitely kicked it a few times,” Germayne adds, shrugging.

“You’re so cool, Mr. Germayne. Can we go get my ice cream now? I’m done playing now,” Caleb asks.

“Of course, we can. I was waiting for you. Come on before your mama asks for more, and we don’t get any.”

Caleb snickers before connecting his hand with Germayne’s outstretched one, leaving me to follow behind them. My chest feels like it's about to burst at seeing how the two of them move through the mall like a unit. Caleb’s laughter pierces my ears, letting me know that whatever Germayne is saying tickles him. When I arrive at the ice cream parlor a second after Caleb and Germayne, I stand back to wait for them to order. My eyes are burning from the strain of containing the moisture begging for clearance.

“Do you want anything, Cha-Cha?” Germayne asks, breaking me out of my daze.

“No, thank you,” I say.

“She already had some,” Caleb adds.

“I know, C, but you should always make sure that your lady has whatever she wants. It’s your job to take care of her needs,” Germayne informs Caleb.

“I didn’t know, but okay. You know a lot of stuff, Mr. Germayne,” Caleb adds.

My baby seems to be hanging onto Germayne’s every word while giving him an inquisitive look, just as the worker hands them the ice cream they ordered.

“You will too, C,” Germayne tells Caleb before the two of them walk toward me.

Watching the Cheshire grin on Caleb’s lips, the beam in his eyes, and his imitation of Germayne’s swag has giggles escaping my mouth.

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