Page 4 of Aug
Good.
TWO
Refusingto consume any more space than necessary, Tiana’s hands were stuffed between her thighs. Her head rested against the front of the seat. And, her eyes were closed.
I circled Windridge aimlessly, wishing I didn’t have to wake the sleeping beauty. I hiked the heat up slightly to bring her more comfort. The week had been long for us all. Roulette had dragged the girls from one end of the coast to another, finalizing her bachelorette week with a private party at her establishment.
The city’s lights danced on Tiana’s brown skin. She was petite and pretty and poised and perfect. Beside the rest of the girls, she was tiny. Her five-foot-six frame would’ve likely matched the average friend group. But, the Childers were far from average.
Countless thoughts about countless ways to reveal my interest to her ran through my mind. I couldn’t settle on anything. Nothing felt good enough for her. For me. For us.
Dinner plans were too common.
A picnic was too boring to kick things off.
Massages were too personal.
A chef at the crib seemed too desperate.
I wanted to begin our journey with something that represented us both. Something active. Something exciting. Something that would surely give us both a thrill.
I didn’t have the words to talk for hours on end. Not yet. So, avoiding incredibly intimate situations was in my best interest. Or, at least until the ice around that beating organ of mine melted.
I peered in Tiana’s direction. She was at peace. So was I. Her presence was gentle.
Easing.
Calming.
Comforting.
Consoling.
Tender.
“Solace,” I whispered.
I kissed the skin of my teeth upon realizing I couldn’t drive around forever. The gas hand was near the empty sign, and I still had to get back to Mt. Clarke where I resided.
Light flickered, illuminating her skin as I made a U-turn in the middle of the road. Her delicacy was on full display, reminding me of the fragility she’d inherited as a woman. She was entitled to it based on her chromosomes alone.
XX.
Don’t disturb her if you can’t handle her with care.
I instantly took heed of the warning I’d given myself. Unlike any other situation, I’d approach this one with caution and with care. Tiana deserved that, and for once, so did I.
Being employed by Balle had taught me a lot about women, their desires, their hearts, their heads, and their tenderness. While life had hardened so many women I’d encountered over my lifespan, there were so many that remained or eventually became delicate.
Like flowers.
Like glass.
Tiana was one of those.
I pulled into the gated community and lowered my window. I typed in the four digits that I knew so well from constant visits with Balle.
7632#
