Page 34 of Crash: Love in Scrubs
“Of course, anything you want. All you gotta do is ask.”
We packed our things before I helped her back into her helmet and pulled off. Her wish was my command. I took the long scenic route to get her home. I took her through downtown, past the riverfront, around the hills of Mountain Brook. I showed her my crib, and we headed on the back roads. She held me tighter than before, her cheek pressed against my back. I could feel her giggle every so often when I’d do something a little safe but slightly reckless.
When we finally pulled into her driveway, neither of us moved for a moment. The engine ticked as it cooled, and I could feel her reluctance to let go. I was reluctant to let her go. I could’ve ridden around with her like that forever if it meant I’d have her body close to mine.
“Thank you,” she said after I helped her off the bike, her voice soft in the quiet of her neighborhood. “For everything. The flowers, the date, perfect food, making me remember what it feels like to just... live.”
I walked her to her door and found myself even more reluctant to let the night end. We’d had a good day, and I wanted more. But we had forever.
“What’s on your mind?” I could see her fighting with herself about something. The porch light cast shadows across her face, making her look even more beautiful.
“I don’t want this to end,” she admitted quietly.
“It doesn’t have to.”
I stepped closer, backing her against her door, my arms caging her in. She looked up at me with those eyes that had been driving me crazy all night, and I was trying so hard to be patient.
“Malik...”
I didn’t let her finish. I kissed her, thoroughly exploring her tongue. She melted into me, her hands wrapping around my waist. It was the kind of kiss that changed things. When we finally broke apart, we were both breathing hard and staring with fire in our eyes.
“Damn,” she whispered against my lips. “Uhm. Well shit.”
A laugh escaped her lips, and I lit up.
“Yeah. I gotta bounce before I’m begging to come in like Jodeci. And I don’t think you’re ready to meet a man about a horse yet.”
“Goodnight, Malik Jerome Holloway. You make me sick,” she chuckled while pushing me back. I shrugged at her and started to walk backward, not taking my eyes off her.
“You sure?” I called out.
“Yeah, I’m sure,” she winked, causing me to change my course and come back.
“Stop playing with me.”
“Sorry,” she whispered with a smile.
“You can keep fighting this, but I’m not going anywhere. I’ve got time, patience, and a whole lot of love to give you. Goodnight, future Mrs. Holloway.”
I kissed her temple, and she closed her eyes. I shook my head this time, leaving for real. Separation was needed; she looked good, she smelled good, and she showed me that I could do this dating shit.
She was still shaking her head and smiling as I rode away. Tonight, had been perfect. But now reality was heavy on my mind. I was still Samaj’s doctor, and this was probably wrong on multiple fronts. I sped off and rushed home.
When I made it inside, I had a message. It was a picture of her with the flowers.
LT: Today, I felt like a lady. Thank you for that.
I stared at that message for a long time, sitting in my kitchen with the phone in my hands. She felt like a lady. Damn. That made my chest swell with pride. “Treat Her Like a Lady” by The Temptations crossed my mind; she’d probably know that song word for word.
I thought about texting back something smooth, something that would keep the momentum going. But honestly, I was still processing everything that had happened. The way she’d opened up to me. The way she’d trusted me on the bike. The way she’d looked at me when I told her about giving up football for my mama.
This woman was going to change my entire life. I could feel it.
Me: You are a lady. My lady. Sweet dreams, beautiful.
I hit send and headed upstairs, already planning our next date. Because there was definitely going to be a next date. And a next one after that.
Sametra Andrews had no idea what she’d gotten herself into. But I was about to show her exactly what it meant to be loved by a man who knew her worth.
