Total pages in book: 121
Estimated words: 112755 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 564(@200wpm)___ 451(@250wpm)___ 376(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 112755 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 564(@200wpm)___ 451(@250wpm)___ 376(@300wpm)
“I don’t want this! That’s the problem! I CAN’T HAVE THIS! Women make us weak! Just like I warned you. They break us down.” It started with my own mama…
“What are you talkin’ about? This is fear talkin’, Legend. Stop it! A woman can break ya down, but a woman can also build you up! Stop bein’ so pessimistic.”
“When I told Mrs. Florence that I needed help, this wasn’t what the hell I meant.” He found his jaws tightening, and his heart pounding. For the life of him, he could not figure out what was going on.
Then, Axel grabbed him by the shoulders, and looked into his eyes.
“Don’t be afraid of what’s happening between you and this gal. Let things flow, Legend. When you’re on the right track, there’s always going to be some resistance. That means you’re real close to a breakthrough. The devil don’t fuck wit’ nobody who’s already drowning. He only messes with those treadin’ water…”
Chapter Nine
“Dinner and dessert were good. That cheesecake you made was bomb. I’m not a big cheesecake fan, but your recipe changed my mind. You’ll have to show me how you made that cherry topping though.” He patted his stomach and leaned back on Desiree’s couch. It seemed to always be their spot. From the kitchen to the living room.
“I will. It’s super easy.”
“Bet. Next time, I want you to come to my apartment, Desiree. I’m not comin’ back over here until you stop by. That’s one-sided.”
“But my daughter is—”
“I know, I know. It’s difficult, timing wise, and you don’t let your child meet men until you’re sure. I get it. And don’t get me wrong, I appreciate you letting me say hello to her in the past on the phone. I know that was probably a big deal for you, too.”
“Yeah… lately, Kaylee spends the nights with her friends, grandmother, and whatnot every now and again, and it allows me to study a bit more, and talk to you of course. So, I was just trying to take advantage of the situation. Usually, she’s home with me.”
“Right. It’s cool.” Legend took a swig from his beer bottle, then set it back down on the coffee table. “I’m just tellin’ you that you need to make that happen soon. You comin’ by my way. I’m not going to keep doing this with you.” She rolled her eyes, then laughed. “I’m serious, Desiree. Play wit’ me if you want to. I don’t like games, and I’m getting fed up. You’re using legitimate reasons, but exploiting them.”
Her smile faded as he continued, “I’m not stupid. Just because I like you and want to sleep with you doesn’t mean I’m just going to let anything happen. You’re testing the waters, thinking I’ll fall in line as long as I’m with you. I still have common sense. Nobody is worth me losing my self-respect over, and I don’t give a shit how much I fucks with them.”
She drew her legs up onto the couch, looking a bit uncomfortable as he called her out on her shit.
“I’ll come over, but my reasoning isn’t bullshit, Legend. Don’t dismiss me like that.”
“You said you like dogs, and I got three of ’em. Love ’em to death. I got a small but nice apartment. I plan on moving next year, but it’ll do for now. But I get it.” He shrugged. “I know you’re more comfortable here. Feels like you have more control over yourself, and me for that matter, but—”
“No, that’s not it,” she said with a smile.
He waved her off.
“Yeah, it is, Desiree. Stop that shit. I don’t like it.” He waved his hand about, feeling a tad bit annoyed. “Just be truthful. You feel like you have more control over the situation, this thing going on between us, if I’m on your turf. I’ve offered to take you to the movies, out dancing, to a concert, out to eat, and you refuse. You don’t want it to “look” like a date.” Her complexion deepened, but she didn’t respond. “Anyway, thank you for inviting me over again though. I enjoyed cooking dinner with you tonight.” He stroked his beard, then fixed his gaze on her. She’s blushing as I stare at her. Even though she’s pissing me off, I still think she’s the most beautiful lady in the world…
“You’re welcome. You know I love spending time with you outside of school, Legend. I really enjoy our conversations. I don’t know if me being more comfortable here is true or not. When you put it like you did though, maybe I am doing that.” She shrugged. “Putting up a safe barrier of some sort. It’s not on purpose though, so please believe me. I’m not tryna play games. At the same time, I… never mind.” She reached for her wine cooler and took a sip.