Chapters 3 & 4
Chapter 3
Olivia
I wake up with a pounding headache, but it’s not from drinking too much last night. Well, some of it is, but mostly, it’s from thinking about David’s ass all night. I also can’t help but wonder what kind of business it was that he had to handle, and exactly what type of work is he into? Oh God. I hope he isn’t into something illegal. Last I knew, he was in the secret service or something. Maybe he still is and was actually working last night.
I don’t know what to think. I’m stressing myself out!
But what I do know is that on the day we sort of met years ago, something happened between us and something happened again last night. Maybe I’m looking too far into things. I mean, I saw this man a long time ago and our first time speaking to one another was just last night. But my heart feels like we’ve been together for years.
I felt comfortable in his arms and in his presence, and that’s not a normal reaction from me. I’m not ashamed to admit that I’m a scary ass hopeless romantic. I want Mr. Right and all the fantasy that comes along with him, but I’ve always been too scared to open my heart. If it’s meant to be, he’ll find me like he said, and I’ll be waiting. I hope.
Mya knocks on the door. “You up, O?”
“Yeah, come in.” I tell her.
She sits down on my bed looking upset and fully dressed, like she has somewhere to be. “I just got a text from Dante. Why this dude talking about pressing charges against me for running over his foot and knocking out one of his teeth? He said his right foot is broken and two of his toes are shattered. I mean come on. I felt a little bump. It couldn’t have been that bad. And when I threw that phone, there was no way I threw it that hard.” She put her hands on her face while resting her elbows on her knees. Defeat seems to have taken over.
I sit up. “Did, he say he’s thinking about pressing charges, or he is going to press charges?” I ask her, so that I’m clear on his intentions.
She begins speaking with her face resting in her hands. “Thinking. He’s fucking thinking, and he called Dad. He’s trying to make this look like domestic abuse, like I was in some bit of rage or something. All I tried to do was leave. He’s the one who ran his dumb ass to the car and stuck his big stupid ass foot too far under it.”
She stands up pulling herself together. “Fuck this. He can do whatever the hell he likes. I didn’t do nothing wrong except love that man, and he still thinks this shit is a joke! He’s just trying to get my attention, Olivia, and damn it, he has it!”
Oh boy. I know my sister and she isn’t playing around. She is pissed. I just hope she doesn’t do anything stupid that will get her in more trouble, because she is clearly at fault for what happened to him.
“Do you want me to call him?” I ask her.
“Hell, no! We both know he can’t stand you, especially after you broke his nose.”
Yeah, now that was comical. Dante tried to get me fired after Mya caught him at a movie theater with another woman. You see. One day my sister and I decided to go catch a show. As we’re watching the previews, this mothafucka walks in with some little ass girl, and all hell breaks loose. Mya jumped over the empty seats in front of us and attacked him in the aisle. Then the girl had the audacity to jump on my sister and I wasn't having that. So, we was whooping ass in the damn movie theater. It was crazy. Then he called my job. So, I broke his nose.
“By the way. I’m going out for breakfast with Amir. I should be back in a couple of hours.”
Okay. That was a quick switch in attitude. “Breakfast with who?” I ask. I am so lost.
“The guy from last night. Remember me and him were talking the entire night, Olivia. He’s the one who put us up in VIP.” She rolls her eyes. “Any who, he’s a real-life Aladdin. Shit, I’m just ready to jump on his magic carpet and fly the hell away from here.”
I honestly don’t know what the hell she’s talking about, but I do feel sorry for her. “Okay, Jasmine. Sayonara,” I say, as I plop my head back down on my pillow, really trying to think of who she is talking about.
She walks out my bedroom and yells back from the hallway. “Oh… I forgot. He owns the club we were at last night.”
What? Then I hear the front door shut. My sister is too much sometimes, but
I love everything about her.
Now, one thing’s for sure. Our daddy didn't raise no little prissy girls. Now, granted, he treated us like princesses, but he was also hard on us, like he was raising men or something. I wish momma would’ve had a son for that man. He probably would have taken it easier on Mya and me. He had us in karate classes when I was three and Mya was only two.
We also took up kickboxing, which I still continue to do twice a week.
Mya is a year younger than me, so basically, we were raised like twins. We did everything together, and we even look a lot alike. We’re both very petite and are blessed with thick curly hair. But I’ve always chosen to keep mine straightened. I typically wear it in a wrap or up in a ponytail. Those have always been my only two options, especially with my profession. I’m either at home or I’m at work, so simple and quick is best. I’m very Plain Jane and I have a routine I like to follow. I’ve never been good with change and that’s always been an issue for me.
Mya is the total opposite. She is feistier and would be considered the wild child. Mya has colored her hair with all the colors in the rainbow, she even cut it all off in a cute pixie cut several years, ago. She has a beautiful personality and can just about get along with anyone. Me, on the other hand I’m always suspicious of people, and feel like they have some type of ulterior motive behind their actions. Daddy says, I would have made one hell of an attorney, but I knew that wasn’t the career for me.
Daddy also taught us how to shoot guns around the age of seven, and Mya is the one to watch out for because the girl has great aim. I wish she would have tried out for the police academy like we all tried to convince her to do, but she chose not to because she refuses to stop smoking God's medicine as she calls it. She went more in the direction of pharmaceuticals instead and will be completing her master’s degree in a year.
Finally, I was able to stop thinking about David before hopping in the shower. I did some much-needed cleaning since I’ve been working so hard lately. I lit every candle in the house, so I can sit and enjoy the smell of lavender and vanilla. I open the blinds, so the sunlight can shine through and enjoy the warmth of the sun.
I literally do not have anything planned for the day, so I put my headscarf on, a large t-shirt, and a pair of black track shorts. It’s perfect. I can just lie around all day and be a bum. I might read a good book, catch up on some TV shows I’ve missed. And who knows? I may even take a couple of naps in between all of this awesomeness.
Mya texts me and says she’ll be staying at her place tonight. I’m guessing breakfast was good. As soon as I start searching through my DVR, my doorbell rings. I walk over to the door, look through the peephole, and I’ll be damned.
“Shit. Shit.” I whisper out loud. My heart almost leaps out of my chest. I snatch my scarf off my head tossing it on the couch. I start combing my fingers in my hair to undo my wrap. I turn around to head to my bedroom but stopped by the sound of his voice.
“Olivia, I know you’re standing there,” David says.
I look back through the peephole and I see him smiling from ear to ear. I cannot believe that he is here.
“I am, but a warning would have been really nice, you know?” I tell him.
“But that takes away the surprise,” he replies.
I take a deep breath and open the door. Here he is holding a grocery bag in his hand, looking oh so good. David is wearing a white polo V-neck shirt that shows off his definition of masculinity and a pair of khaki cargo shorts. He looks fresh and appealing. I, on the other hand, look like I have no life.
“What’s all this?” I look at him with a curious eye.
“I brought lunch,” He says, standing here with complete confidence and a beautiful smile.
“Wow! This is really smooth. But, hold up. How did you know where I live? I mean, as much as I wondered how you would find me, I wasn’t expecting you to show up at my doorstep. I thought we would end up bumping into each other at a Starbucks or something.” I tell him.
He tilts his head slightly to the side giving me a serious look. “Would you rather I leave, and meet you at a Starbucks another day?”
Hell no! I say to myself. I don’t. I want him in my home and in my bed. “Well, I guess you can come in, but don’t just drop by unannounced again,” I say to him.
I have to act like he is overstepping some line of boundaries. Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m doing back flips in my mind, but I don’t want to come off too desperate. If he were any other man, I never would have opened my door. Instead, he would have met the eye of my 3.57 magnum.
“I promise it will never happen again. Scout’s honor.” He raises his free hand.
I unlock the screen door to let him in, and he gives me a sweet kiss on the cheek and heads straight towards the kitchen counter to sit the bag down.
He keeps smiling at me.
“You look beautiful,” he says.
“Yeah, right.” I laugh to myself. “But, lucky for you, I’m starving so you came right on time. Again.” I smirk.
“I always do,” He replies.
Here goes that warmth spreading all over me again! I have to look away for a second. So, I head towards the couch to sit down and watch him, as he moves around, in the kitchen. Oh, my goodness. I really cannot believe that David is actually here, and cooking. This is unbelievable. God really does love me. I just want to scream, Hallelujah! Okay. Calm down Olivia. Play it cool.
“So, what did you bring for us to eat?” I ask him.
He reaches inside the bag and pulls out some bacon, lettuce, tomatoes, and deli buns. I can smell the bread. They smell freshly baked.
“Does the lady like BLTs?” he asks.
“The lady does,” I reply. “So, tell me, David. How did you find me? And be honest.”
“Okay. The truth is. I ran into your driver last night.” He says, grabbing vegetables to rinse off.
“Yeah. And?” I say, staring hard.
“Well, me and Earl go way back. He was my basketball coach in high school. But, to make a long story short, he’s retired now, and he just started driving a couple times a week, just to stay busy. Then, he told me about this nice group of women he dropped off. And once he started giving me a description, I knew it was you. Now, don’t get me wrong I would have found you regardless,” He says.
Wait one cotton- picking minute. “So, he just gave you my address? That’s like, breaking confidentiality.” I’m in shock.
He waves his hands in the air. “No…no, no. He didn’t; I promise.”
Whew. Well that’s good to know. Otherwise, his old ass would have to find some other hobby to occupy his time.
“I followed him,” he says. He’s speaking like it’s a normal and okay thing to do.
“Wait. What? You saw him drop me off?” I ask.
I feel a bit pissed because all I could think about last night was him. The fact that he was outside my home and I didn't know has my kitten purring out of anger.
He laughs. “Yeah, I saw you stumbling into the limo, and I watched you and your sister fall over in the yard when you got home.”
Damn. That did happen. It’s funny how you forget things when you're drunk.
“So, you just sat in the car and watched me, like a creepy stalker?” I ask.
He’s quiet, like he’s deep in thought.
“When you say it like that, it sounds bad. But, yeah, I did,” he replies.
He stands here with this confidence that he embodies, and I cannot help but admire this about him. I mean, it’s scary how direct he is, but I like it.
“If this eases your mind, Olivia, I have my own private security business, so finding you wasn’t going to be a problem. I told you it wasn’t goodbye. And, I know it may seem a bit crazy.”
“Huh-, you think?” I say, with a sarcastic chuckle.
“Hey, you gotta give me some credit. I’m a man who knows what he wants and I’m just fortunate enough to be in a position to find it and get it.”
Wow. “Okay, so what business was you handling last night, that made you run off so fast, if you don’t mind me asking?”
“I don’t mind you asking. I was there meeting a client, or you can say a friend, about finalizing some dates and times for an upcoming business trip. And I didn’t run off. I had already been there for a couple hours.” He says with a smirk.
“So, was that you?” I ask.
“What do you mean?” He asks.
“In the opposite corner of the club. I saw someone watching me.” I hope it was him.
“Naw, I wasn’t watching you from across the room. I was watching you on the security camera.”
My nose creases, and I shift my body on the couch.
“What! Okay. What is really going on?” I start blinking my eyes and shaking my head out of pure confusion. “You’re starting to make me nervous. And I’m about to kick you and your delicious lunch out of here”
He was watching me? I don’t know if I should be turned on or getting this man up out of my house.
“No, Olivia. I was in the office with my client, and I was checking out the new security cameras we just installed and that’s when I saw you and your friends walking in. I recognized you immediately and I knew that there was no way I was going to miss an opportunity to meet you. So, during the meeting, I stepped out for a minute to find you, and that’s when I saw you coming from the restroom. I noticed you weren’t looking well, and that’s when you fell into my arms.” He smiles at me.
Hmm… so if that wasn’t him watching me, then who the fuck was it? I know I’m not losing my mind. I saw someone. I think.
“So, you knew it was me the whole time?” I nod my head in amusement.
“I did. Are you still weirded out? And do you still want me to take my delicious lunch and leave?” He starts to laugh.
“No, you’re good.” I have to laugh at myself. “So…” I don’t know what else to ask him. “Do you have kids? A wife? I know there has to be some sort of deal breaker?”
There is no way this man is unattached to someone or something.
“No. No kids. No wife. No girlfriend. No lady on the side. It’s just me. But there is this woman, though, that caught my eye. I mean she’s beautiful, but I don’t think she’ll be interested in me.” He gives me a smirk.
“Well, maybe you should ask her to find out.” I smirk back at him, rolling my eyes.
“I don’t think it’s that easy, Olivia. She broke my heart once and I don’t think I can go through that again.”
What the hell is he talking about? “Please explain how your heart got broken.” I am all ears now.
He let out a sigh. “Alright. Here goes nothing.”
He stops cutting the tomato and walks around the kitchen counter and sits down on a bar stool. He leans both elbows back and rest them on the top of the counter so that he can get comfortable and cross his legs at the ankle.
“Well, around seven or so years ago”
“Eight,” I correct him.
“What makes you believe that this story is about you?” He gives me a playful smile and a raised brow.
“Because I know damn well, you’re not dumb enough to sit in my house and talk about your admiration for another woman.” I give him a piercing look.
He cocks his head to the side, staring at me with a bit of seriousness along with a dash of playfulness on his face.
“Okay. Well, let me tell my story please. I mean, unless you would like to tell it for me?” He raise both brows.
Damn. He is exuding nothing, but man glow right now. He looks so comfortable and confident in his skin.
“Go ahead. My bad.” I chuckle.
He shakes his head, and smirks.
“Well, eight years ago, I was doing some security and I spotted this gorgeous looking woman walking in. She was wearing this yellow dress that complemented her skin tone. I mean, this woman was everything. Then this dude, a nobody, tried to make a low-key pass at her. I mean, I was pissed, but more pissed at myself for falling for a woman I knew nothing about. So, I tried to let it go and focus on the job I was hired to do. Once that assignment was over, I took a quick little getaway to figure some things out and clear my head, you know. But my mind kept drifting back to that woman. So, to make a long story short, I came back to Nap, so I could look for her. And I found her, but not intentionally on this particular day. I was downtown, for the Expo with a couple of my frat brothers and there she was walking arm in arm with another man. She looked somewhat happy and that’s when I decided to let her go.”
Well damn. I start to feel sadness spread over my heart. I know exactly who I was with that day. “Are you sure it was me?” I’m choosing to act oblivious.
“I’mma tell you this and you tell me if it was you. Her hair was up in a long ponytail, and she was wearing a pair of jean shorts, a red tank top, with a pair of red chucks.” He grins.
Shit! That was me.
“I’m sorry, David. I wish you would have just dragged me away. He was nobody special, just an old boyfriend that I dealt with throughout the years.”
“Well, now that we have been blessed with a second opportunity, let’s not take it for granted. Deal?” He lifts his pinky finger out to me.
I stand up from the couch and hook my pinky around his. “Deal.”
I knew he felt something that day. I just can’t believe he came back for me. But instead of finding me free, he found me with…ugh. I don’t even want to think about it.
“Okay. Well, I’m hungry. Do you need any help?” I ask.
“Naw, baby. I got this.” He walks back around to the kitchen. “So, you were seriously going to kick me out?” he asks.
“Yeah, I was.” I nod. “Still can.”
“I like you, Olivia,” he smiles.
This man exudes confidence and I like it. Shit let me stop lying to myself! I love it. He is just moving around the kitchen with the greatest of ease. He finds the utensils on his own, the pans, plates, everything.
“You sure you haven’t been in my place before? You know exactly where everything is.” I say.
“Everything is located in commonsense places. I can only assume that your silverware in located in smaller pullout drawers. And the pots and pans are typically put at the bottom of cabinets.”
He has a goofy looking smirk on his face.
“Smart ass.” I grab the remote and start surfing through the channels.
He places our plates on the counter in front of both stools. He pours us both a mimosa and garnishes the wine glass with a thin piece of sliced orange. Along with that, he prepares a bowl of fresh fruit for us to share. It has pineapples, strawberries, kiwi, and grapes. Everything looks delicious. The sandwiches even look like they were made at a deli because he has them placed in white wrap paper. This is really sweet. I have never had a man cook for me and look good doing it.
Shit- I’m winning. I think to myself.
We sit down at the counter to eat. He lifts his glass to make a toast. “To destiny.”
I lift my glass to clank with his. “To destiny.” I turn my head towards him and give a shy smile.
We eat lunch and actually have a meaningful conversation about life, our dreams, and even our favorite sports teams. He tells me that he attended college in Arizona, then joined the military and completed six years of active duty. He also explains how he started his business five years ago and that many of his clients are political figures, athletes and celebrities. I also learned that he just moved here a year ago from Phoenix to open his second location here in Indy.
I tell him that I’mma nurse and that is basically it because my life is pretty boring. Before I knew it, a whole hour has flown by. He is just easy to talk to, and he actually listens instead of just running his mouth.
“So, what are your plans for today?” he ask me as he walks the dishes to the sink. I continue to stay seated and watch him.
“Nothing, actually, but I should at least get some clothes on and do something with myself. You look like you have some important plans for today.”
“I do.” He glances up at me.
“Well, I’m glad you came over to make me lunch. It was unexpected, but very much appreciated,” I tell him.
“Who said I was leaving, Olivia? You are my plans for today. And every day.”
If my cheeks were able to turn red, they would have in that moment.
“Oh, I almost forgot.” I stand up and walk in the kitchen and lean up against the sink next to him. “I think she’ll give you a chance.”
“I know she will.” He grins. “So, what would you like to do today?” he gives me a questioning look.
“I don’t know, we can watch TV or play a game. I have Trivial Pursuit. But I wouldn’t take you for the board game type. You look more like a target practice kind of guy.”
“I do like target practice. I have a range at my house, and I practice damn near every day,” He says.
“You have a gun range at your house? Is it inside or outside?” I ask with excitement in my voice.
“Both,” He replies.
“I’d like to visit and shoot someday.”
Wow, I’m just throwing myself out there.
“Okay. Well, let’s go then if you would like to. I mean, unless you…” He smiles at me.
“Naw, let’s go.” I start to walk down the hall towards my bedroom. “I’mma change my clothes. You just go ahead and finish those dishes.” I yell from my bedroom, laughing to myself.
“Yes ma’am,” He says in a goofy voice.
I walk into my closet and it is too easy to pick my mood because I am in heaven. I grab a white floral print romper with a pair of white sandals. It is hot outside today, typical summer weather, so wearing layers is not going to be an option. I pull my hair up in a loose knot bun with tendrils of hair hanging by my ear. I look fresh and innocent. I walk out to the living room and he is on his phone. He seems a bit agitated.
“No, I understand. Just take care of it please.” He hangs up his phone and walks closer to me. “Wow. You’re an angel.” He continues to stare at me with those intense gorgeous eyes.
“Is everything okay?” I’m concerned because he seems to be upset.
“Everything is fine. Just work.” He put his phone in his pocket.
I grab everything I need, my purse, phone and keys.
“You got everything?” he asks.
“Yep.” I close the door behind me.
Chapter 4
Olivia
We walk outside to his car. He drives a new model Chevy Camaro ZL1, matte black with black rims.
“I like this. Can I drive it?” I ask.
I can’t hide my excitement as I run my fingers across the hood of the car. His car has my Malibu looking like a little beetle.
He starts laughing a little too hard. “No. Not today baby. Maybe some other time.”
“Really? You think I’mma wreck it? I know how to drive, David.” I put both hands on my hips.
“I know you can drive, Olivia. I’m not doubting that. I just want you on the passenger side today if that’s okay.”
“Yeah, yeah.” I roll my eyes and walk to the passenger side of the car where he opens my door like a gentleman.
We’re on the highway for what seems like forever. We finally exit off down a long, lonely country road. The few houses I see are like little run-down shacks, and they’re all miles apart. There’s nothing but trees and no signs of civilization.
“So… you live in the woods?” I turn to look at him.
That makes him laugh. He looks over at me and grins. “No, I don’t live in the woods. I just like my privacy, and sometimes it’s just nice being away from the city, you know?”
“I actually don’t know. I would love to move away and see what’s out there, try new things, and see some new faces” I explain.
He gives me a questioning look. “You never traveled outside of Indiana?”
“Yeah, I’ve traveled outside of Indiana. As a child, we used to go down to Florida almost every year. But since I’ve been grown enough to do things on my own, I haven’t traveled anywhere. I mean I would like to, but I just haven’t yet.” I tell him.
I feel ashamed. Here I am thirty years old, and I’ve never actually lived. There are so many things I need to be doing with my life.
He reaches over grabbing my hand and locks his fingers with mine.
“Well, I am making it my life’s mission to show you the world.” He gently brushes his thumb over my knuckles.
We turn down a long road that leads to a circle driveway. His house is a beautiful grey stone, French country style home. The yard is immaculate and well kept. He has a long cobblestone walkway that leads up to the front door, with a three-car garage attached to the house. This place is too big for just one person. I wonder if he has family living with him.
“Do you live here alone?” I ask.
“Yes, I do, unfortunately. When I saw this house, something drew me to it. I saw growth.”
“Well, it is absolutely beautiful, David.”
It’s nice to hear that he sees himself having a family one day to fill up this home.
******
We walk inside, and I stop right in my tracks. This house is gorgeous, from the dark wood floors, the high beam ceilings, and the neutral paint colors all throughout. One side of the wall is complete brick in the foyer, and there is a large circle table that is housing a glass vase of white roses. There has to be like six dozen roses inside the vase.
“The flowers are beautiful.” I lean over to smell them.
“I had them put here for you.” He grabs my hand to lead me on a tour.
We walk inside the beautiful, Italian style kitchen. The island has to be at least twenty feet long. It can seat at least sixteen to twenty people. The appliances are all high end and the entire layout gives me that cozy cottage feeling, but more on the expensive side.
We walk upstairs and pass by three guest rooms and a huge bathroom in the hallway. His bedroom is at the very end of the hall.
His room is huge. This king size bed is bigger than any other king size bed I’ve ever seen. It stands firm, with wood frames and pillars. This bed is meant for a king. There is also a cozy lounge area near a huge floor-to-ceiling window with a cream-colored sofa, an accent chair, and a round cherry wood table with a few books lying on it. I walk over to the window so that I can get a good look of the view from here. It’s so peaceful and serene.
“David, this is beautiful. I could sit here all day looking out this window,” I tell him.
He walks behind me and places both of his hands on my shoulders and begin to rub them in silence as we both stand here, taking in the possibilities.
His bedroom faces the back yard that looks out to many colors of trees and flowers that are glowing extra bright because of the way the sun shines down on them. It’s breathtaking. It’s a dream garden, a never-ending field of beauty and hope.
I can’t control, nor do I want to fight the feelings that I am having for this man. But on the other end, it’s a bit scary. David just seems too good to be true. He’s saying all the right things with no hesitation. To me, that means that he’s being honest and not thinking too hard on the right thing to say. But I also don’t want to move too fast, or get my heart broken. I have been out of the dating game for so long, I don’t want Mr. Casanova here to wrap me all up in his web and leave me hurting and resenting him in the end. My mind is telling me to run the hell out of here and never look back, but my heart has me stationed in place.
“It is a nice view, Olivia. I’ve never really paid any attention to it, until now.”
See! It’s shit like that. He just always says the right things. I am on cloud nine right now and this man has to be a dream. Am I dreaming?
My phone rings and I am one hundred percent sure I am awake. I reach in my purse to grab my phone and I see that it’s Daddy calling. I don’t want to talk to him right now, especially not when I’m basically inside of a stranger’s house, not to mention his bedroom. I hit end, sending him to voicemail. I send a text, so he won’t worry.
Olivia: Hey dad, what’s going on? I’m not getting good reception, so I can only text.
David looks over at me. “Do you need to take that call? Because I can step away.”
“No, it’s just my Dad. He doesn’t want anything.” I reassure him.
His text comes through within seconds.
Dad: Just checking on you and your sister, that’s all. I need to talk to you both soon, so don’t wait too long to call me back.
Olivia: Okay, sure thing.
My Dad is always too serious to even have the thought of wanting to enjoy his company at times. Now, don’t get me wrong. My Dad loves his family to the core, but his profession has led him to become very intense. I don’t know how my mom dealt with him this long. Actually, I do know. They complement each other. My mom is more reserved until pushed. She’s the only one who knows how to calm Daddy down.
“Are you ready to see the grand finale?” David asks, with a bit of excitement in his voice.
“Uh, yes... I thought you would have taken me there first instead of showing me your master suit.” I let out a laugh.
“Just come on.” He grabs my hand, leading the way. I like him serious; it's sexy.
We walk downstairs into his basement, and I can’t believe he actually has a gun range in his house. We walk around a glass wall and there are two shooting lanes with dividers separating them. A bullet proof vest and a pair of goggles hang in each lane. This is awesome. The glass wall continues, and he has a room behind it that holds all of his guns and rifles that are locked inside. There is also a finger recognition screen on the wall next to the door. Okay, 007. I like this.
“It’s sound and bullet proof. I could be down here going to town and you could be upstairs in the kitchen and not hear a thing,” he says.
“Okay… So, I have already been positioned in the kitchen?” I cut my eyes at him and fold my arms across my chest.
He gives me a serious look.
“No, no. Come on now. I was just giving you an example of you being somewhere in the house, and not being able to hear the shots-. Look. Put your arms down, grab some goggles, a set of earphones, and show me what you got,” he says.
I happily oblige and reach inside my purse to pull out my gun.
“Whoa!” he shouts. He looks shocked. “You don’t keep it in a case or anything? You just go around with it in your purse like this?”
“Well, yeah. What if I need it right then in that moment? I wouldn’t have time to grab my case, unlock it, and pull out a gun. I would be dead on the spot.”
“Don’t talk like that, Olivia. I just want you to be safe, that’s all. At least have it in a holster. You carrying it around in a purse isn’t safe. You could drop your purse or leave it behind somewhere. Look. I’mma give you a holster that would fit perfectly. Is the safety on at least?”
I let out a sigh and roll my eyes. “Yes, David. My safety is on.”
“Well, keep it pointed down please.” He chuckles in his throat.
“Of course, I will. I know how to handle a gun. I’m a grown ass woman,” I tell him.
We walk over to one of the lanes.
“Oh, believe me baby. I know you are,” he says.
His voice is so beautiful. I think to myself.
I put on my goggles and he hands me a vest. “What do I need this vest for?” I look up at him with annoyance.
“So, I know that you’re safe, that’s why. Please just put it on,” he says.
“Fine.” I do as I’m asked to. But he is tripping because I really do not need to have a vest on. I have been to the range many times and have never been asked to put on a vest. Maybe this is some kind of fetish of his or something. If so, I’ll give him a show.
He pushes the button on the wall to bring the bar close so that I can hang my target sheet. I choose the robber because everybody wants to kill a robber. He pushes the button again to put a long distance between me and the target. He steps back and leans on the glass wall to watch.
I am ready. I have my goggles on, earphones on, and this dumb vest.
I lift my gun and point straight ahead. I relax my shoulders, take a deep breath, and let it rip.
Rat tat, tat, tat.
This feels so good. I haven’t shot a gun in a while and I forgot how much it helps relieve tension. We walk inside his gun chamber and he picks out a desert eagle, a semi-automatic, and twelve-gauge shotgun. I think he is testing me to see if I can back up all my talk about being a gunslinger, and I do just that because I’m the shit. I push the button to bring my target sheet close. I pull the earphones off and let them rest around my neck.
I quickly turn around with the biggest smile on my face.
“See! What I tell you!” I boast.
I have four head shots and two in the midsection with the shotgun. I place the gun on the counter and walk over towards him. He is leaning on the glass with his arms folded with a look of arousal on his face.
He grabs me by the waist, pulling me so close that I can feel him breathing on my forehead. We stare in one another’s eyes for what feels like an eternity, and our hearts are beating as one. I close my eyes because I have been waiting for this moment since I first laid eyes on him. But seconds have now passed, and nothing is happening. I open my eyes and he is just staring at me with a mix of passion and restraint.
“What’s the problem David? You don’t want to kiss me?” I knew this was too good to be true.
I start to push away from him and take a couple of steps back. He looks defeated for some reason. I don’t like this feeling, and I am starting to resent coming here and even thinking that this could be something. As I turn around to walk away, he finally speaks up, and I stop in my tracks.
“Olivia, of course I want to kiss you. Hell, I want to do more than that,” he says.
“Then, what is it?” I ask, as I turn around fully, so I can face him.
He sighs. “I have to leave the country for a month, and I’m not sure if.”
“What? When?” I feel weak. “Where?”
“Syria, and a few other cities over there,” he says. “I leave tomorrow.”
“But, why you?” I am pissed. I mean, what the fuck is going on? Is this payback for him seeing me with Sylvester all those years ago? Or is this my karma finally making its appearance?
“Listen, baby. My work is complicated and even though I have the ability to assign someone else to go, this particular client requested me. But when I saw you last night, I knew that I wasn’t letting you go again. I didn’t think about my job and the strain that it could have on us. I don’t want to have you thinking that this will be easy, but sometimes it is what it is, Olivia. Believe me when I say this. I want you.”
“It is what it is, huh?” With my adrenaline running high, I walk over to the counter, placing the earphones down and grab my gun. I walk past him with no eye contact and head up the stairs to get hell out of this house. I put my empty gun back in my purse, walking as fast as I can towards the front door.
As I turn the knob, he places his hand on top of mine to stop me. I quickly turn and look at him.
“Get the fuck off of me and take me home now!” I say in a low yet intense tone.
He did as I asked.
I know I am a bit over the top, but this is bullshit. How can he just come back into my life and be gone in less than twenty-four hours for an entire month? Then decide to have the realization that this could be complicated.
“I can’t let you leave like this, Olivia.” He lowers his head and close his eyes.
I can see anger is building in his blood because the veins in his neck are starting to bulge. He takes a deep long breath before he speaks. His eyes open.
“Maybe I said some things wrong and you’re misunderstanding me. But I said, I want you.”
I glance up at him. “Oh, I heard exactly what you said, and I don’t know exactly what it is that you want from me, David. For one, I don’t go sleeping around with random men and I’m not into casual dating, either. And two, I’m not looking for a long-distance relationship. I mean, like come on, really? You’re leaving for a whole month, and you think that I am just supposed to be okay with that?”
I point my finger to make my point. “But, you see, just like you, I’m a woman that knows what she wants. And if it’s not meant to be, I’m fine with walking away. We don’t owe anything to one another. So just let it go. Keep all of your complications. I’m good.” I tell him.
His head slightly tilts, and a look of confusion and frustration appears on his face. “I don’t want you just for some casual sex. I want all of you, but my job gets in the way, that’s all I was saying. You asked me earlier what the deal breaker was, well this is it, Olivia. I never believed that I was capable of having a relationship because I’m hardly ever in one place for too long.”
He takes another deep breath. “But that’s what I thought. I haven’t been able to take my mind off of you ever since I held you in my arms. I found myself back in that same place I was in eight years ago. That’s why I showed up at your house and that is why I decided to bring you to my home. I want you, Olivia, and no one else. I just pray that we can figure something out. Don’t run away from me. Please.”
I hear the sincerity and honesty in his words. He looks me in the eyes the entire time and I believe every word that comes out of his beautiful mouth. Could I actually be with someone who puts their life on the line whenever someone needs his protection? Do I even have it in me to try a long-distance relationship again? He could get killed and then where will I be? Alone, again. I don’t know the answers to the questions I am asking myself. He just laid everything out on the table for me and now the ball is in my court. Within my moment of analyzing everything, something angelic whispers to my heart and says give it a try.
I feel confused, defeated and like a champion all in one. His hand brushes along my jawline and lifts my chin to meet his lips. I give in to his touch because it’s hard not to. His lips are so soft and gentle, and I can feel my body slowly drifting away. I part my lips slightly to get a taste of him, and our tongues dance with grace. He is such an amazing kisser, it’s everything I imagined it to be. Passion is alive and living comfortably within my soul and I promise I never want this moment to go away.
Our kiss sadly ends as he rests his forehead on mine and we stare into each other’s eyes. He gently graze his fingertips up and down both sides of my arms in a caring way. As I’m looking at him, I can’t help but notice the change of eye color. They look greener with streaks of brown. I done got caught up in a spell and, truth told, I don’t want to come out of it. But reality has a way creeping its ugly little head back into my mind.
“And when this assignment is over, are you going to have to leave again?” I feel myself pouting when I ask that question.
“Maybe. I hope not,” he whispers.
“What do you mean? Aren’t you the boss?” I ask with a bit of agitation in my tone. I start to feel myself getting pissed all over again. So, I remove myself from his hold.
“Listen, Olivia. I can’t promise you time, but I can promise you me. All of me.” he says.
I can see he is frustrated as well, because his breathing starts to deepen, and his exhale is powerful.
“What does that even mean? Do you think that I’m just gonna go along with this in hopes that you don’t have to go away again to an even further ass country for months on end? And what if you get blown up?” Speaking this truth out loud is bringing me back to my senses.
“I don’t think I can do this, David.” I slowly shake my head. “I’m just going to need some time to rationalize all of this.” Knowing that time isn’t on our side.
“Okay, Olivia. I will never rush you into doing something you don’t feel comfortable with doing. But just know that I don’t want to lose you again.” He sighs and opens the door to let me go. I step outside and he follows behind me with the keys in his hand.
He opens the passenger door to let me in. And we drive off in silence.
We pull up in front of my condo and he turns his head to look at me.
“Put my number in your phone, and I would like to hear from you, whether it is good news or bad,” he says, before telling me his number.
He cups my chin and draws me in for a kiss. Our lips stay connected not wanting to part because it feels like this could be our final goodbye. I reach for the door handle because I have to get out of this car, pull myself together, and figure out my life.
“Okay. I will tomorrow.” I open the door to climb out, but he grabs my hand.
“Today, Olivia. We don’t have that much time.”
“Well that’s not gonna happen, David. This is too much to think about on a limited time frame” I say, as I slowly release my hand from his and climb out of the car.
I turn to look at him once more before I walk inside, only to see him watching me.