Page 5 of Let Me

“Dang.You’re right.I’m going to stand him up.”

“And you’re going to hear about that, too.”

“I’ll get out of it somehow,” she says, throwing her empty cup and spoon away.“Anyway, you go hang out with your new boo and we’ll meetup tomorrow andfinallyhave something to talk about other than trees and butterflies.”

“Alright, Riley.I guess I’ll go home and get cute.”

“Please do.And don’t be wearing those army green cargo pants with a crop top.That’s your go-to outfit.You do realize that, right?”

“It’s not.”

“It is.You wore it when we went out last weekend.Wear something feminine.”

“Like what?We’re going to be in the woods.I think cargo pants are perfect.”

“Ay yi yi,” she says, releasing a long breath of air loudly through her mouth while massaging her temples.“Wear some jeans and a cute blouse, preferably low-cut and thin.It’s gon’ be hot.And if you pull out a pair of them combat boots, me and you gon’ fight for real.”

Amused, I say, “Okay, Riley.I got it.I’ll see what I can come up with.”

Riley wraps her arms around me and says, “Alright, girl.Have fun.I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Okay,” I say as she walks toward her car.

She turns around and says, “And check in with me when you get home.”

“Yep.Will do.”

I walk to my car with a feeling of excitement – something I haven’t felt in some time.I’m doing something different for a change and with someone other than Riley.And this man—Lord have mercy—he’s something to behold.I can hardly wait to see him again.

Chapter 2

I’m not sure why I asked Autumn to join me at the campground.I’m usually not so forthcoming with women, especially ones I’m attracted to, and she’s a definite beauty.I first saw her when she stepped into The Decadent Freeze laughing with her friend.Her smile gave me pause and stilled something inside of me that forced me to stop and stare for a minute.I was catching her aura, and I caught all of it.The vibes, the smile, her pleasant demeanor, the happiness on her face – it all attracted me immediately.It was only after noticing those things that I realized just how beautiful she really was.The beauty marks on her face – those exotic freckles – were scattered across her face like the magic of stardust.Her hair is black and curly at the ends.She had a warm, golden complexion that exuded softness.She’d be radiant beneath the sun.She’s warm.Inviting.I can see the femininity glowing from her head to her feet.

She has an overall good spirit – the kind of person I need to be around.That’s mainly why I wanted a chance to be close to her again.I need to feel her aura, get to know her better, and find out what she’s about.What’s her story?Where is she from?What are her dreams?Who are her folks?So many questions and I have no answers.

I actually shouldn’t be having these questions, or this heightened desire to see her.I don’t want to lead her on in any way.I’m not sure what she’s thinking after our interaction earlier.Soon, I’ll find out, but that’s only if she shows up.

I pull up and park on gravel, then walk down the paved path where I know I’ll find my crew.I see the fire pit has already been lit.At first glance, it seems that everyone is here – well everyone except my new guest.

“Sup, Judah?”my friend Nico says from across the pit.

“Yo.What’s up, everybody?”

They all speak in unison.Most have alcoholic beverages.I don’t drink and since they know that, they make sure to stuff the cooler with water and a few sodas.I walk over, grab a bottle of water, and take my spot around the pit.

A bonfire…

The only good thing I like about a smoke pit on a summer night is, it keeps the mosquitos at bay.It would be apropos for the winter – maybe even late autumn.

Speaking of…

Autumn comes walking down the path towards us with her hands in the back pockets of her jeans.She doesn’t look nervous.She looks like she’s in her element.When her eyes spot me, she smiles.I believe I felt my heart skip several beats.

My God.

Through the heat waves the fire has produced, I see the delicate, most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen in my life.She tossed her hair up in a ponytail.It was down earlier, hanging around her shoulders.I’m glad it’s up because my eyes have the opportunity to feast upon her jawline.Her chin.Her lips are full, lush and distinct.Their size almost makes it impossible for me to stop staring at them.They’re tinted with a shade of light pink gloss.

She walks right up to me and says, “Hi.”

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