Page 15 of Loyalty, Lust, Love
“No, I’m?—”
“Lynx, there you are. I’ve been trying to catch up with you all day.”
They turned toward the voice, and the woman didn’t look familiar to Fateema.
“Shyla, what are you doing here?” Lynx asked.
“That’s a silly question. I came here to support you during your time of need. I tried to get here sooner but?—”
“It’s cool, but you should’ve let me know you were coming, and I would’ve told you it wasn’t necessary.”
“A thank you will suffice. Besides, you’ve been gone for two weeks, and I miss you. Who are your friends?”
“Oh, this is my best friend, Fateema. Bunny, this is?—”
“His girlfriend, Shyla.”
Lynx and Fateema were still standing dangerously close, and his hands remained comfortably teetering just above her ass. It wasn’t until Shyla extended her hand toward Fateema that they put some space between them.
“It’s nice to meet you,” Fateema said, shaking Shyla’s hand. “Cornell, I’ll help you find a seat before I head to the kitchen.”
She walked away, but Lynx grabbed her wrist, keeping her in place. “Bunny, hold up.”
“What?”
“I told you I needed you.”
“Shyla is here now. I’m sure she can take care of you.”
When she walked away this time, he didn’t stop her but watched as Cornell walked beside her, putting his arm around her shoulders.
“Is that her boyfriend?” Shyla asked.
“No, and why would you introduce yourself as my girlfriend?”
She smiled coyly before saying, “You didn’t correct me.”
“That doesn’t make it true. Where are you staying?” He walked away as he spoke, and she was right on his heels.
“My flight landed at eight. I freshened up and changed at the airport, picked up the rental car, and drove straight to the church. Thank God all the information was posted online.”
“Sounds like a busy morning, but you didn’t answer my question.”
“I didn’t get a room because I assumed I’d stay with you.”
He expected her to say that, but it still made his blood boil. He’d been seeing Shyla for a few months, and most times, he liked her well enough. However, as much as he tried to keep things between them casual, she would do the opposite. Her personality could be a tad bit much, which made Lynx anxious.
He stopped walking, and she ran into his back. Before turning around, he took a few deep breaths to calm himself because the last thing he wanted to do was hurt Shyla’s feelings. She was a nice woman, just overbearing.
“You shouldn’t have assumed anything, but I appreciate you going through so much trouble and coming all this way to support me. There’s plenty of room at my father’s house.”
“Thank you.”
“How long do you plan to be in town?”
“I have a late flight tomorrow.”
He nodded. “I have to take care of a few things. Why don’t you get some food and find somewhere to chill? I’ll come and find you when I’m heading out.”
