Page 35 of Mister Concierge

My beautiful, ethereal fairy.

There wasn’t shit about this woman I would change.

Even her flaws were correct.

“Then what is it, Tink?”

“When I left Memphis, I said it was because of Raven, but it was really Saint. His career really took off right after we connected, and though we are close, I couldn’t really spend time with him unless I went on the road with him. Moving to L.A. felt like a God wink because I was closer to my brother. Life was harder there, and I had to hustle more, but I know if Saint knew what was going on with me and Raven, he would have made me leave him and paid my bills until I was back on my feet.” She paused and laughed softly as her eyes watered. “But I wanted to prove to myself that I could handle it. Even with everything I sacrificed to make sure Raven felt secure within himself as a man, he still tossed me to the side like what we had wasn’t shit. I guess I’m just tired of making life decisions based on my connections to other people. I know in my mind that I should live for myself, wherever I want, however I want… but it’s difficult when it comes to men.” She shrugged softly as she muttered, “The whole daddy issues thing, I guess.” Cartier sniffled, trying her hardest not to release any tears. “I get attached to men to where I completely rework my life for them. I’m tired of that. So it’s not necessarily that I want to go back to L.A…”

“You just don’t want me to be the reason you stay here,” I realized.

“Is that bad? I mean, I know you’re worth it, but…”

“You don’t have to explain, Tink. I know my worth, and I know you’re aware of my value. But you have to do what’s best for you, beautiful. If something was to pop off between us, I would want it to be because you want me, not because you feel attached to me or like you need me. I want you to need me to a certain extent, but I want you to choose me first. Does that make sense?”

“It makes perfect sense. This time I’ve been spending with you has given me… a fierceness when it comes to going after what I want. I understand my influence and power as a woman better.” Cartier straddled me, and I wasted no time wrapping my arms around her. “You’re helping me understand the power of my choice. The power of choosing me. But… I want you to know that I want you, and that Iwillchoose you. Okay?”

Wouldn’t be the first time I’d heard that, but there was something about Cartier saying it that made it feel… different.

Twenty-One

Cartier

I was on a cloud.

After the game, we went to Tyreek’s gentlemen’s club for an after party. Saint wouldn’t have to leave until tomorrow night, so he ended up stopping by for a couple of hours before going to get some rest. Throughout the whole game, Hosea teased me with the vibrating panties I had on. Just when I’d think I was safe, he cut them on. I ended up cumming and squirting so much, the seat of my jeans were wet. Lucky for me, Hosea had thought of everything.

I wrapped his hoodie around my waist to leave the FedEx Forum, and he had a bag filled with everything I’d need waiting for me. When we made it to the club, I was able to freshen up and change into a fresh pair of panties and a brown oversized sweater with leggings and chunky Fendi boots that he’d surprised me with.

Seeing Saint and Hosea engage this evening, knowing things had taken a shift between us, made my heart smile. I loved that Saint wasn’t just protective of me—he was protective of his friend, too. Hosea was the last man on earth I’d ever try to hurt, but I knew life had a way of making you choose which pain would hurt less at times. And if it was your pain or someone else’s, we often chose to lessen our own pain. I think that was what Mariah did. For the life of me, I couldn’t understand why she would just randomly up and leave Hosea unless she was hiding something. Something that her presence would expose.

Hosea was a damn great catch.

Not only was he attractive, but he was financially stable, freaky as hell, fun, noble, and kind. He was a provider and protector naturally, so he didn’t have that toxic masculinity that a lot of men had these days. The integrity he possessed made me feel safe with him on all sides because he understood how he treated women reflected his character, not theirs.

If I had the chance to be in a relationship with Hosea, God Himself was going to have to make me let that man go.

We’d separated.

While the men were in the lower-level drinking and smoking, the women were in the VIP section, drinking, talking, and dancing.

I couldn’t resist pulling my phone out to shoot Hosea a text. Our conversation from earlier was still heavy on my mind. I felt like Hosea trusted my words as much as he could, but my actions would speak louder to him than anything.

You increase my happiness.

You make my soul smile.

In a world of loneliness, you make me feel like I’m home.

After sending the text, I turned to face Denali. She was the newest woman in the crew, but she had the kind of personality that clicked instantly with just about anyone. I loved how down to earth she was, and she was perfect for Elite. He and Jacintha never really meshed well in my opinion, but I was no relationship expert. If they were happy, who was I to judge?

“You’re not drinking tonight?” I asked. The music was loud enough to surround us, but not so loud, we had to shout over it.

“No, I’m detoxing. I want to give Elite a baby.” My eyes widened as I gasped and clutched her wrist. “Don’t get excited too soon,” she added quickly with a laugh. “It might take us a little time, but we’re definitely trying.”

“Oh yay, Denali! That makes me so happy! We need more babies in th—”

“Excuse us,” Hosea said, casually lifting me out of my chair by my arm.

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