Page 80 of Juke
I looked over at Rashad, and his eyes were already on mine. “Yeah, Daddy. I’m happy.”
“Then I’m happy for you.” His tone shifted, heavier now. “But Rashad…”
Rashad leaned closer, his voice low but clear. “I’m here.”
“You know what needs to happen now.”
“I know. And I promise you—it’s handled.” He nodded.
There was silence on the other end, then a long breath. “Good.”
We talked a little longer before ending the call but not before promising to call tomorrow. Before I could get lost in my head, Rashad stood, took the phone from my hands, and pulled me up with him. His mouth crashed against mine, hungry, claiming.
“Rashad—”
“Don’t say nothing,” he growled against my lips, guiding me back toward the bedroom. “Just let me love you.”
By the time we hit the bed, clothes were gone, his hands gripping every inch of me like he couldn’t get close enough. The intensity in him wasn’t just lust—it was something deeper, something that had been building for weeks. He moved inside me hard, deep, pulling sounds from my chest I didn’t know I had.
“Fuck, Lovie,” he groaned in my neck as his pace never wavered. “I’ain never letting you go.” He affirmed. “You hear me, baby? Shit… I’ain never letting you go.”
I couldn’t answer him if I wanted to, so I just clung to him, lost in his strokes and the way he spoke to me even when words failed. My body trembled around him, pleasure shaking through me. Right as I felt my orgasm about to erupt, I heard Rashad speak words that I never thought I’d hear.
“Marry me.”
My eyes flew open. “What?”
His pace didn’t falter; his gaze locked on mine. “I said marry me.”
I let out a breathless laugh. “Stop playing…”
His grip tightened on my thigh, and his thrusts became sharper. “Do I look like I’m playing? I love you, Sophi. Ain’t nothing in this world I want more than you and this family we’re building. So, I’m asking you to marry me.”
The seriousness in his eyes hit harder than anything. My chest swelled, tears spilling before I could stop them. “Yes,” I whispered. “Mmm… yes.”
He groaned as he kissed me. I wrapped myself around him, both of us breaking apart together. When it was over, he held me close, our breaths tangled. This may seem random, but I’d never felt surer about anything in my life.
***
I wanted everything to be perfect. It was Rashad’s birthday. It was his first one with me, and I woke up before him, so I could get myself together. By the time he rolled over to an empty side of the bed, I was in the kitchen finishing breakfast; the smell of bacon and fresh pancakes rolled around in the air. When he finally came out, I could smell his woodsy body wash, letting me know he had taken a shower before he had come to find me. When he walked into the kitchen, I couldn’t contain my smile as he got closer. He looked at the counter and froze. I already had our plates already set, and gift bags lined up neatly on the counter.
“You serious right now?” he asked, smirking as he came closer.
“Happy birthday, baby,” I said, unable to hide my grin.
He kissed me, soft and lingering. “You didn’t have to do all this. You already gave me the best gift ever.” His hand brushed against my stomach, and my heart flipped.
“It’s still your birthday,” I told him. “You deserve more than I could ever give you.”
We ate together before he started opening his gifts. I got him a new outfit and shoes that he will wear tonight, and the cologne I loved on him. Watching his face light up made every bit of sneaking and planning worth it.
“I really appreciate this, Lovie. You ain’t had to go through all of this, but I appreciate you for it.” He kissed me, taking it further like he always does. He was on the way to heading back to the bedroom when there was a knock on the door.
“The fuck,” He groaned as he went to the door.
“Happy birthday!” His mama came through the door with Jacob behind her.
“Thanks, Ma,” he countered, dropping a kiss on her temple.
