Page 15 of Mr. Right Now
“Same here. I’m sure we’ll see each other again since we partner on a number or activities.”
“Sounds good.” She threw up a wave and rushed out.
“I like her.” Bryson reclaimed his seat and said to Dante, “So, how far gone are you?”
Ryan roared with laughter.
“Far enough.” Dante didn’t even bother to deny it. He was so far gone, he’d need a map to find his way back.
“Let me give you a little piece of advice. I know what happened all those years ago with Danielle hurt you, but you can’t punish Jayana for something she had no part in. You know my story. Raven and I didn’t have it easy either because of some past hurts and fears. And although our journey wasn’t the easiest, every single moment with her has been the happiest in my life. It’s worth every risk you’ll take, Dante.”
Hours later, after he’d gone home, he still couldn’t get Bryson’s words out of his thoughts. Raven had been holding on to her past hurts the same way Dante was doing now. But the last time he’d seen her, she’d been radiant with joy and the love between her and Bryson had been palpable. Dante stepped out onto the balcony in his bedroom and braced his forearms against the railing. His emotions had never been this out of control over a woman. Even his ex. He’d loved her, but those feelings didn’t come close to the way he was beginning to feel about Jayana.She’s not Danielle. And he couldn’t see her doing the same thing that Danielle had done. Jayana didn’t have a selfish bone in her body, and she’d proven it once again that afternoon with purchasing the journals. After one of her sessions related to using journaling as a way to get their thoughts and emotions out, a few of the teens expressed wanting to try it. And being the giving woman she was, took it and ran. She’d made their lives better already.
And she’d made his better.
Going back inside, he picked up his cell and sent her text:What are your plans for tomorrow?
Five minutes later, she replied:I have a date with my laundry, but nothing else. You have something in mind?
Dante:Yes. I thought we could spend the day together.
Jayana:As long as it includes food and fun, count me in!
He chuckled, and replied:There will be plenty of both. I’ll pick you up at noon, if that’s okay.
Jayana:I’ll be ready.
He knew exactly where he wanted to take her.
* * *
Jayana stuck in her earbud and switched to hands-free as she moved around the room packing a small bag for her day with Dante. “I have no idea what we’re doing. He only said we would have fun and to bring a change of clothes.”
“See, this is where you and I differ,” Karina said. “I would’ve asked a million questions about where we’re going and how long we’d be there.”
She laughed. “I’ve done the same a time or two with past dates, but I trust Dante. And I want to be with him.”
“Girl, you sound like you’re falling in love with the man. You’ve only known him for a month, I mean if you don’t count that first hot encounter.”
Jayana remained silent because her friend was spot on. She’d asked herself countless times if she’d lost her mind. Shewasfalling in love with Dante.
“Okay, Jay. You’re quiet, and that tells me I’m right.”
She zipped the bag and dropped down on the side of the bed. “Yeah, you are. He’s so different in a good way and he makes me feel like… I don’t know. I can’t explain it.” He wasn’t a big talker, and they didn’t need to fill every moment with words. Yet it was comfortable, peaceful, almost serene, and she didn’t want to give that up. Or his kisses. “We’re seeing where this leads, but what if it doesn’t work out? I love being at the center and don’t want to jeopardize my job.” For her, that was the only drawback in pursuing the relationship.
Karina’s sigh came through the line. “I hear you, sis. But you said yourself that he’s a great guy, and I can’t see him firing you if the relationship goes south. Impressions 2 is his baby and those kids need you. I promise he won’t risk messing that up. Will it be awkward? Of course. But you both are adults and should be able to handle whatever happens as such.”
“I know, and you’re right.” Dante had told her more than once that he appreciated the work she was doing with the students, and that he could see positive changes in some of them already. Her doorbell rang. “Oh, shoot. I have to go, Rina. Dante’s here.” She headed to the front.
“Alright. I’ll be waiting on all the details of this mysterious date. Have fun.”
“I will.” Jayana disconnected, stuck the phone in her pocket and snatched out her buds. She glanced through the peephole just to confirm, then opened the door. “Well, hello handsome.”
Dante bent and brushed a kiss across her lips. “Hey, beautiful. Ready?”
“I just need to grab my bag and jacket. Have a seat and I’ll be right back.” She hurried back to her bedroom and put the buds in their case before gathering up everything. When she returned, he was standing in the same spot.
He eased the duffle from her hand and led her down to his car. After they were settled, instead of starting the engine he shifted to face her. “We have to make a quick stop first.”
