Page 47 of Crash: Love in Scrubs
That feeling was indescribable. Somebody had finally shown up and meant it.
When he finally pulled back, just enough to look me in the eye, they lowered.
“Go say bye, baby,” he said, voice low. “I’ll be right here,” he said pointing to the ground. I smirked.
Samaj was fine. He was with family. He was loved.
And I was learning how to love me, too.
I’d show up tomorrow in my new car, back blown out, and deal with all the questions then. I was acting like a dog in heat, ready to disappear without a proper goodbye. But when I looked back, Malik was just watching me with those dark, hungry eyes. And that made me want him even more.
I headed back inside, trying to compose myself. The family was still at the table, Samaj finishing his second helping of cobbler.
“I’m heading out,” I announced, trying to sound casual.
“With Malik?” Lorana asked with a knowing smile.
“Yes. Samaj, you’re all set with granddaddy for tonight?”
“Yep. We’re leaving early for the game.” He looked up at me with a grin. “Have fun, Ma. Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.”
“Boy, hush,” I laughed, leaning down to kiss his forehead. “That’s exactly what I’m afraid of,” I whispered to myself.
My dad stood and pulled me aside. “That man’s alright with me, baby girl. I can see he cares about you, really cares. Y’all are grown, so I trust you to handle your business. Be careful. Just... be happy, Sametra. You deserve it.”
The approval in his voice made my eyes water. “Thank you, Daddy.”
“And tell him I said he better treat you right, or he’ll answer to me.”
I hugged him tightly, then grabbed Lorana for a quick embrace. “Save us some cobbler?”
“Already packed you two plates,” she said, pressing the containers into my hands with a wink.
“Done,” I said as I walked back outside, finding Malik leaning against my new car, his arms crossed, that smirk playing on his lips. He was giving me a look that said he was finna switch to a different type of time—one where the only thing getting handled wasme.
“Everything good?”
“Perfect. Daddy says you’re alright with him, and if you hurt me, he’ll kill you. I’m just the messenger,” I shrugged.
“Fair enough,” he chuckled, moving to open the passenger door. His hand settled on my thigh as he helped me get in, the touch sending electricity through the thin fabric of my dress. “Let me get you home, beautiful.”
The drive to his house had me in agony. His hand found mine over the center console, fingers intertwined, thumb stroking across my knuckles in a way that made me hyperaware of every touch. The Lexus was whisper quiet; it had that new car smell from leather seat. They were so soft beneath me, but all I could focus on was the heat radiating from where our skin connected and the way he’d glance over at me at red lights checking to make sure I was still there.
“You okay over there?” he asked, his voice low and amused, like he knew exactly what he was doing to me.
“Mhmm,” I managed, not trusting my voice to say more.
His laugh was soft, knowing. “We’re almost there, baby.”
Within ten minutes, we made it to his home. He was at my door before I could even unbuckle my seatbelt, opening it and extending his hand to help me out. I looked up at this man who’dsomehow turned my whole world upside down in the span of weeks. Who’d stood up to my son’s father, won over my family, bought me a car like it was nothing, and was now offering to put my comfort before his own desires.
“You okay for real?” he asked, studying my face in the moonlight.
“Yeah,” I said, taking his hand. “Just trying not to lose my nerve. It’s been a long time.”
“Even if you do lose your nerve, that’s okay.” His voice was gentle, giving me an out even though I could see the want in his eyes. He’d been nothing but a gentleman, even when I asked him to stay with me the other night. He didn’t get weird; he let me rest in his arms until I felt him move. “We can go slow, baby. Whatever you need.”
“I want this,” I said, stepping closer to him. “I want you. All of you.”
