Page 13 of Tempted to Love You
“There wouldn’t have been anything you could do to stop me if I wanted to end this before your final two words.”
“That’s the thing. I’m not interested in doing something to make you run. My statement wasn’t meant to be possessive or controlling. My truth is that I want this thing with you, and I’m willing to invest in our foundation. Feeding your heart with an abundance of security in who we are and what we’re building will never give you a reason to walk away. I aim to love the parts of you that you’ve never allowed anyone to penetrate.”
Silence stretches between us as I stare at Rakai’s unyielding and nonchalant gaze, peering intently into me, causing my body to heat rapidly. Clenching my thighs together, I attempt toignore the thumping in my core because I have no explanation for the arousal coursing through my lower half. I don’t understand my developing excitement because Rakai’s words are far from the affirming language I prefer from men. Yet, here I sit, melting from his declaration like a starving woman at a buffet.
“Your ice cream is melting.”
Rakai’s voice is dripping with sensuality that has my pulse racing. Blinking, I disconnect my gaze from Rakai to look at the bowl of ice cream I’d been enjoying.
Seeing the creamy goodness loosening in the bowl, I dip my spoon into the dessert before inserting a dollop into my mouth. I wonder if this is something common for Rakai when he’s dating. He seems extremely sure about feeling me and his desires, but I wonder how many of his exes have gone through the same thing before he’s dropped them like a bad habit. Handsome men like Rakai can have any woman they want. So, how genuine is he in this pursuit?
The more my mind swirls with questions, the less confidence I have about what’s happening with Rakai. My stomach begins to sour, causing me to place the spoon in the bowl, and my eyes lift to see Rakai already looking at me.
“I need to get home. It’s been a long day, and I need to get my article typed before I turn in for the night.” My voice holds no emotion, and I grab my purse before scooting out of the bench, ready to make a mad dash away from Rakai.
Like our previous encounters, I drove separately so that I didn’t have to deal with forcing an awkward conversation to my apartment.
“Hold up. What’s up with the switch in your mood, mama?” Rakai grabs my arm to prevent my retreat, causing me to briefly look at him before dropping my gaze to his hand placement.
“I already told you what I had to do, Rakai. Can you let me go now?”
Rakai’s eyes squint, and he stares at me as if he can see deep within my soul, which causes me to roll my eyes and sigh heavily.
“I’ll call you, okay? I gotta go. Can you?—”
“I’m not sure what’s up with you, but if this is about what I said, all you have to do is speak up so we can discuss it. Retreating ain’t?—”
“I’m not retreating and didn’t have a problem with anything. I just need to get home.”
With that, I yank my arm from Rakai’s loose hold and walk toward the exit as heat bounces from my back like a boomerang.
Hope lives within the walls of Bending Minds, Reshaping Hearts
By: Latia Revish
Last night, I had the distinct pleasure of attending the charity gala for this magnificent organization, and let me tell you—a time was had. The food was abundant, and the cocktails and champagne flowed endlessly. Yet, the best part of the night was learning that Bending Minds, Reshaping Hearts walks the walk and talks the talk. Their very own HR Director, Rakai Crawford, is a benefactor of the organization’s dedication to its business motto. Let’s not mention the many men and women in attendance speaking about their success due to this astute organization. My advice to anyone needing to have their minds bent and their hearts reshaped after the world has turned its back on them is to reach out to the CEO and founder, Mr. Grant Benton. It will be the best decision you’ve ever made.I personally look forward to seeing greater things for this organization.
My fingers hover over the keys once my thoughts stop flowing about my experience from tonight’s charity gala. The article required by the news station doesn’t have any demands in terms of length, which makes what I wrote comply. Lisa only told me to cover the gala and write an article showcasing the organization as a whole. Hopefully, the short and sweet recap will serve its purpose and bring attention to the cause or at least shed light on a deserving nonprofit designed to benefit others. My mind is still reeling after my conscience tormented me about Rakai’s genuineness, making it impossible for me to consider going to bed.
I have been going back and forth with myself for overreacting and leaving Rakai the way I did. I also realize that my ability to shift my moods quickly is part of why Davante broke up with me. I can often be my own worst nightmare, and the thought of running Rakai off gives me a sinking feeling in my stomach. Picking up my phone, I jump and drop it when it starts vibrating in my hand.
“Shit!”
My eyes widen upon seeing Rakai’s name flashing on the screen, and my heart rate increases. Desperation fills me, causing me to shakily slide the button to accept the call.
“Hello?”
“Can you do me a favor?” Rakai’s voice is low yet steady, causing my brows to hike and wrinkles to stretch across my forehead.
“Sure,” I say without hesitation.
“Go to the window. I want you to see something.”
My brows knit together, yet I stand from my office chair and walk to the window in the spare room I’ve converted into a home office. Opening the blinds, I ask for further instructions.
“Okay. What am I looking at?”
“Look up. Do you see how clear and vibrant the moon is tonight? I’d been lying in bed, staring at nothing, before light peeking through the blinds had me moving to get a closer look. I just thought you might appreciate the beauty in something simplistic.”
