

### Testing the Waters

Atlanta Hunter

(Book Two of True Love Series)

Testing the Waters

Atlanta Hunter

Copyright © Atlanta Hunter 2014

All rights reserved worldwide. No part of this eBook may be copied or sold. This eBook is fiction. All characters, locations, and situations are purely fictional, coincidental, and for entertainment only.

Names, characters, places, and incidents are a product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously and are not to be construed as fact. Any resemblance to actual events, organizations, or persons— living or dead— is entirely coincidental.

All rights reserved. By payment of the required fees, you have been granted the nonexclusive, nontransferable, right to access and read the text of this eBook onscreen. Except for use in reviews or in promotional posts or similar uses, no part of this text may be reproduced, transmitted, downloaded, decompiled, reverse-engineered, or stored in or introduced into any information storage and retrieval system, in any form or by any means, whether electronic or mechanical, now known or hereafter invented, without the express written permission of the author.

Thank you for respecting the author's work.

Table of Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Four

Sneak Peek at The Journal

Testing the Waters continues...

About the Author

Special Thanks from Atlanta

Chapter One

Yazmin King burst through the door to her apartment, grocery bags hanging from her arms. She had just gotten off the phone with a competing realtor. They had been going back and forth on an offer that Yazmin's clients had made on a two-story traditional home. They had just reached an agreement. Yazmin had been working at Winston and Houston Realty, Inc., for three years, fulfilling her dream to work as a residential real estate agent. As a little girl, she wanted to bring happiness to home seekers. Because she grew up in a home, she wanted the same for others. In her opinion, home ownership was the American dream.

After graduation and her real estate license exam, Yazmin began working for Winston and Houston (W&H) Realty, Inc. Even in the unstable economy, she worked to make sure her clients purchased quality homes in their price range. Because of her determination and zeal, she ranked one of the top ten realtors in her firm.

Tonight was a special night for Yazmin. She had two hours to cook dinner and she could not wait to see Brad Nichols, her boyfriend of two years. She sauntered into the kitchen and put the bags on the counter. She stepped out of her heels, took off her blazer, turned on her radio, and began looking for her pots and pans. Her body flowed with the rhythm of the music and unwound as she cooked.

An hour passed before she heard a knock on her front door. She quickly walked to the door, looked through the peephole, and saw that it was her best friend Jamal Parker. Yazmin opened the door and he walked inside. She locked the door behind him.

"Give me one good reason why you called me over here," he said.

She ignored his sarcasm. "I told you earlier, I need you to taste the spaghetti."

"I don't know, Yaz. I can't be eating all these carbs. I gotta keep my body up." Then he raised his shirt and showed off his toned six-pack stomach.

"Please. You ain't all that, 'Mr. Fitness.' And for your information, it's whole grain anyway."

Jamal put his jacket down and laughed. He sat at her counter in one of the bar stools and took off his jacket. "I don't know. You gave me food poisoning the last time."

She playfully hit his arm. "Shut up, Jamal. I've been practicing and this has to be perfect for Brad." She took some spaghetti and put it in a bowl. Next, she grabbed a fork from her kitchen drawer and placed them in front of him.

He looked at it. "If I get sick again, Yaz—"

"You won't," she assured him. She rested her elbows on the counter as she watched him take a bite. She nibbled nervously on her bottom lip as he chewed.

He looked at her and nodded. "Good job, Yazmin. This is actually good." He ate some more.

Yazmin let out a deep breath. "Thank goodness."

"When is he supposed to be here?" he asked in between bites.

"In an hour, and I need to get ready." She walked over to Jamal and took the bowl and fork out of his hands.

"Wait a minute, Yaz. I'm not done."

She walked him to the door. "I'm sorry, but Brad's gonna be here soon. You gotta go."

"Fine, I gotta date anyway," he responded.

"And how's Danielle?" she questioned leaning against the doorway.

Danielle Garrett was his girlfriend and they had been together for a year.

"You don't have time to listen. Remember?" he joked as he walked down the hallway.

She rolled her eyes. "Whatever. I'll see you later." Then she closed the door.

She walked back to the kitchen and turned off the stove. Afterward she went to her bathroom with her radio and touched up her make-up. She decided on plum eye shadow, which made her brown eyes look stunning. She swayed her hips as her favorite song, "Bust Your Windows" by Jazmine Sullivan, played. She always enjoyed the beat of the song, even though she had never experienced busting someone's windows. As she mouthed the words, she ran her slender fingers through her asymmetric cut dark brown hair. Usually she wore her hair long, but this new haircut gave her a look of maturity. Though she loved her long dark tresses growing up, as a woman, she wanted a different hairstyle.

After applying her mascara, Yazmin reviewed her look. The way her long eyelashes perfectly framed her eyes, her blush complimented her cheeks, and her silver hoops brought her arousing look to completion. Next, she walked to her bedroom, picked out her strapless black cocktail dress, and zipped it up her pear shaped body. Once she put her brown belt around her waist, she slipped her feet into her black four-inch stilettos, and walked back to the kitchen to set the table. When she heard her phone ring, she quickly answered it. It was Brad.

"Hey, Babe," she said excitedly.

"Hey, look I'm not gonna make dinner tonight. I have some late meetings," Brad responded. He was an upcoming contractor-architect.

Yazmin rolled her eyes. _Not again_. "You can't come over just to eat?" She tried to remain calm.

"I can't, Babe. That's gonna take time driving over there and getting back," he answered.

"Brad, come on, I cooked and everything. You can't spare thirty minutes. Seriously?"

"Come on, Babe. Don't do that. I'll make it up to you. Alright?"

She rolled her eyes. "Fine, Brad."

"Don't do that, Yazmin. Okay? I'll make it up to you later, but I gotta go," he replied.

"Okay," she said.

Before Yazmin knew it, she hung up the phone. She would not let herself cry even though she wanted to. Though the tears seemed to be on the edge of falling, she fought to hold them. She then put the phone back on the receiver, just as she heard a knock on her door. She walked and looked through the peephole. As soon as she saw it was Jamal, she solemnly opened the door. She did not say a word but sat on the couch as he entered her apartment.

"Don't worry, Yaz. I'm leaving. I just forgot my jacket," he joked, as he walked over to her bar stool.

She did not respond, but soon felt his eyes on her. She crossed her arms, took off her shoes, and pushed them to the side.

"Are you okay, Yazmin?"

"Brad canceled. He's working late, again."

He nodded in response, walked over, and sat beside her. "You okay?"

She shrugged her shoulders. "I don't know, Jamal. Sometimes I wonder is Brad even worth my time. Some days I love him and other days I can't stand him. Today is one of them."

"I'm sorry, Yaz," he said

She gave a small smile and remembered. "I thought you had a date?"

"Danielle canceled. Her sinuses are acting up, again," he replied.

"So we both got stood up, huh?"

"Yep, but we can still have a good night."

"How?" she questioned.

"You wanna go out? Hang out like we used to in high school?" he suggested.

"I don't think I'm up for it tonight."

"Okay. Then we'll just chill here."

"I don't know, Jamal."

"Come on, Yaz. Dinner's already here. Right?"

"Yeah."

"Well, there's no sense in letting it go to waste."

"You don't mind staying?"

"Of course not, Yaz," he replied.

"Okay then," she said and rose from her spot on the couch. "Let me get out of this dress."

"How about a game of dominos after dinner?" Jamal called out from the kitchen.

"Okay. You're on," she answered.

As Yazmin changed into her comfortable clothes, she was grateful Jamal was there with her. They had been friends for the past twenty years. Since their parents were longtime friends, every year the Kings celebrated with the Parkers for Independence Day, Labor Day, Memorial Day, and family barbeques. However, as children Jamal and Yazmin preferred being rivals. They spent most of their time fighting, especially since he always picked on her.

Nonetheless, they truly became friends when they were nine years old. In middle school, they saw each other every day in class. Because they were both new, they put aside their differences and formed an alliance. Eventually, their truce brought them closer. On the other hand, when the other kids made fun of their relationship, Yazmin and Jamal pulled apart. Soon they found themselves avoiding each other publically, but would still find ways subtle to hang out. They even invented code words and signals to communicate.

After that came high school and both were involved in sports. Jamal played football and basketball, while Yazmin played basketball and volleyball. He would attend her games, only to see the other girls, and she cheered for him on the sidelines at his. While each dated other people, it did not change their close friendship.

At prom, Jamal took the most popular girl in school, while Yazmin went with the quarterback of the football team. When the friends shared two dances at the event, suspicions of a romance spread amongst the inquisitive classmates. Almost all suspected something more between Yazmin and Jamal, but the pair argued against it.

Over the years, their parents willed for the two to get together once they were of age. They had hoped their children would marry and have a family of their own. Yet again, Yazmin and Jamal protested the idea.

When college stepped on the scene, the pair experienced separation for the first time. Jamal went to college on the east coast due to a football scholarship, while Yazmin stayed home and earned her four-year degree at a local university. However, in spite of the distance, they kept in touch. Then after graduation, he moved back home where he started a profession as a fitness trainer. She, in turn, found her passion in real estate. Now, twenty years later, the pair was closer than ever. Yazmin knew she could trust Jamal, and she knew he felt the same way about her. He was dependable when she needed him and vice versa.

Thought it was easier to deny the possibility of a relationship as teenagers, now in adulthood, friends still suspected more than friendship between her and Jamal. Still Yazmin denied the prospect. It did not seem right in her eyes to date her best friend. Crossing that line seemed too much of a risk. On the other hand, over the years, there were a few times when she seriously considered it, but she ignored the opportunities.

Yazmin walked back into the kitchen in her sweats and a comfortable t-shirt. She found Jamal pilling his plate with spaghetti. She grinned.

"You couldn't wait till I got back?" she joked.

"You were taking too long," he answered.

"Yeah, but still you couldn't wait for me?"

"Is that what you tell all your guests?"

Yazmin laughed. "You're not a guest, Jamal."

He put his hand over his heart. "Seriously, Yaz. After all I do for you. You don't consider me a guest in your home? I think we need to reevaluate our friendship."

She rolled her eyes and smiled. "Just hand me a plate."

He complied and he looked her up and down. "Is that my t-shirt?"

She grinned. "It looks better on me. Right? Besides, you left it over here last week. I did wash it. I just haven't returned it, yet."

"It looks more like a dress on you," he teased.

"Shut up, Jamal. Just because you're taller than me doesn't mean anything," she responded.

"Whatever you say, Shorty."

"Whatever 'Mr. Six-two!' I like my five-four body thank you very much."

Jamal laughed but turned serious. "Are you okay? Seriously, do I need to call my boys and have a chat with Mr. Nichols?"

Yazmin shook her head. "No, I'm alright. Just forget it."

"You sure?" he questioned.

"I'm sure. Now what's up with this dominos game?" she responded.

Chapter Two

Yazmin decided the following night to hang out with her friends Alana Tatum and Larissa Young. She felt that she needed some girl time, because she was still angry with Brad. Aside from work and Jamal, Alana and Larissa were the only ones who could make her feel better about her situation.

The women met in college as roommates. At first, they had to adjust living together, since it was the first time they were all living away from home. Larissa and Yazmin quickly gelled as friends because they were alike in personality, but it took time for Yazmin and Alana time to bond. Yazmin and Larissa were mild-mannered compared to the headstrong and direct Alana. This made the young women bump heads a lot. It took various conversations for them to find common grounds with each other, and soon they were all getting along.

After their first year, the young women became inseparable. Yazmin valued the friendship since she did not have any sisters of her own. Alana and Larissa, in her eyes, filled the void. She even found herself taking on some of Alana's personality traits. Yazmin became more assertive and direct with people, but she was nothing in comparison to Alana, who could go off like a firecracker if provoked. Tonight, the women decided to eat at their favorite Italian restaurant, Natalia's. Once their waiter took their orders, the women talked as they waited for their meals.

"Thank you ladies for coming out with me tonight," Yazmin said.

"Girl, thank you. I love my boys, but sometimes I need a break," Alana responded.

"I still can't believe you have twins," Larissa commented.

"I can't either and they're turning two this year." Alana took a sip of her drink.

Larissa and Yazmin laughed.

"Your boys are growing up so fast. How do you deal with it?" Larissa asked touching her stomach. She was three months pregnant.

"One day at a time. But Malcom and I have decided two is enough for now," Alana answered.

"I don't know I think you might have one more. You have to at least have a girl Alana," Yazmin advised.

"I'll rely on one of you for that. I'm not saying it won't happen, but my husband and I are not in any hurry for another baby. I need to catch my breath first. My boys are no joke."

"I guess I should be grateful for the one I'm having."

Yazmin asked. "Do you know what you're having yet?"

"No," Larissa revealed, "Terence and I decided to wait until the baby is born to find out."

"That's nice," Yazmin replied solemnly. She brushed her hair behind ears and sighed.

Alana and Larissa exchanged looks and directed their attention to her.

"What's going on?" Alana asked sounding concerned.

"Is it Brad?" Larissa acknowledged.

Yazmin responded, "Yeah."

"When is it not Brad? You know what I'm getting sick of him," Alana stated seeming annoyed.

Larissa questioned, "What happened this time?"

"He canceled dinner with me last night after I cooked a nice meal for us," Yazmin explained.

"You cooked?" Alana asked raising her eyebrows.

Yazmin nodded. "Yes I did."

Alana giggled, "Maybe that's why he canceled, Yaz."

"Alana!" Larissa responded trying not to laugh.

"Really, Alana?" Yazmin commented, trying not to laugh herself.

"I'm sorry, but cooking is not really your thing," Alana reminded her.

"No it was good this time. I've been practicing. Even Jamal ate some of it, and he had seconds," Yazmin reassured.

"Jamal had some, huh?" Alana stated. Her tone sounded sly.

Yazmin rolled her eyes for she knew where the conversation was going. "Alana, don't start."

"Girl, I just don't understand how you two have been friends all these years."

"We grew up together. How many times do I have to tell you?"

"I know that, but Jamal is a good man and all of us know it. I guess I never understood why you two never hooked up. Plus he is fine," Alana explained.

"Maybe they don't want to Alana. You're always meddling in somebody's business," Larissa said.

Alana's eyes widened at Larissa's comment. "I don't meddle. I make suggestions."

Yazmin and Larissa laughed.

"Yeah right," Yazmin said and sipped her drink.

"I agree. I don't believe that either," Larissa chuckled.

"Look all I'm saying is, Jamal, is a good man and you're a good woman. Why wouldn't you two get together?"

"You're right Jamal is a good man, but we're best friends."

Larissa conceded, "You two would make a cute couple though."

"Oh no. Larissa please don't let Alana talk you into this too," Yazmin replied.

"What's the issue, Yazmin?" Alana inquired.

Yazmin asserted, "There is no issue that's the point. Jamal has been my best friend for years, and I don't see him as anything more than that."

"Wait a minute, Yaz," Larissa interjected, "didn't you two have a thing in high school?"

"It was nothing."

"Are you sure?"

Yazmin replied, "I thought we were talking about Brad."

"You're right we were talking about, Brad. So what are you gonna do about him?" Alana commented.

"I don't know. I would hate for two years of a relationship to go down the drain," Yazmin confessed.

"Sometimes that happens," Larissa said.

"I know. I just don't understand why this keeps happening to me. Why can't I seem to find a decent man?" Yazmin asked.

"Your track record is not that bad," Alana acknowledged.

Yazmin furrowed her brow. "You know that's not true, Alana. I have never had a successful relationship. For some reason I keep ending up with guys who just wanna—."

"We know, Yaz" Larissa interrupted. "We know."

"Is it so wrong for a man to settle down with one woman? I mean you two are both married, how did you do it?" Yazmin inquired.

Alana responded, "Malcom and I were on the same page. We both wanted the same thing, but don't get me wrong we have to work at what we have."

"And you know my story with Terence," Larissa broke in, "he wasn't ready to commit, but when I told him I wanted all or nothing, he stepped up to the plate."

"I guess I feel left out," Yazmin commented.

"Don't be," Larissa replied.

"But you two are already married to your men. I'm the one sitting here who's not," Yazmin said.

"Don't do that, Yaz. It will happen for you," Alana asserted. "Why don't you just tell, Brad, how you feel?"

"Yeah, girl, let him know where you stand. And if he can't give you what you want, then let it go," Larissa commented.

"Maybe you're right," Yazmin acknowledged.

"All he can say is, he doesn't want the same thing you do," Alana affirmed.

"Well, I don't wanna stay in a relationship that has no future," Yazmin said.

"I know that's right," Alana commented.

"But what if I never find love you guys? What if I never meet the right man?" Yazmin questioned.

"We've all asked that same question, Yaz. Sometimes you just gotta be patient. Love will come when the time is right," Larissa explained.

Yazmin continued, "I'm one year away from thirty you guys. The clocks are ticking over here. I want marriage and kids. How much longer am I supposed to wait?"

"It'll happen, Yaz, trust me," Alana said, "when you least expect it, love will knock on your door. You just make sure that when it comes you're ready."

Larissa looked over at Alana. "That was actually good advice."

Yazmin nodded. "Yeah, that was pretty good."

"See I make suggestions. I don't meddle," Alana joked.

Yazmin continued to ponder her situation with Brad as she ate with Alana and Larissa. She knew they were right, but she was not sure if should address Brad. He was a good man, in her eyes, but she constantly imagined her relationship with him different. She always wanted a strong, handsome, and successful man. While Brad was all those things, the emotional investment was not there. When it came to expressing his feelings, he seemed detached. Although, he occasionally showed attention and affection, she felt something was holding him back from her.

On her way home from her girl's night out, Yazmin rode in silence. Usually she would turn on her radio, but tonight she preferred the sound of her car cruising down the street. As she clenched the steering wheel, Brad crossed her mind again. _I don't know what to do?_

Once she came to a red traffic light, she grabbed her cell phone and called him. She listened intently to the rings. They seemed to ring louder and louder and her heart raced in anticipation as she wondered what to say. It had always been easy to express her feelings privately or among friends. Yet, when it came time to talk to Brad, her mind went blank.

After she heard his voicemail chime in, she hung up and proceeded down the road. Soon her eyes welled up with tears, which compromised her vision. She immediately wiped her eyes and breathed deeply to calm herself down. _I'm not gonna cry._ At that moment, Yazmin turned on her radio. To her dismay, Mary J. Blige's "Not Gon' Cry" played on the station. Her eyes widened as she gasped. She quickly turned the station. It was no use for "Ex-Factor" by Lauryn Hill played. Yazmin's mouth dropped in disbelief. _Are you kidding me right now?_ She decided to turn off the radio. When she heard her phone ring, she answered through her earpiece. It was Jamal.

"Hello," she said trying to sound cheerful.

"What's up with you?" he questioned.

"Nothing I'm alright," she responded.

"I know you're lying. What's wrong?" he asked sounding concerned.

"Just thinking."

"About what?"

"Brad, me, us. You know just a lot on my mind that's all."

"Well, do you wanna talk about it?"

"I don't wanna bother you with my problems."

"You never bother me."

"Okay. Maybe I don't bother you, but I don't wanna talk about it. Okay. If I talk about it, I'm gonna end up crying and I don't want that."

"I understand. Anything I can do to make you feel better?"

"No, Jamal, I'll be fine," she responded, as she smiled to herself.

"Well, guess who I ran into at the gym at work today?" he asked.

"Who," she replied curiously.

"Joanna Peters," he answered.

"Who's she?" she questioned.

"She was the cheerleader captain back in high school? You two got into that fight in the cafeteria at lunch. Remember?"

"Don't remind me. Do you know how much trouble I was in when Principal Anders called my parents? I don't fight unless I have to and she asked for it. I hated that nickname 'Fatty Yaz.' I was a big girl. Who cares?"

"I know I hated that nickname too, but it looks like she's coming to the gym for the aerobics classes. I didn't recognize her until she told me her name," he said.

"I guess what goes around comes around," Yazmin commented.

"I guess so, because you're the one with the tight body now."

"Uh-huh, and you finally have muscles. A big improvement from the little scrawny boy I hung out with."

"Is that the treatment I get for being you best friend all these years?" he asked.

Yazmin laughed. "So you think I owe you?"

"You owe me twenty dollars from last night."

"Seriously? I won that game fairly. You're the one who wanted to put money on it."

Jamal laughed. "How was I supposed to know you had been practicing?"

"You let your guard down, Jamal," she commented. "So, I took advantage of the moment."

"I feel so used," he joked.

Yazmin giggled, "Awwww, poor baby."

When she ended her phone call with Jamal, Yazmin had made it home to her apartment. Once inside, she slipped out of her shoes and sighed in relief. While she loved high heels, she welcomed the cool hardwood floor underneath her bare feet. Then she proceeded to her kitchen for a glass of water. As she swallowed the fresh cool liquid, she reflected on her conversation with Jamal. She could not fathom why, but he had managed to make her feel better in spite of her situation with Brad. Jamal had always been good at bringing a smile to her face, even when things seemed bleak.

At that moment, she recalled Alana's suggestion, but she quickly shook her head in an attempt to dismiss the idea. _Jamal's my friend_. Yazmin took another gulp of water. _Jamal's my friend._

Chapter Three

Although it was cloudy, the heat index made the air feel hot and oppressive. Jamal wiped his forehead with a towel as he sat on a bench in the park. He and his friends, Deshawn and Phillip, met three times a week to play basketball after work. It gave them time to hang out and play their second favorite sport. Jamal took a gulp from his water bottle.

"Man, it's hot out here," Phillip said as he grabbed his towel to wipe his face.

"That's the whole point of us playing in the evening to avoid the heat, but this here's ridiculous," Deshawn responded, as he wiped his forehead with the back of his hand.

Phillip gave a sly look. "You know I'm gonna ask you, right?"

Deshawn was puzzled. "Ask me what?"

"What happened on your date last night, man?" Jamal bent over to tighten his shoelaces.

"What about it?"

"Man stop playing."

"Alright. It was good—really good," Deshawn said, grinning.

"You know what that means, right?" Jamal asked, looking over at Phillip.

Phillip nodded and he and Jamal bumped fists.

"It wasn't like that, now wait a minute. She's nice," Deshawn corrected them.

Jamal knew it had been a year since Deshawn had been on a date. His fiancée, Selena, had gotten pregnant by another man, leaving Deshawn heart-broken. Jamal was glad his friend was finally dating again.

"So, where did you take her?" Jamal asked.

"Pablo's, that new restaurant on 10th and Woodson."

"Oh no, Jamal," Phillip said. "I think he likes her. What's her name again?"

"Her name is Mya, Mya Holmes," Deshawn replied.

"Yeah, he's likes her if he remembers her last name," Jamal joked.

Phillip laughed.

"I told you guys I'm ready to settle down. I'm through with the player thing. Alright?" Deshawn declared.

"I know. You were the king of dates, what happened?" Jamal asked.

"Yeah, he even tried to take my girl once!" Phillip reminded them.

"First of all, that was two years ago. Second, Meagan told me you two weren't a couple. Third, you said it was alright," Deshawn countered.

"And you believed me?" Phillip questioned.

"Anyway, D, seriously when did you get into relationship dating?" Jamal broke in.

"I told you guys, I'm ready to settle down. I got everything I want right now except a good woman," Deshawn explained.

"I hear you, man. As a matter of fact, Yolanda wants me to help her with the wedding plans," Phillip replied.

"Planning the wedding? I thought that was a woman's thing," Deshawn commented.

"Yeah, man. She claims she wants my input. She doesn't want me to feel left out. I told her I really don't care just as long as I have my tuxedo and I know where the church is. I'm cool," Phillip responded.

"Have you been helping lately?" Jamal asked.

"Man, can you believe Yolanda had me picking out flowers two days ago? She wants birds of paradise. What kind of mess is that? I didn't think the flower was real until she showed me," Phillip replied.

"Sounds like she got you man," Deshawn joked.

"Don't laugh cause if you keep this up with Mya, you next," Phillip stated.

"Speaking of next," Deshawn directed his attention to Jamal, "you still planning on proposing to Danielle?"

Jamal had been planning the special event for Danielle for the past couple of weeks. He could not wait to ask her marry him. Sure, he was nervous, but he figured it was the traditional cold feet. Even though they had been dating for a year, he wanted to Danielle to be his wife. She was everything he had ever wanted. She was beautiful, smart, ambitious, and overall a good woman. The only woman he trusted aside from Yazmin.

However, recently he had been noticing a change in Danielle's behavior. Though her job as a flight attendant was demanding, she had managed to spend quality time with Jamal. Now, it seemed she was working nonstop. Jamal rarely saw her, and when he did, it was no more than two days in a row.

Therefore, Jamal decided to take their relationship to the next level. He wanted to take care of Danielle. So, he planned to propose to her. He wanted nothing more than to make her his wife and spend the rest of his life with her.

"Yeah man. I got the ring and everything," Jamal replied standing to his feet.

"Are you sure?" Phillip asked.

Jamal passed him the basketball. "Yeah man, why wouldn't I be?"

Phillip turned to look at Deshawn and held out his hand.

"What Phil?" Deshawn asked looking confused.

"You owe me fifty bucks. You said he was gonna hook up with, Yazmin," Phillip joked.

Deshawn playfully shoved him.

"Yazmin?" Jamal asked. _Why would they think that_?

"Yeah man, Yazmin. We all know she is fine," Deshawn stated.

"Besides that," Phillip began, "she gets you man."

Jamal shook his head. "Look she's my friend and that's it. Besides, she gotta a man."

"When has that stopped you from going after a woman?" Deshawn questioned.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Jamal argued.

Phillip reminded him, "Man, you know Deshawn wasn't the only one who was known as the 'King of Dating.'"

"People can't change?" Jamal asked.

"I guess so, because I don't even recognize you two anymore," Phillip ranted.

"Shut up man you're getting off subject. Anyway, we were talking about Yazmin, and why this fool won't do the right thing," Deshawn said.

"Like I said, Yazmin is my friend and she's gotta a man," Jamal continued. _Yazmin and me? For real?_

Deshawn and Phillip looked at each other.

"Man, you know it ain't gonna last with that Brad," Phillip replied, as he shot the ball. He missed.

Deshawn got the rebound. "All I know is if I had to pick for you, I would chose Yazmin over Danielle. Don't get me wrong, Danielle's nice, but she ain't Yazmin."

Deshawn took a shot. He made it and Jamal got the rebound.

"Let me ask you this," Phillip said, "what if Yazmin wanted to be more than friends, would you go for it?"

Thoughts ran through Jamal's mind. Of course, he had thought about Yazmin more than just a friend had. There were even times he thought about asking her out back in high school, but he did not want to sever the friendship if things did not work out. Yazmin was the only woman he trusted, and he did not want to give that up because of the urges he felt from time to time. Still, he could not help but occasionally wonder about her as his girlfriend. However, he chose to keep his feelings to himself. He figured they were just fazes and soon he would forget the notions.

"There's nothing to go for, man. Yazmin is my friend and she always will be," Jamal responded and he took a shot. He missed.

Phillip took the ball.

"See she's messing with his game already, and they haven't even hooked up yet Phil," Deshawn joked.

He and Phillip fist bumped as they laughed.

"That's cold guys," Jamal said.

"Look man, all I know is Yazmin's a good woman. She gets you and she doesn't try to change you. Didn't you tell me she encouraged you to apply for the manager's position at the gym?" Phillip asked.

"Yeah," Jamal responded.

"Exactly," Phillip replied. "When a woman supports her man and cheers for him that means something."

"She's not my woman!" Jamal responded. _She can't be, could she?_

"Not yet man, not yet," Deshawn joked. "But for real man Phil's right. Yaz is it."

"Like I said, Yazmin has a man. I am with Danielle, and I am asking her to marry me as soon as everything is set. So let's drop it and get back to the game. Alright?" Jamal declared hoping they would change the subject.

Phillip passed him the ball and Jamal went for a layup.

"Go with Yazmin," Phillip coughed making Jamal miss his shot.

Deshawn laughed.

\----

Jamal walked inside his house that night, and quickly took off his t-shirt. He proceeded to his bathroom and turned on the shower. As he undressed, he recalled his conversation concerning Yazmin. When he stepped into the shower, he found himself thinking about her more and more. As the hot water ran down his face and back, visions of her became more prevalent.

Almost immediately, he remembered her when they were kids. He did not mind her being thick, but when high school came along, she decided to lose weight. He recalled running with her around the track at school during physical education, and playing basketball with her after school in the neighborhood park. Soon, she reached her weight goal and silenced all her critics, like Joanna Peters.

Before long, Yazmin became the center of attention, and eventually started dating the high school quarterback. Jamal admitted to himself that he was jealous when she told him about her new beau. Nevertheless, he eased his trouble by dating other girls.

As the steam filled the shower, Jamal tried to erase Yazmin from his mind. _Why am I thinking this now?_ He had a plan. He was going to marry Danielle. She was his choice. Yazmin even helped him pick out the ring.

As soon as he stepped out the shower, he heard his phone ringing in his bedroom. He quickly wrapped a towel around his waist and hurried to his phone. It was Danielle.

"Hey, Babe," he greeted.

"Hey, look Jamal we had an emergency landing in Chicago due to bad weather. I won't be home tonight," Danielle informed him.

"Chicago?" he repeated.

"Yeah," she remarked.

Jamal rubbed his head as he let out a deep breath. He had hoped to have her home with, but once again, he was going to sleep alone. "Are you alright?"

She replied, "Yeah I'm alright. I should be able to catch a flight back tomorrow, so I'll probably be home tomorrow night. I'm sorry."

"Nah, Babe, don't worry about. I'll just see you tomorrow night. Do you need me to pick you up?" he said.

"No, my sister's picking me up. I'll just have her drop me off at your house," she reminded him.

"Okay. If you say so," he responded

"I gotta go Jamal," she commented.

"Okay. I'll see you tomorrow night," he replied.

"Alright," Danielle said.

"Babe, I—," Jamal began, but he heard the call end.

He placed his phone back on his nightstand. As he proceeded to get dressed, he caught a glimpse of the ring box sitting on his dresser. He picked it up and looked inside. He stared at the one-carat diamond solitaire ring in 14K white gold. Though he wished he could have bought a larger diamond, he knew it was all he could afford right then. He was still waiting for word about the manager's position at T&H (Toned and Healthy) Fitness. There were six other applicants up for the job, but Jamal was confident he succeeded in the interview.

When he heard his phone buzz, he closed the ring box. He walked over to his nightstand and picked up his phone. His face lit up with a smile when he saw Yazmin's name on his screen.

7:45p.m...Yazmin: Wat r up 2

7:47p.m...Jamal: Chillin wat about u?

7:50p.m...Yazmin: Watchin a movie

7:51p.m...Jamal: Which one?

7:53p.m...Yazmin: Ur favorite

7:55p.m...Jamal: The Godfather?

7:57p.m...Yazmin: No. the movie Speed

7:59p.m...Jamal: How u gon watch that w/o me?

8:01p.m...Yazmin: It's on TV. I can't control wat they play lol. Besides, you ain't here

8:05p.m...Jamal: U getting smart wit me?

8:07p.m...Yazmin: Iv always ben smart lol

He chuckled at her response. Then he reminisced on what he thought earlier. _Snap out of it. You are just friends._

8:12p.m...Yazmin: U there?

8:14p.m...Jamal: Yeah im here

8:16p.m...Yazmin: Wat's goin on?

8:19p.m...Jamal: Nothin I'm good

8:21p.m...Yazmin: U sure?

8:23p.m...Jamal: Yeah I'm cool

8:26p.m...Yazmin: U kno u can tell me anything right?

8:28p.m...Jamal: I kno

8:30p.m...Yazmin: Soooo wats up?

His heart pounded. He knew he could talk to Yazmin about any and everything. Yet again, he knew this was something he should keep to himself, at least for now.

8:33p.m...Jamal: Nothin im cool. Don't worry

8:36p.m...Yazmin: if you say so. I'll let it go for now lol. I'll find out sooner or later

8:38p.m...Jamal: wats that supposed to mean?

8:40p.m...Yazmin: I hav my ways of makin you talk lol

He ended up texting her for the next hour. When he finally reclined in bed, he closed his eyes and relaxed his body. Soon he was asleep.

Chapter Four

Yazmin pulled into Jamal's driveway, for he had asked to borrow her jazz CD for the evening. Tonight was the special night of the proposal to Danielle. Yazmin knew he was getting impatient in the past two weeks, since had to postpone several times due to Danielle's work schedule. However, tonight she was finally coming home. Therefore, he wanted everything to go right. Yazmin locked her car and strolled to Jamal's front door. She rang the doorbell twice and he answered. When he opened the door, he greeted her with a hug, but she thumped his back with her middle finger.

"What was that for?" he asked breaking their embrace.

She walked towards the living room as Jamal locked the door behind her. "You just make sure you don't scratch my CD. Alright?" she said.

As she glanced around Jamal's living room, she noticed long stem red roses sitting in a vase. Chocolate covered strawberries on a plate and a bottle of champagne on the coffee table. The whole display proclaimed romance.

"Did you bring me my money?" he asked, as he walked over to his stereo player.

"That's another reason why I flicked you. I can't believe you're making me pay you back on a silly bet from that dominos game. How long ago was that?" she said opening her wallet.

"You said you would, so I'm making you keep your word. Besides, this is can go towards gas for my car," he remarked holding out his hand.

She put the money in his hand and rolled her eyes. "Anyway. When does Danielle get here?"

"She said around eight tonight. This time they had a layover in New York, so that gives me enough time to finish up dinner," he replied walking to the kitchen.

"Wasn't she supposed to be back already?" she questioned, as she followed him.

"I thought so, but she had to cover for a co-worker who had a family emergency," he explained.

She nodded in response. "So, any word yet on the manager's position?"

"Not yet," he responded.

Yazmin sat in one of his bar stools. "I still can't believe they grilled you with a bunch of questions?"

"Yeah, but I can understand it. Since I work there they expect more from their in-house applicants," he answered.

"Do you think you'll get it?" she questioned leaning on her elbows.

"I hope so," he replied.

"I'm sure you will."

His brown eyes met hers. "You really think so?"

"Yeah, you've been there for three years. They know you're good at what you do."

Jamal nodded. At that moment, he began to get a weird feeling on the inside. Then he remembered his conversation with Deshawn and Phillip. While he tried to shake it off, it did not work. As he looked at Yazmin intently, he marveled at how beautiful she was. Her long thick eyelashes perfectly framed her captivating brown eyes. The youthfulness of her face made him recall their memories as children, while at the same time the woman who stood before him was gorgeous. Then he noticed her nibble on her bottom lip. _Damn, Yazmin is sexy._ When she smiled, it gave him butterflies in the pit of his stomach. _Get over it man._

"So," he began trying to change the subject, "have you talked to, Brad?"

Her demeanor changed at the mention of his name. She rolled her eyes. "Yeah, he called me."

"What did he say?"

"'Sorry' as usual. I don't know about him anymore."

"Did he say how he was gonna make up to you for bailing out on dinner?"

"He said he wants to take me to a bed and breakfast this weekend."

"That's better than nothing."

"He's just trying to get back on my good side. It doesn't mean he's changed."

"That's a start. Right?"

"I don't know, Jamal. Lately, I've been confused about, Brad. I'm starting to wonder if," she said but paused.

Jamal walked closer. "Wonder what?" He heard her let out a deep breath and then she shrugged her shoulders.

"I don't know and that's the problem," she replied.

"What do you want from him, Yaz?" he questioned.

She met Jamal's gaze. "All I want to know is that I'm loved. I should not have to beg a man to hold me or show me attention. I feel like that's what I'm doing. Brad and I do have our moments when I think he loves me, but then they are times when I cannot get him to notice me. I feel like I am forcing a man to be with me. I should not have to do that. I should not have to convince a man that I'm worth loving," she confessed.

Jamal nodded in response for he was at a loss for words. Almost immediately, the unusual feeling came again, but this time he did not shake it off. Before he knew it, he reached for her hand. She took it with a smile. He rubbed her hand with his thumb just as she wiped a tear from her cheek.

"Don't cry, Yaz," he whispered.

He released her hand and came from around the counter. She allowed him to hug her as she continued to sit on the bar stool. As she rested her head on his shoulder, he rubbed her back.

"I'm sorry," she whimpered.

"It's okay," he replied. He broke their embrace for a moment and tore off a piece of paper towel.

She wiped her nose as he stood in front of her. "I'll be alright."

He rubbed her chin with his thumb and she smiled at his gesture. Once again, she met his gaze with hers. Jamal felt as if he was looking into her soul. He saw a beautiful woman worthy of love, but she was with an oblivious man. As she sat in front of him, he saw her tender heart. While she tried to appear strong, this was one of her vulnerable moments. He saw her true heart.

He had never looked at her this way before. He wanted to take away her pain. He wanted to protect from all the sorrow she was feeling, and show her what it meant to be with a good man. _What is happening to me?_ Soon he found himself mesmerized by her eyes for they glistened from her tears. While she still looked gorgeous, he hated to see her cry. If he could do anything to relieve her, he wanted to do it. He knew she deserved more and was too good of a woman to be feeling the way she was.

Yazmin got an unusual sensation in her stomach. For the second time in their twenty-year friendship, she was attracted to Jamal. The first time was when they were in high school, and she found herself having a crush on him at sixteen. She recalled the memory as if it were yesterday. She had just finished her weight goal and had the body she had always dreamed she would have. Jamal had been with her every step of the way and dared anyone else to make fun of her at school. When she walked down the halls with her new body and wardrobe, all the boys took notice. This included the high school quarterback, Bryce Reed. He started leaving notes in her locker as well as sitting with her and her friends during lunch. However, only one boy had Yazmin's attention, and that was Jamal.

She had been thinking about him and decided they needed to talk about being more than friends. She did not know where, but when Hilary Rankin's 17th birthday party arrived, Yazmin knew she and Jamal would hang out and they could talk then. Unfortunately, when she arrived to the party, she found out Jamal and Hilary were making out in the closet due to the "7-minute" game. Yazmin, devastated by the news, she decided it was best that they remain friends. Since then, she kept her emotions in check.

Currently, she was even more surprised that her feelings were surfacing all over again. She had always tried to view Jamal as her friend and nothing more. In this moment, that was not the case. Her feelings seemed stronger than ever, and she did not know what to do. As she focused her eyes on him, she followed the muscles in his shoulders and down his arms.

At that moment, she realized both of his hands were on either side of her barely touching her thighs. She hated herself for imagining him stroking her thighs for real. Next, she admired his full lips and the new grown mustache that complimented his face and imagined kissing him. _Would you stop it Yazmin! This means nothing._ She cleared her throat, as she slid out of her seat.

"I'm uh...gonna go, Jamal. I don't want to keep you from your dinner with, Danielle," she said.

"Yeah, um I need to get ready for tonight," he replied sounding dazed.

"Okay, but can you do me a favor?"

"What's that?"

"Can I see the ring again?"

Jamal grinned and retrieved the ring box from the table. He handed it to Yazmin.

She smiled, "this is the closet I'm getting to a ring right now."

"It'll happen, Yaz," he commented.

"Everyone keeps saying that," she responded.

"You don't think it will?"

"I don't know, maybe. Anyway. I hope everything goes perfect tonight. I'll talk to you later."

He walked her to the front door. "Yaz," he began, "you might not think so, but I know you're gonna make some man very happy one day."

She beamed, "Thanks, Jamal. That's really sweet."

"You're welcome," he responded.

"Danielle is gonna be lucky having you for a husband," she commented sincerely.

"Thanks. I appreciate that," he replied.

At that moment, he leaned forward and kissed her cheek. His lips were soft. She wanted more but combated her impulse.

"Anyway," she began, "let me know how it goes?" Then she grinned.

He answered, as he returned the smile, "You bet."

"I think we've done enough betting for now," she commented, as she walked to her car.

Jamal stood on the porch. "It was only twenty dollars."

She let down her window as she started her vehicle. "Whatever," she said backing out of his driveway.

As she glided down the road, she mouthed the words to Monica's "For You I Will." When it finished playing, she recalled the words and thought of Jamal once again. If there was a man she would do anything for, it was Jamal. He had proven himself a true friend and she was grateful. Aside from Alana and Larissa, Jamal was the only friend she could trust. Of course, they had their difficulties in their friendship, but she knew they would always come back to each other.

Next, Yazmin reminisced a time where she and Jamal were at odds. It was their sophomore year in high school. She was dating the basketball team's point guard, Lamar Thompson. However, he was dating another girl at the same time. Since Jamal was Lamar's teammate, he told Yazmin, but she accused him of lying. At that time, she was just grateful she had a boyfriend and assumed Jamal was trying to ruin it. Eventually Yazmin found out the truth and dumped Lamar. However, when Lamar found out Jamal told Yazmin, breaking the "guy code," they boys fought. As a result, the principal suspended Lamar for starting the fight, while Jamal received detention for a week.

From that day forward, Yazmin trusted Jamal. She knew he would tell her the truth even if it meant him losing face. As she entered her apartment, a smile went across her face. When her cell phone rang, she quickly retrieved it from her purse. It was Brad.

"Hello," she greeted, although she was not happy to hear from him.

"Hey Babe. Are you home?" he questioned sounding pleasant.

""Yes why?" she asked. At that moment, she heard a knock on the door. "Hold on, Brad, somebody's at the door."

She quickly opened it only to find Brad standing in front of her holding long stem red roses in his hand. The smell of his cologne enveloped her senses, while his royal blue collared shirt bounced off his dark chocolate skin. His eyes appeared in awe of her and he grinned as he stepped inside.

She folded her arms, "what are you doing here?"

"I wanted to surprise you," he answered, as he closed the door behind him.

"Why?"

"I wanted to apologize, again. And I wanted to get your response in person about going away with me this weekend."

She released a deep breath, "I don't know."

"Is there anything I can do to convince you?" he flirted. He laid the flowers on her dining room table. Afterward he wrapped his arm around her waist.

She grinned, "I guess you can try."

He kissed her lips.

Chapter Five

Jamal led Danielle by the hand into his house. He had blindfolded her, and told her he had a surprise for her that evening. While she mentioned she had wanted to talk to him, he assured her what he had to say was more important. He was not going to let anything ruin the moment.

As they stepped inside, he felt his heart pound inside his chest. He did not know if it was anxiety, or his body warning him he was making a huge mistake. Though Danielle's hand intertwined with his, he questioned the proposal. After the moment he shared with Yazmin, he wondered was he doing the wrong thing. Nonetheless, he grasped Danielle's hand and assured himself his decision was right.

"What are you doing, Jamal?" Danielle asked.

He kissed her cheek. "Don't move," he said, as he walked to turn on the stereo in the living room.

Danielle smiled when she heard jazz music began to play. Jamal came back put one arm around her waist and took off the bandana. He kissed her neck.

"What's all this for?" she asked sounding confused.

"Something special for a special woman," he answered.

"Jamal, I need to tell you something," she said.

"After dessert, Babe. Just relax and let me pamper my woman. Alright?" he said.

At that moment, he led her to the table where a prepared dinner waited. Translucent smoke steamed from the plates along with. Two candles burned, which completed the romantic ambiance.

Danielle took her seat across from Jamal. "This is nice."

"I just wanted to do something special for you," he replied, as he put his napkin in his lap. He looked to see her facial expression. She did not seem excited.

"Jamal...," she began.

"What's wrong, Babe? You're not hungry?" he questioned.

"No everything's perfect except...," she replied.

Jamal sat back in his seat confused by her behavior. "Everything's perfect except what?"

"Us Jamal."

He gave her an intense look, as he grasped the ring box in his pocket. "What's that supposed to mean, Danielle?"

"Jamal, we just don't mix."

"Mix how?"

"You're a nice guy, a great guy, but I just don't feel the same way you do."

"So you don't love me?"

"I didn't say I didn't love you Jamal. I just—"

"Just what?"

"Look Jamal," she began, "I'm not used to dating a guy like you. I mean you're everything a woman could want, but I just don't think I'm ready to be in a committed relationship."

"It's been a year, Danielle," he commented.

"I know," she responded.

"So all this has been nothing to you?"

"No Jamal. Don't get me wrong, I have enjoyed our time together, but that's just it. I don't feel anything else."

Jamal's grip tightened around the ring box in his pocket, for he knew there was more to Danielle's story. While they had only dated for a year, he knew her well. She was one of the few women that he actually dated for the right reasons. In the past, he considered himself a "player." Tied down to one woman did not suit him, and figured he needed to have fun in his teens and early twenties. Now, almost thirty, the "player" lifestyle became stale. Jamal wanted to settle down, for his old ways no longer satisfied him.

When he met Danielle, she was just getting out of a five-year relationship. Meeting her at a local restaurant, immediately he was attracted to her and asked for her phone number. As they talked and spent time together, he discovered she was still getting over her previous relationship. He tried to give her space to heal, but she insisted she wanted to move on and not live in fear of being hurt. The past year for the couple possessed great memories, and Jamal wanted them to continue. Although Danielle came with baggage from her past, he chose to look past it and love her in spite of her flaws.

However, he noticed recently Danielle's distance. As a man, he knew the signs when another man was messing with his territory. At first, he was only suspicious, but after some investigating, he knew what her issue was. In this moment, he knew she was not telling him the whole truth.

"Who is he?" he asked seriously.

Danielle swallowed hard. "Jamal, please—"

"Who is he, Danielle?"

She brushed her hair behind her ear with her fingers. Then she met Jamal's gaze. "Marcel."

Jamal thought for a moment. "Ain't that your ex?"

"Yeah," she confessed.

Jamal rose from his seat and walked to the living room, as he felt his blood boil. Soon Danielle followed and joined him on the couch. He crossed his arms.

"Didn't you leave him for me the first time we hooked up?" he asked.

She nodded. Her eyes widened when she noticed the roses, strawberries, and champagne on the coffee table. She redirected her attention back to him. "Yes I did."

"So now you're leaving me for him now?" Though he tried to remain calm, anger consumed him.

"Don't say it like that, Jamal."

"How am I supposed to say it? It's the truth ain't it?"

"Look, I didn't plan on this happening. I honestly thought I was over Marcel, but..."

"But what?"

"I still love him. Jamal I'm so—," Danielle began but Jamal cut off her sentence.

"Don't say I'm sorry," he said angrily, "I already know that. Tell me something I've haven't heard."

"This is not all my fault Jamal," she mentioned to him.

He gave her a sharp look. "I'm sorry who's leaving who?" His tone was rude and sarcastic.

"All I'm saying is there are two people in this relationship. So I'm not completely responsible," she responded.

"How the hell is this my fault?"

"What about Yazmin?"

Jamal countered, "What's she got to do with this?"

"I've seen how you look at her. You've never treated me like you treat, Yazmin," Danielle pointed out.

"What the hell are you talking about?"

"Come on, Jamal. Be honest for once. You've never let me in the way you do with her. If something is going on with you, you tell her before me. I've always felt like I was just a stand in until you figured out how you felt about her."

"There is nothing going on between us. How many times do I have to tell you? Stop being so insecure Danielle. Just because one guy screwed you over don't mean that's what I'm gonna do!"

"The hell it's not! For all I know you could be—"

"Shut up, Danielle!

"Look all I know is I'm not the only one to blame. This is a two way street, so do not put this all on me. There are two people in this relationship."

"Well according to you they're three people in this one. Tell me how that works again Danielle? You sleep in my bed one night and then Marcel's the next night," he scolded.

"Don't be rude Jamal," she answered.

"Nah, if I wanna be rude, I would ask where you last week. When I couldn't reach you, I called your sister and she told me she dropped you off at a friend's house. You wanna know the cool thing about Smartphones, Danielle? You can track them."

Danielle raised an eyebrow. "You tracked my phone?"

"Don't play a player, Babe."

"I can't believe you!"

"Thought you were dating a dumbass, huh?"

"If you knew then why didn't you say anything?"

"I don't know because I asked myself that same question. I guess like an ass I wanted to believe the best about you, but it looks like the joke's on me."

"Look, Jamal I know you're—"

"Answer my question, Danielle?" he asked seriously.

"What?" she asked, as if trying to avoid the answer.

"Have you been sleeping with him? I already know, but I wanna hear from your mouth," Jamal asked. Danielle nodded as tears rolled down her face. She reached for Jamal's arm but he jerked away. "Don't touch me." He reached in his pocket, pulled out the black box, and laid it on the coffee table. He opened it and sat back in his seat.

Danielle covered her mouth with her hand. "Oh my God."

"That was supposed to be yours," he commented, though his tone was dry with no emotion.

"Jamal—" she began to say.

He raised his hand for her to stop talking. "Just get out Danielle!"

"Jamal I—," Danielle replied as she moved closer to him.

"Get out, Danielle," he said again. "Leave your key!"

Jamal stared into space as he heard his door open and close. As he replayed what had just happened in his mind, his heart thumped inside his chest as he balled his fists. Then his thoughts went even further. Ever since he changed and became a "one-woman-man," his success for a committed relationship was rare. Danielle seemed promising and now she was gone. _Maybe this is payback from my years as a player_. After what seemed like hours later, he reached in his other pocket for his cell phone. He knew he needed to talk to someone. As he looked at his most recent messages, the first person on the list was Yazmin. He gave a slight grin as he texted her.

10:47p.m...Jamal: Hey

10:50p....Yazmin: Wats wrong?

10:52p.m...Jamal: how u kno something wrong?

10:54p.m...Yazmin: u started with one word to initiate conversation

He grinned.

10:57:p.m...Jamal: I guess ur right

10:59:p.m...Yazmin: wat happened? I didn't think I'd hear from u tonight

He let out a deep breath.

11:01p.m...Jamal: I didn't propose. Danielle and I broke up

Jamal waited for Yazmin's response, but there was none. He waited a few more minutes, but then he heard his phone ring. She was calling him.

"Hello," he said.

"I'm sorry I needed a few minutes," she began, "now start from the beginning. What happened?"

"We broke up," he answered.

"Do you wanna talk? Really talk?" she questioned sounding sympathetic.

"She's going back to her ex," he replied.

"Seriously?"

"Yep."

"I can't believe this."

"Don't worry about it," he commented.

"Don't worry about it? Are you kidding me Jamal? Look, Danielle is a two-timing B-I-T-C-H. You're a good man and if she can't see that, then you don't need her," Yazmin ranted.

Jamal responded, "You sound more pissed than me."

"You're my friend, Jamal, and nobody messes with my friend," she said. "Do you need a 'cheer me up'?"

He grinned at her suggestion. "Why can't you come up with a better name for that?"

"When I come up with one, I'll let you know," she joked. "Give me thirty minutes. Alright?"

\----

Yazmin came out of her bathroom and walked back to her living room. Brad was putting back on his jacket, for they had just finished watching a movie. He was leaving.

"Sorry I can't stay, but I gotta get—," he said.

"I know," Yazmin interrupted, "you gotta go to work early tomorrow."

"Come on, Babe," he replied, "don't do this. We just had a good time and we're going away for the weekend. Right?"

"I haven't decided yet," she responded, as she folded her arms.

"What's that supposed to mean?" he questioned.

"It means what it means. No explanation needed. Okay?" she countered.

"Yazmin look, I said I was sorry and I'm trying to make it up to you. Just come away with me and we can forget about everything," he declared.

All Yazmin could do was take deep breaths, as she stared at Brad. _I guess it wouldn't hurt_. Her arms remained folded as he walked towards her. At that moment, he cupped her face in his hands and kissed her lips.

"You're not getting off that easily," she muttered in between kisses.

"I'm getting close. Right?" he responded.

"I'll let you know tomorrow," she said.

Brad nodded as he hands dropped to his side. Yazmin walked him to door and locked it after he left. She stood at the door a few minutes then grabbed her purse, keys, and cell phone. As soon as she locked up her apartment, she proceeded to the parking lot to her car.

As she glided down the road, she decided to stop by the grocery store. Once she parked her car, she called Jamal back. After three rings, he picked up.

"Hello," he said.

"You know you have to tell me all that happened. Right?" she answered.

"Where are you again?" he questioned.

"I'm almost there," she responded. "Don't change the subject. What happened? I wanna know."

"There's nothing to tell, Yazmin!" he began, as if annoyed by her persistence. "We broke up! She was messing around with her ex and wants to be with him."

Though she knew he was hurting, his tone sounded harsh. "Okay. I know you are pissed right now, but don't lash out at me Jamal Parker! I am just trying to help you and talk about it. I know you don't like to talk, but if you don't it's only gonna eat at you."

"Okay, okay, Yaz," he said, "I'm sorry I didn't mean—"

"I know you didn't," she agreed.

"You forgive me," he asked sounding apologetic.

"I don't know," she said playfully.

"What can I do to make it up to you?" he questioned.

"Give me back my twenty bucks," she joked.

She heard him chuckle in response.

Chapter Six

Jamal unlocked the door to Yazmin who stood on his porch with a grocery bag. She smiled. _She's even gorgeous in sweats_. He smiled as she stepped inside and walked towards the kitchen. He followed and found her retrieving two bowls and spoons from his cabinet and drawers. He stood by the kitchen island and watched as she took out the ice cream out of the bag.

His eyes surveyed the profile of her body. Her gray sweats pants hugged her bottom showing off the squats she had made a habit. Her zippered black jacket covered her chest, but it still clasped against her torso showing how small she had become. She had managed to keep her body tight and fit, and though Jamal always liked her regardless of her size, he could not deny he had become fond of her new petite frame. Then she brushed her hair behind her ears, which exposed her right cheek. Her brown skin looked as smooth and delicate as a rose petal.

"Jamal, did you hear me?" she asked.

He came out of his trance. "Huh?"

"I asked were you okay," she repeated with smile.

"Yeah, I'm cool," he said, as she handed him a bowl. "Thanks."

She smirked. "I knew I didn't like that girl."

"I know you didn't, and now I know why."

"Do I need to go see her?"

"I thought you didn't fight?"

"I don't, but if someone messes with my people then they're messing with me. Do you want me to?"

Jamal gave a small grin at her comment but shook his head in response. Though it seemed like a good idea, he knew it would not change anything. At that moment, Yazmin put her bowl down, walked over, and embraced him. She stroked his freshly cut hair, as he rested his head on her shoulder. To his surprise, she felt right in his arms, as if he had always belonged there. While they had hugged before, he had never felt this much intensity between them.

"How did you know I needed a hug?" he asked when she released her grip from around him.

"I know you. Remember?" she responded.

"That's true," he said.

"You want chocolate or vanilla?" Yazmin asked.

"Both," Jamal replied.

She pushed both containers towards him. "You got some chocolate syrup?" she asked walking towards his pantry.

"In the back," Jamal responded as he scooped from both.

Yazmin questioned, "You want sprinkles?"

He grinned. "No, it's bad enough we're eating this junk." Then, he took a spoonful in his mouth.

"But don't you feel better?" she asked walking back towards him with the syrup.

"A little."

"That's what I thought."

"Whatever you say."

After that, she changed the subject. "I know I'm going on about this, but you didn't even get to propose?"

He retrieved two bar stools for them to sit. "Nope."

"Wow, that's just wrong. She just blurted it out like that," she said and took a spoonful of chocolate ice cream in her mouth.

"You know what, I think it would've been worse if I had of asked her," he commented.

She nodded. "I know what you mean."

"And you know something else?"

"What?"

"I had a feeling something was going but I didn't wanna believe it. Then when I tracked her phone I knew it was true."

"Why didn't you say anything then?"

"I don't know. I guess I didn't wanna believe it. Think about it, Yaz, you remember how I was in high school and college. I had a different girl every week and I didn't care if I cheated. If I wanted another one, I went after her and I didn't care. I admit, Danielle had me sprung and I let a lot of things slide in our relationship. I guess I just wanted it to work out, no matter what it took. Now look what happened? I don't know maybe this is my payback."

"Don't say that Jamal!" Yazmin countered. "You're a good guy. Yeah you've made mistakes, but who hasn't? All that matters is who you are now?"

"If you say so," he responded. "Maybe I just need to go back to the way things were."

"No," she protested, "I didn't like you when you were a 'player' or whatever you were trying to be back in the day."

"Hold up," he began, "I never played you. I've always been a good friend to you."

"I know, but that doesn't mean I liked what you were doing," she explained.

"You never told me."

"I did, you just didn't listen."

He grinned for he knew she was right. "Let's get off me for a while. So are you going with Brad this weekend?" he asked.

"I think I'm just gonna go and see what happens. I know sometimes I tend to exaggerate, so I'll see how he does this weekend," she responded.

He nodded. "In other words he's paying for it so you're going."

"No, I'm really going to see what comes of it. I'm curious to see if he's coming around," she replied.

"Okay Yaz," he joked.

She rolled her eyes in annoyance. "Seriously, I'm trying to give him the benefit of the doubt."

"You shouldn't have to."

When she met his gaze, once again the uncanny feeling came over Jamal. He looked away as she reached for the syrup. Then he cleared his throat in an attempt to disrupt his fantasy.

"What do you mean by that?" she asked.

"Like you said earlier, you shouldn't have to convince a man to treat you right. He should do it regardless," he explained.

She smiled. "Thank you. I keep forgetting you can be sweet sometimes."

"That's why don't understand why I'm in this situation I'm in right now. I was good to Danielle," he commented, as he rose from his seat. He walked over to the sink but kept his back turned to her.

"It's not you. Trust me," she said.

"If you say so," he replied nonchalantly.

He faced her. She folded her arms as she stood in front of him. Since she had taken off her jacket, her crossed arms underneath her breasts lifted them. Jamal shifted his eyes to the floor to keep his eyes off her. He knew if he did not interrupt his gaze, he would have a challenging time looking away. He had been thinking about her more and more, and the break-up with Danielle had him deliberating his relationship with Yazmin.

"It's true," she began, "Danielle just doesn't know what a good man you are."

He produced a miniature grin. "I appreciate that...and thanks for being here."

"What are friends for?" she commented.

"No I mean it," he responded honestly, "thanks for being here. I know I can always count on you."

"You've been there for me. Remember?"

He nodded, "I appreciate you."

She smiled and moseyed in to give him another hug. This time he held her longer than previously. He smiled to himself as she rose on her tippy toes and hugged his neck. She did not seem to hurry him, but allowed him to rest his head on her shoulder.

Just as she suspected, Yazmin got the sensation of butterflies in her stomach again. At first, she felt uncomfortable in Jamal's arms, but at the same time, she liked it. He massaged her back with his strong hands and nestled his face in her neck.

"Uh, Jamal..., I need to go home. It's getting late," she whispered.

He held onto her a little longer but soon he released her. At that moment, he rubbed her chin with his thumb and smiled. She smiled back just as his look changed. He leaned closer and she knew he was moving to kiss her. Although, she wanted to pull away and leave, she did not. At that point, Jamal's lips touched hers.

An electric shock went through Yazmin's core. _Wow_. She was even more surprised when she felt her knees wobble and her body tingle. The butterflies in her stomach multiplied and she felt lightheaded. She leaned against Jamal for support and his arms made her feel secure. Not wanting to stop, she brought one hand to his cheek, as he wrapped his arms around her waist. His lips were soft just as she imagined, and she loved how his hands caressed her back.

As he ran his hands up and down, she tried to recall when she ever felt this wanted. Though she had always wanted passion in a relationship, she never imagined it would be like this. Jamal seemed to stimulate the excitement she had desired to feel. Then he started sampling her jaw line and trailed his way back to her lips. Yazmin felt as if she were the dessert for she took pleasure in his technique. Afterward, she supposed her temperature rose, for she urged to fan herself. Next, Jamal slowed his rhythm with seconds in between each kiss. After brushing one against her lips, he would nibble on her bottom lip and go in for another one.

Yazmin felt as if she was in a series of kisses, and each one was deeper than the last one. He made her pine for more, and she fought hard against the fantasies that ran through her mind. However, with no success in her inward battle against her thoughts, she wondered what it would be like if things went further. _Would you stop it Yazmin! Why can't I push him away? Why does this feel right? What is wrong with me?_

Jamal felt as if his heart was beating faster as he stroked Yazmin's back. Then his hands moved lower to her bottom. She moaned when he gave it a gentle squeeze and wrapped her arms around his neck. At that juncture, he scooped her into his arms and sat her on the counter with her legs separated at his waist. Her mouth tasted sweet and he could not tell if it was she or the aftertaste of the ice cream. Regardless, the nectar of Yazmin's mouth was intoxicating and he yearned for more. As she moved her tongue in and out of his mouth, he could not help but wonder if he had genuine feelings for Yazmin? _Am I in love with her? Have I been in denial all these years wasting time with other women when I should have been with her?_ Though he had always loved her as a friend, this emotion was out of the ordinary. This sensation ran deeper than anything he had ever known. Yazmin here with him in his arms felt entirely right.

At that point, he slid his hands underneath her t-shirt for he wanted to feel her skin. When he led his kisses to her neck, his hands explored underneath her shirt. As soon as he cupped her full breasts in his hands, Yazmin abruptly stopped him. She slid off the counter in an attempt to leave, but he had both of his hands on either side of her. She remained in front of him.

He did not say a word but leaned in for another kiss. To his surprise, she welcomed it. Her lips were tender from the first round, but he continued to survey her mouth with his tongue. She wrapped her arms around his neck as he embraced her waist. Her taste was addictive and he did not want anything else. In the past, he would get bored with a woman, but with Yazmin, it was always real. Now, things felt more real than ever. At that moment, Jamal's feelings consumed him. He knew he was falling for her. Unfortunately, she stopped his kiss again. She put her hand over her mouth as if in shock and met his gaze. Before long, she walked away.

A part of him wanted to go after her, but he decided to let her go. He figured she was overwhelmed and needed time to think, and so did he. This was entirely unexpected and he did not know what to make of it. When he heard the door close, he let out a deep breath. _Damn_. Though he feared this possibly ruined him and Yazmin's relationship, on the other hand, he smiled as he recalled their kiss. Her mouth seemed to alert his entire nervous system. He never knew kissing alone could be that intense, but Yazmin had proven his notions wrong. If they did go further, he figured he would probably explode with incredible pleasure. That thought alone gave him a thrill all over. To calm himself that night, he took a cold shower.

Chapter Seven

"I can't believe you made out with, Jamal!" Alana exclaimed.

Yazmin eyeballed her friends. She had invited them over to her place the following night for movie night. She knew Alana loved every minute of the conversation. "It was an accident, I think."

"I've never kissed a man by accident," Alana joked.

Larissa nodded in agreement. "Yeah I'd have to agree."

"It was a mistake. He just broke up with Danielle, and I came over to help him feel better," she explained.

"I bet you did," Alana joked.

Larissa laughed aloud.

"Can you all stop for just a minute this is serious. I think I just ruined a twenty year friendship," Yazmin replied.

Alana let out a deep breath to compose herself. "Okay. I'm sorry. Now let's look at the pro side of this situation. Is he a good kisser?"

"How is that helping her Alana?" Larissa asked.

"I'm trying to get a clearer understanding," Alana replied.

"Honestly," Yazmin began, "Jamal...is not that bad. I think he's the best kiss I ever had."

"I knew it!" Alana exclaimed. "I knew you had a thing for him."

"I don't have a thing for Jamal. He's my best friend. I've known him for years and we've been through a lot together. What happened was a mistake and it's not gonna happen again," Yazmin concluded, hoping they would drop the subject. She had spent the previous night going back and forth about her and Jamal, and she was confused on how to handle the situation.

Larissa furrowed her eyebrow. "Well Yaz, it looks to me it meant more if you're making a big deal about it. Are you sure you've never thought Jamal more than just a friend?"

Yazmin plopped down on her love seat. "I don't know."

Alana and Larissa stared at her.

"Okay. Maybe once in high school, but nothing happened."

"Did you want something to happen?"

Yazmin reluctantly replied, "At first I did, but when things didn't work out I figured it was for the best. I cannot get involved with Jamal. I can't."

"Why not?" Alana inquired curiously.

"It wouldn't be right," Yazmin commented.

"Yazmin," Alana began, "I know I joke about you and Jamal, but that's only because I know a good man when I see him. Can you honestly sit there and tell me you don't have feelings for him? If you do, you owe it to yourself to find out."

"Yeah, what if you and Jamal are meant to be together," Larissa agreed.

"And what if we just got caught up in the moment and this means nothing," Yazmin argued.

Alana countered, "Or what if there is something going on and you two are just in denial."

Yazmin rubbed the temples of her forehead. "This is too confusing. Besides, I'm with Brad. Oh no. I forgot about Brad. I think I cheated on Brad!"

"Girl it's not like you slept with Jamal," Alana replied.

"I don't know. If she feels guilty over a kiss then...I," Larissa responded.

"Forget Brad! What I want to know is did you feel something, Yazmin?" Alana questioned.

Yazmin met Alana's look. She knew she felt something. She had not been able to get the kiss out of her mind, and she did not know why. "Maybe a little."

"Then that settles it, go for it with Jamal," Alana said.

Larissa argued, "And just leave Brad hanging like that."

"I can't do that. I've been with Brad for two years and it wouldn't be fair to him. Maybe I should tell...no it's better that he doesn't know," Yazmin replied.

Alana shook her head. "I was about to say, girl, I would not tell Brad anything. Besides, you said so yourself, things haven't been that great between you two lately. Why should you settle for someone who barely pays attention you and doesn't appreciate what you have to offer?"

"I guess I know whose side you're on," Yazmin said sounding annoyed. _Why did I tell them?_

Alana's look turned serious. "Yazmin, I'm being serious. I've never in my life have seen a man dedicate himself to a woman, who was not his, as Jamal does with you. He has been there for you through everything. I have seen him take care of you when you were sick, and hold you when you would cry over breakups with those jerks you dated. We as women always complain about finding a good man. Jamal, in my opinion, is a good man. He may not be perfect, but the man has himself together. I guess I don't understand why you would pass him up to stay with a man like Brad who has no problem canceling important dates with you. My thing is, Jamal goes out of his way for you, and I bet that if you called him with a problem, he would be here in a heartbeat. If you did that with Brad, he would tell you he's too busy, it's too late, and he'll check on you later. I would choose Jamal over Brad, because Jamal cares about you. He doesn't try to play you because he knows how special you are. Come on, Yazmin, what more do you want? You are a good woman and Jamal is a good man so why wouldn't you two get together? Personally, I think the fact that you're best friends is a bonus."

Yazmin pondered over Alana's words. She hoped it was not true, but everything Alana said was accurate. Jamal would be there for her without question. He did take care of her when she was sick, and she could not count how many times she had complained to him about past boyfriends. He would even give her advice as to what she should do. Would it be that bad to be with him? Jamal was a good man, and she could not bring herself to deny what she was feeling. Though she wished it would go away, it remained. In high school, she admitted to feelings for him, but now they felt deeper.

"Sounds good enough to me," Larissa added. "We just want you to be happy Yazmin."

"I know," Yazmin replied.

"Do you even love, Brad?" Alana asked.

Yazmin shook her head in response. "Yes I do. That's why I feel guilty about what happened."

"Are you in love with Brad? There is a difference you know," Larissa questioned.

"I don't know," Yazmin responded reluctantly.

"Do you love Jamal?" Larissa asked.

"Yes I love Jamal. I've known him my whole life," Yazmin admitted.

"You know what we mean Yazmin. Do you love Jamal? Are you in love with him?" Alana added.

Yazmin deliberated the question given that it was the first time someone asked her true feelings for Jamal. She knew she loved him but could not decide if it was something more. The more she thought about it, the more she smiled on the inside. She dismissed the feeling. She could not be in love with her best friend. It was all a mistake and she knew it. If things went too far, she could lose him.

"No I don't," Yazmin replied. In a way, she knew she was lying to herself and her friends. She figured if she ignored the notion it might fade away. _It's just a faze._

"Are you sure?" Alana asked.

"I'm sure. Alright," Yazmin replied. _Can we just drop this?_

"Okay. I'll buy it for now," Alana stated folding her arms.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Yazmin questioned.

"You're in denial. You lit up when you told us about the kiss, and I think something is gonna happen between you two," Alana explained.

"I told you it was just a kiss and that's it! It's over and I'm done talking about it," Yazmin replied rising from her seat.

"Looks like you're getting fired up, Yazmin," Larissa stated.

Alana nodded. "I know so we must be getting to her."

"Okay look," Yazmin began, "I know you two are just trying to help, and I appreciate you telling me the truth. At the end of the day, I am the one that has to decide. If I choose to be with Brad, it is my decision. You're right Jamal is a good man, but that doesn't mean we're supposed to be together. If it comes up again then we'll discuss it and make the choice ourselves. Until then, can we just enjoy movie night?"

"Okay. You're right," Larissa responded.

"Alright," Alana added.

Yazmin let out a deep breath as she sat back down on her love seat. _Glad that's over._ Once she was alone, she prepared her work clothes for the following day. As she ironed her suit, she watched, as the wrinkles disappeared and wished her life were just as simple. That all her problems would go away with one sweep.

Once she finished ironing, she ran herself a hot bath. As she leaned her head back and allowed the water to engulf her body, she listened to her R&B music collection. The water brought her body tranquility, while the music ceased her thought about everything except one person, Jamal. No matter how she tried, she could not stop reflecting on their kiss. As she closed her eyes, she envisioned the previous night all over again. Almost immediately, she began to feel Jamal's lips on hers. Without more ado, she opened her eyes. When she came to her senses, she noticed she was panting and her eyes widened. As beads of sweat formed on her brow, she knew the hot water she sat in was not the only thing making her warm.

Then her mind took another turn with her thoughts. It dawned on her why she feared her and Jamal's relationship going too far. He was the only man in her life with whom she had a successful relationship. In the past, her relationships with men were scarce. They were either not ready for a commitment, or they were unfaithful, and left Yazmin heartbroken. Nonetheless, she still believed true love existed. She knew deep inside she was worthy of love just as anybody else. Though she realized it took work, she did not mind the labor. Conversely, there was no denying her record of accomplishment in love. She wondered if she would always be unlucky in it.

Jamal, on the other hand, always remained consistent in her life. She knew she could turn to him with anything, and he would show his support. She had never experienced that with a man, and the thought of losing it was devastating. Though her attraction for him was evident, she did not want to tamper their friendship.

Once she was in bed, Yazmin closed her eyes and attempted to relax. However, sleep did not come easy to her. She could not get Jamal out of her mind. She sat up in bed, laid her head against her headboard, and folded her arms. Frustrated with herself, she kicked back the covers and proceeded to her kitchen. After she retrieved a glass of water, she returned to her bedroom and sat on her bed. A sudden chill caused her teeth to chatter, so she went back under the bed covers. As she clinched to them for warmth, she wondered again about Jamal.

_Why can't I stop thinking about him? We're friends. We've been friends since we were kids. Why am I feeling this now? Then again, it would make sense in a way. We've both had unsuccessful relationships and we keep coming back to each other. Uggggghhhhh stop it Yazmin! You're with Brad. You love Brad and you're going away with him this weekend. Jamal is your friend and that make out session was a mistake. It won't happen again. I just hope it's not weird between us. Can we still hang out without any problems? Forget it! Who am I kidding? Hell yeah it's going to be weird. Oh man, what's wrong with me?_ While her mind raced, she covered her face with the sheets.

Chapter Eight

Yazmin put the final touches to her make-up, as she got ready for dinner with Brad. It was the final night together of their romantic weekend. So far, she had been enjoying herself. Upon their arrival, they went out to dinner and from there to a play at an outdoor theatre. The following morning they had breakfast and spent the afternoon at a nearby theme park. Though taken aback by this gesture, she enjoyed the park, for it made her reminisce on her childhood years. The cool gentle breeze ran through her hair and the sunny sky made it pleasant.

Now it was the last night of their bed and breakfast weekend, and they were having dinner in a private room downstairs. To her astonishment, Brad's full attention was on her, and he kept saying he had a surprise that would change their lives. At the mention of this, Yazmin became extremely uneasy. _Is he going to ask me to marry him?_ Though the thought excited her, she was still uncertain, especially with everything that had happened between her and Jamal.

_Am I even ready to get married? Can I be with him for the rest of my life? God, I'm so confused. We've had a nice time but can I really see myself with him? Or do I really want...? No, I know I'm ready. I love Brad and he is the man I want._ She shook her head in an attempt to disturb her outrageous thoughts. She then proceeded to the bathroom and dressed for the occasion. She sat on the wall of the tub as she slid her feet into her black four-inch pumps. After that, she stood and overlooked her royal blue V-neck cocktail dress. A black belt around her waist accentuated her hips and her short spiral-curled hair perfectly complimented her heart-shaped face. Yazmin fluffed her curls to perfection followed by her lip-gloss, which she carefully swept over her pursed full lips.

Although Yazmin tried to keep her mind focused on Brad, she could not stop thinking about her and Jamal's kiss. She still could not believe how it was full of passion and desire. It did not feel awkward or strange, and she did not feel disgusted afterwards. She liked how Jamal kissed her. He did not rush, but took his time and savored her mouth, which sent chills up and down her spine.

Yazmin smiled and gently nibbled on her bottom lip. She kept wondering if her friends and parents had been right all along. Did she belong with Jamal? She caught herself and cleared her mind. Then guilt overwhelmed her all over again. She was in a relationship with Brad, but she had made out with her best friend. _Are you crazy?_

As she rubbed her lips together to evenly distribute her lip color, she recalled how they felt after Jamal's kiss. She reminisced how tender they were and when she licked her lips that night, she still could taste him. At that moment, Yazmin ran her tongue across her white even teeth and let out a deep breath. _Forget it Yazmin. It meant nothing._

She jerked when she heard a knock on her door. She then walked over and looked through the peephole. It was Brad. Yazmin retrieved her purse, and then picked up her cell phone. She noticed she had a text from Jamal.

7:12p.m...Jamal: Hope ur havin a good time

Yazmin smiled. Despite the fact that they had talked since their kiss, they did not discuss it. It was as if they knew the other did not want to talk about it.

7:15p.m...Yazmin: Thanks, I'll talk to u later

She took another deep breath and answered the door. Brad smirked when she opened it and held out his hand. She took it with a smile as they walked to their private room for dinner.

Upon arrival, Yazmin observed the room decorated with red roses and scented candles. Although she knew the candles possessed multiple scents, she knew she smelled vanilla, her favorite. A silver candelabrum with burning candles rested on the dining table, and she grinned as Brad led her by the hand to her seat. The candles radiated the room, and they gave seemed to bounce off the walls. Yazmin could not deny the ambiance was breathtaking and romantic. Trying to remain calm and not anticipate what was going to happen, she nibbled on her bottom lip. Brad then pulled out the seat for her to sit down and handed her a glass of champagne.

"Babe, this is nice," she said and took a sip.

He sat on the opposite side of her. "I told you I would make things up to you." At that moment, he placed a miniature blue box on the table.

Yazmin's eyes widened. "Brad, what's this?"

"Open it," he answered with a smile. Then he pushed the box closer towards her.

She quickly opened the box. However, she was disappointed when she saw what was inside. It was a key. "What's this Brad?"

"A key to my place," he replied.

She gave him a confused look. "Why?"

"I want you to move in with me," Brad replied.

She grabbed her phone in her lap, and without taking her eyes off Brad, she texted Jamal.

7:31p.m...Yazmin: This fool just gave me a key in a ring box.

"Are you serious?" she questioned surprised, still holding her phone in her lap.

"What's wrong with it?" he asked sounding confused.

"Why would you give me this in a ring box? What's wrong with an envelope?"

"You're mad because of the packaging?"

"It's in a ring box Brad! What am I supposed to think?"

"You didn't think I was proposing, did you?"

"Yes I did, Brad. Like I said, it's in a ring box!"

"Yazmin, I'm not proposing to you."

She gave him a cross look. At that point, she looked down at her phone. Jamal had texted her back.

7:35p.m...Jamal: 4 real?

"What's that supposed to mean Brad? Why wouldn't we get married? We've been together for two years. You even said you wanted to take our relationship to the next level," she questioned.

"When I said that, I meant moving in together," he replied.

"So when are you planning on us getting married? Twenty years from now?" she asked.

"Yaz, don't start. Let's just have a good evening. Alright?" he commented.

"Really Brad. I need to know where this is going," she responded.

His look was intense. "Yazmin, I don't want to get married."

With that, she sat back in her seat knowing he was being serious. "Why not?"

He let out a deep breath. "Now's not the time to talk about it. Okay. Don't ruin the evening for us."

She was not letting up any time soon. This was completely unexpected and she wanted answers. "No Brad! Now would be a great time I think for you to tell me. Why don't you want to get married?"

"Honestly...I just don't think you're the one for me," he admitted to her.

Yazmin could feel anger building up inside and her eyes widened at his comment. Her brow furrowed and her heart pounded. She tried to remain calm. "When did you realize this?"

"A few months ago," he said.

"Then why have you been wasting my time Brad? I want marriage and kids. If that's not what you want, then you should've left a long time ago!"

"I thought my feelings would change after we moved in together."

"Are you kidding me right now?"

"Yazmin," he began, "you're an amazing woman, but I just don't think that for me your wife material."

7:42p.m...Yazmin: No this fool didn't.

7:46p.m...Jamal: Wat?

"You got some nerve!" she declared. "So what have we been doing for the past two years? Were you 'trying me on' like a pair of shoes to see if I would fit you? If you don't want what I want then why string me along?"

"Yazmin, you're a remarkable person. I just don't think you're what I want in a wife," he confessed.

She inhaled deeply, trying to remain composed. On the other hand, she wanted to come across the table and rip Brad's face off with her hands. Nonetheless, she held herself back in her seat.

"Well, thank you for sharing," she said getting up from her seat. Though she wanted to just walk away and leave well enough alone, she could not resist. She grabbed her half full champagne glass and threw the rest in his face.

"What the hell Yazmin!" he exclaimed.

With that, she left the room with the champagne bottle and walked out the room. She heard Brad behind her.

"Yazmin, hold up!" he snapped.

"What for?" she retorted back.

He caught her at the elevator. "Would you calm down?" He wiped his face with his jacket. "Damn, did you have to throw it in my face?"

"After what you said, you're lucky I didn't do worse," she responded and walked inside the elevator.

He pressed the button for their floor. "I know you're pissed, but don't leave like this. Alright?"

Her heart continued to pound. While she wanted to scream the building down, she held back. Even while the pressure built in her throat, she managed to remain collected. "How in the hell was I supposed to respond, Brad? You're telling me I'm not good enough for you. What woman you know wants to hear 'she's not wife material?'"

He reached for her but she jerked away. "I'm sorry. Look, Babe, I am not ready for marriage. Let's just give it some time and we'll see where we are in a couple of years."

She furrowed her brow. "So I'm supposed to wait for you to get ready?"

"You don't think we're worth waiting for? We got something good here. So let's not lose it over something like this."

"I don't know what to think, but I don't like you right now." _Has he lost his mind_?

When they made it to their floor, they walked off the elevator and proceeded down the hallway to their room.

"Look, let's just sleep on it for tonight. We'll talk about it more in the morning," he suggested.

She blocked the door. "I'll sleep on it, but it won't be with you."

He took a step back. "You're kicking me out the room?"

"Hell yeah!" she snapped.

"Are you serious right now?" he asked. His voice sounded annoyed.

"Yes, you'll be sleeping alone tonight," she stated.

"I paid for the room, Yazmin. I'm sleeping here tonight."

"Like hell you will!"

Brad turned his head as he saw another couple walking down the hallway. He cleared his throat as they strolled past. Yazmin folded her arms knowing Brad did not want to display their quarrel in front of an audience. She knew he was too proud for that, and did not like others "being in their business."

"Well?" she said.

He directed his attention back to her. "I'm at least getting my clothes."

"Don't worry I'll get them for you!" she declared.

She opened the door to their room and closed it behind her. She gathered Brad's clothes and brought them to the door. When she opened it, she motioned for him to pick them up after she dropped them.

"You know what," he began angrily, as he picked up his clothes, "I'm gonna let you have this one. We'll talk about this later."

"What do you mean you'll let me have this one?"

"You always want to be in control, Yazmin. If we can't do things you're way, you get pissed!"

"Is that what you think I am?"

"I know that's who you are!"

"You know what, Brad. You don't know anything about me. Regardless of what you think, I know I'm a good woman and if you can't appreciate that, then we have nothing more to talk about."

"So what are you saying? You wanna break up?"

"You don't want me so why should I stay?"

"I never said that. See that's what I'm talking about, Yazmin. You can't see sometimes past your nose. You only see what you want to see!"

"We don't want the same things so why should I stay with someone who doesn't love me?"

"I never said I didn't love you."

"Not enough to marry me."

"Marriage ain't for everyone, and I wish you'd stop trying to force me. This is who I am and if you can't accept that then—"

"Whatever you say," she responded sarcastically.

"Damn it Yazmin! What do you want me to do?" he asked.

"Not a damn thing," she answered, as she closed the door in his face. Soon she heard him knock and call her name, but she ignored him. There was nothing left for her to say, and the last thing she wanted to do was argue with him for the rest of the evening.

Yazmin then locked the door, took a gulp of champagne, and kicked off her shoes. She wanted to leave that night, but she knew she was too upset to drive, and she rode with Brad. She looked down at her phone in her hand.

7:58p.m...Jamal: Wat happened Yaz?

Next, she walked over to her bed and sat down. Instead of texting him back, she decided to call.

Chapter Nine

Yazmin took another gulp from the champagne bottle as she called Jamal's cell. She was not a drinker, but tonight she felt like she needed it. She could not believe the conversation she had just had with Brad. _Not wife material_. Just then, she took another swallow and could feel the alcohol go to her head.

Jamal picked up after the third ring. "Hey what happened?" He sounded concerned.

"I'm done," she commented, and took an additional sip.

"Hold on, tell me what happened?"

"That bastard had the nerve to tell me I wasn't wife material. He wanted me to move in with him. He would rather shack up than put on ring on my finger."

"Word?"

"Yep."

"Damn."

"You know what, I'm not even surprised."

"You're not?"

"Nope. Now that I think about it, Brad and I never really clicked in the first place."

"Maybe it just wasn't meant to be Yaz," he responded.

Jamal still could not stop thinking about Yazmin since their kiss a few days ago. At first, he thought maybe it was because of his break-up with Danielle. The thoughts had plagued him day and night. _What if she's just a rebound? What if I get over her after a few months? What if I just need to ignore it?_ Nonetheless, if there was one woman he knew he could not live without, it was Yazmin. Other women could hold his attention for a while, but nothing compared to the genuine bond he had with Yazmin. He knew what he was feeling was real, but it made him nervous since these new feelings overwhelmed him and so quickly. Fear crept inside his chest at the notion. The last thing he wanted to do was confess his feelings and they were not sincere.

For the past few days, Jamal went back and forth about him and Yazmin. While he wanted to ask advice from his friends, he knew that overall the decision needed to come from him. Eventually, he had to be honest with himself, for he already knew the truth. There was no denying it. He was falling in love with Yazmin. They had been best friends all this time, and now he was starting to see the truth. Almost immediately, he recalled their relationship as kids.

****

Ten-year-old Jamal sat in the backseat as he rode with his parents to the King's house for their July 4th barbeque. They had been going every year since Jamal could remember. He would play with the kids next door as well as the King's daughter, Yazmin. When they pulled into the driveway of the King's house, his parents instructed him to be on his best behavior.

Jamal had a blast at the barbeque, especially when he and the other boys played football. They were in the middle of a play, when Yazmin ran up to them.

"You can't play! You're a girl," Jamal protested.

"Get off the field!" another boy declared.

"It's my daddy's house, and I can play if I want to," Yazmin proclaimed placing her hands on her hips.

Jamal rolled his eyes. "If you can take the ball from me, I might let you play."

Jamal watched as Yazmin's nostrils flared and she lined up with the rest of the boys.

"Down, set, hut!" another boy shouted.

The ball snapped and Jamal caught the pass. He ran for the end zone, which was between two trashcans. However, caught by his shirt, he fell to the ground. When he looked up to see who tackled him, Yazmin stood over him.

"In your face!" she bragged.

Jamal boiled with anger. "That was holding!"

"No it wasn't!" she argued.

"Was too!" he snapped back.

With that, she attacked him and the two wrestled on the ground. The boys repeatedly screamed FIGHT, while Yazmin's father ran to stop them. Jamal's mother soon followed behind Mr. King.

"Yazmin, what did I tell you about fighting," Mr. King said.

"Jamal, have you lost your mind," Mrs. Parker commented, "You don't hit girls."

"It's just Yazmin, momma," Jamal replied.

"Stop it and apologize," she corrected him.

Jamal rolled his eyes. "Sorry, Yazmin."

"Yazmin, what do you say?" Mr. King asked.

"Sorry, Jamal," she replied reluctantly.

"Thank you, now you kids come on and eat. You can finish the game later," Mr. King instructed.

As they walked back to the house, Jamal and Yazmin walked side by side. Without their parents noticing, Jamal pinched Yazmin, but instead of crying out, she flicked the back of his head with her middle finger.

****

"I don't know," Yazmin began, "I'm just so tired and I'm almost out."

Her remark brought Jamal's mind back to their conversation. "Almost out of what? Her comment confused him.

"Champagne," she replied.

His eyes widened. "You're drinking? Yaz, you don't drink," he reminded her.

"I know but tonight is an exception. I have been through hell tonight, so I need a drink. I just broke up with the man I thought I was gonna marry. I am sitting here in one of the most beautiful hotels, and once again, I am alone. I need a drink. After what I've been through tonight, I need a drink," she explained.

"Yaz—," he said scratching his head.

"Don't worry Jamal...," she began. "I'm not driving. I'm in my room and I'm gonna sleep it off. There's only one problem though."

"What that's, Yaz?" he asked.

"I don't have a car. I rode with Brad, the asshole," she said.

"You want me to come get you?" he asked. At that juncture, he walked to his bedroom and grabbed his tan jacket. From there he went to his kitchen and grabbed his keys.

"No Jamal, I'm fine. I got my bottle so I am good. If you wanna do something for me though, you can come and beat Brad's ass. I'll hold your jacket and watch. Maybe I'll record it with my phone and send it to his friends. I'm sure it'll be a hit on YouTube."

"Yaz, I'm coming to get you. Alright?" he assured.

"You're such a good person Jamal..., but wait, don't you have to work tomorrow?" she mumbled. She sounded as if she were sleepy.

"I'm off tomorrow so you're good," he responded.

"Thanks, Jamal," she murmured.

"No problem, Yaz. Which bed and breakfast are you at?" he asked, as he pulled up the GPS on his phone. He put Yazmin on speakerphone.

"I think it's called...Red Stone's," she replied.

Jamal found the place. "What's your room number?"

"7-1-5," she answered.

Then he heard the phone drop. "Yazmin? Are you there? Hello?" He hung up the phone and headed out the front door.

Thirty minutes later Jamal pulled into the parking lot of Red Stone's Bed & Breakfast. When he approached the front desk, he asked for directions to the elevators, and proceeded to Yazmin's room on the seventh floor. At his initial knock on her door, there was no answer. He knocked again, but still no answer. As he knocked for the third time, Yazmin finally opened the door. She had a bottle in her hand while standing barefoot. Then his eyes trailed down her body taking in every inch of her as she stood in front of him. Her curvaceous hips were evident, while her dress supported her breasts upright.

"Jamal, what are you doing here?" she asked sounding befuddled

"Come on Yaz, let's go," he said as he walked inside. He grabbed her bag and helped her put her shoes back on her feet.

"Ohhhhhhh that's right. I remember now," she began, "you're taking me away from the asshole."

Jamal could not help but grin, for he had never seen Yazmin drunk. "Yeah, Yaz, let's go," he responded trying not to laugh.

He put his jacket around her shoulders and advised her to leave the bottle. She took one last gulp and grabbed Jamal's hand to leave, as he carried her bag over his shoulder. As they waited for the elevator doors to open, Yazmin laid her head on Jamal's shoulder. He kissed the side of her forehead. As soon as the doors opened, the pair walked inside, and again she rested her head on his shoulder. Next, he could hear her mumbling.

"Why can't men be more like you, Jamal?" she whispered.

"I'm just like other men. We're all the same," he responded.

She shook her head. "No Jamal, you're ten times better than any other man I've ever met."

"I appreciate that," he responded with a smile.

"No really, Jamal. You're a good man," she reassured. The she kissed his cheek and gripped his hand tighter.

He smiled. "You know you're drunk. Right?"

"I knoooooowww...," she joked back.

He smirked. "I got some aspirin in the car. You're gonna need it."

She grinned back and then started playing with Jamal's fingers. She made their fingers intertwine.

"That's so cool they fit," she said.

"I know," he responded seriously.

He kissed the side of her forehead again. Just then, Yazmin stroked his cheek with her hand and brought his lips to hers. Despite the fact that Jamal was not expecting it, he did not pull away. He wondered what it would be like to kiss her again. He wanted to know if he would get those special feelings a second time. He did. She caressed the back of head with her hands, and he welcomed the opportunity to taste her lips again. He placed her bag on the floor and cupped her face in his hands, as her hands trailed down the form of his waist.

After what seemed like an eternity in pure bliss, Yazmin pulled away from his lips. Jamal was grateful because he was finding it hard to control his urges. He was thirty seconds away from stopping the elevator and showing her exactly how he felt right there. As she rested her head again on his shoulder, he rested his head against the wall and closed his eyes. When he heard slight snoring, he opened his eyes.

"Yazmin?" he said. The elevator doors opened to the main lobby.

"Huh?" she asked, as she fluttered her eyes open.

"Come on Yaz, let's go," he said with a smile as he helped her walk off the elevator.

Once they made it to his car, he helped her inside and she reclined in the backseat. He gave her his jacket as covering. As he pulled out of the parking lot, he recalled his thoughts from earlier about Yazmin. _I got it bad_. He had never thought this much about one woman. Even while he was with Danielle, he could not honestly say she was always on his mind. Alternatively, when it came to Yazmin, she crossed his mind every day. He was either fantasying about kissing or imagining them as a couple. The thought seemed unreal for they had been friends the majority of their lives.

"Jamal," she murmured.

"Yeah," he replied snapping out of his thoughts.

"Thank you," she said.

He gave a miniature smile, "You're welcome."

When he came to a red light, he caught a glimpse of her in his rearview mirror. Her hair mussed from tossing and turning, while her mouth appeared slightly open. Then she turned her body and rested on her side revealing the outline of her cleavage, for his jacket only covered her legs. Jamal caught his breath at the sight and cleared his throat. He directed his attention back to the light, but it was still red. Again, he looked in his rearview mirror and glanced at Yazmin's face. She looked radiant as the moonlight glowed off her face. He grinned just as the car behind him beeped its horn. He snapped out of his trance and proceeded down the road. _Get it together man._

Chapter Ten

Yazmin woke the following morning feeling as if a ten-pound anvil were resting on her head. Her stomach felt raw from a night of throwing up, and her eyes were heavy from waking up off and on during the night. She slowly rose to her feet and staggered to her nearby bathroom. She splashed her face with cold water, for she felt like her head was spinning. As she brushed her teeth, she could not help but look at her reflection. Her hair looked mussed, makeup smudged, and she wore a t-shirt she did not remember putting on the night before. The woman in the mirror did not resemble her, for Yazmin felt as if she were a different person. She did not like what she saw. _That was stupid. Why did I drink on an empty stomach?_

At that notion, she cleaned her face, combed her unruly hair, and brushed her teeth a second time. As she massaged her temples, she tried to recall all of last night's activities. Though everything else seemed to be a blur, she did remember arguing with Brad and kicking him out their room. Next, she recalled taking the champagne bottle, drinking, falling asleep, and finally throwing up in a trashcan. _I am never drinking again._

Then Yazmin sauntered back to the couch. She laid her head back and looked at the clock. It was 10:15 in the morning. Afterward she decided to walk to the kitchen to find something to eat, though she doubted eating would make her feel better. She found Jamal in her kitchen with a bottle of aspirin.

"I was gonna bring you something in there," Jamal said pouring her a glass of water.

"I don't know why I got up," she said, as she rubbed her head.

He smiled as he handed her the aspirin. "You might need a drink. Sometimes that helps." He walked over to her refrigerator. When he found another champagne bottle, he raised his eyebrows, and looked over at her. "You really started drinking?"

"I got that for, Brad, for our special dinner. Remember?" she commented.

"Yeah right," Jamal said. Next, he opened the bottle and poured her half a glass.

She sipped it slowly then rubbed her head again. "I guess you were right." She took another sip. "Did you sleep over?"

"I didn't mind. Besides I'm off today," he replied putting the bottle back in the refrigerator.

"Did you hear back about the manager's position?"

"I heard back yesterday."

"Well, what did they say? Jamal?"

He grinned. "I got it."

She put her cup down and playfully hit his arm. "Seriously?" she exclaimed and rubbed her head. "Oh...I shouldn't be yelling."

He laughed. "I couldn't believe it either but I got the job, Yaz," he said.

She jumped into his arms for a hug and he spun her around.

"Whoa...," she said and he put her down. She massaged her head, again.

"My bad I forgot," he replied.

She looked at him with a smile. "I'm so proud of you."

He smiled back. "I appreciate that, Yaz."

When he looked her up and down, she felt her temperature rise and soon she felt warm all over. For a moment, there was silence between them, but she decided to change the subject. Once again, she felt the sexual tension.

"Don't you get a raise?" she asked excitedly.

"Yep," Jamal replied braggingly.

Yazmin playfully hit his arm again, but his time Jamal took her hand in his and laced their fingers together. While the butterflies in her stomach seemed to multiply, her mind raced as she thought intently what was happening. She lowered her head and glanced at her fingers intertwined with Jamal's. Her heart pulsated with anticipation, and as he inched closer to her, her heart seemed to thump louder. After she met his gaze, he pulled her into a deep kiss.

She wrapped her arms around Jamal's neck, as he clasped her waist. The chemistry between them was undeniable, and Yazmin felt as if electric bolts were shocking her body from head to toe. Jamal seemed to take his time kissing her, and she liked how he savored her mouth. The excitement in her grew, although she did not know why, and in between breaths, she found herself panting. It was as if he astounded her. In an attempt to stop things before they went too far, Yazmin pulled away from Jamal's lips and stepped back from his embrace.

"Wait a minute," she panted, "what are we doing?"

"I don't know Yaz," he replied, as he scratched his head.

"We're friends. We've been friends for twenty years," she reminded him.

"I know."

"I mean we've known each other since, forever. We know everything there is to know about one another."

"I know."

"We're best friends right?"

"Right."

Once again, there was silence and their eyes met again. Yazmin felt as if a magnet was tugging at her body for she felt drawn to Jamal. No matter how hard she tried to forget him or overlook her attraction, her feelings overruled her every attempt. She longed for his strong hands to caress her body and to embrace his muscular shoulders with her own fingers. She loved how his eyes seemed to search her within her, as if she possessed something he desired. She had never experienced that look before, until now. For the first time she felt more than enough for a man. She did not have to change.

Yazmin wrung her hands together, knowing she could not stop herself. She walked closer and kissed him again. He held her face tenderly in his hands, while her arms wrapped around his waist. Soon he led his kisses to her neck and he nibbled. Yet again, electric charges went through her body, as his lips made his way back to hers. This time, however, he broke the kiss.

"Oh God what are we doing?" she asked, as she backed away from him. Then she paced the floor.

Jamal shook his head and tried to disrupt his gaze. He liked kissing Yazmin and he wanted to again. His pulse was racing, and the more he stared at her, the more turned on he became. From her head to her feet screamed sexy and beautiful. His hands wanted to explore all her curves and show her what it was like to be with a real man. He cleared his throat in an attempt to clear his thoughts. However, he was still surprised how much Yazmin affected him. He had always trusted her, but now he contemplated trusting her with his heart, completely. Again, he shook his head to regain composure.

"Maybe we're moving things too fast," he suggested.

She looked as if worried. "You think? I mean we both just got out of bad relationships."

He nodded. "Yeah," he began, "we're both vulnerable and we're trying to feel better." _Why am I lying?_

"We're both looking for something."

"We want something we haven't been getting from our exes."

"I mean I just broke up with, Brad, last night. I haven't even had time to really get over that."

"I know. I still need to get my money back from Danielle's ring."

She giggled, "Like you said, we're still vulnerable."

"Yeah, we're both still kind of raw from the break-ups," he commented.

"We just need time to figure things out."

"Exactly."

"Right."

Yet again, he met Yazmin's gaze, and this time she jumped in his arms and kissed him. While her legs wrapped around his waist, one of Jamal's hands stroked her thigh. The other gripped her full and toned bottom. He heard the moans escape her lips, as she wrapped her arms around his neck. Then he moved his hand from her bottom and slid it underneath her t-shirt. Since she was not wearing a bra, the softness of her skin against his hand allured him, as he stroked her back up and down. As he ran his finger down her spine, she patted his arm with her hand. Immediately, he knew what she meant. He put her down and watched as she backed away.

"Maybe, we just need to figure out what's going on here," she said.

Jamal heard the shortness in her breathing. "Let's do that." He was trying to regain his composure too.

"It's obvious something's going on between us. Right?" she said.

"Right," Jamal responded.

"It's something we weren't expecting. Right?"

"No, I didn't plan on this."

"So, we need to just take a step back and figure things out."

"Sounds good to me. Where do we start?"

"I think we need to start off by asking the obvious question here."

"Which is?" Jamal asked folding his arms.

She glanced at him. "What is going between on us?"

Jamal could not help himself, as he listened to the sultriness of her voice. He pulled her in by her waist and kissed her lips again. He felt her melt in his arms for she leaned in closer. She embraced his neck and he picked her up again, but this time he sat her on the counter. He heard her gasp and felt her shudder, as his hands glided up and down her thighs. Never in a million years did he think he and Yazmin would be making out like this, again. Jamal had to admit, however, he liked it. He liked it a lot, but Yazmin caught him off guard when she broke the kiss.

"Okay. This ain't working," she panted.

"Yeah, it's getting a little harder to focus. I'll just stand over here," he responded backing away leaving her on the counter.

She slid off and placed her bare feet on the floor. "Okay. Let me ask this," she began, "do we like each other, Jamal, more than friends?"

He glared at her and smirked. "Well, I know I do."

She smiled back. "This is crazy. Right? All these years."

"I know," he agreed.

"We've been friends and nothing more."

"I know."

"There's been nothing between us except friendship."

"Right."

"Why now? Why are we feeling this now?"

"I don't know."

"We've been friends. We've always been friends."

"Until now."

She gazed at him. "You know something?"

"What?" he responded.

"I like you too," she confessed.

He moseyed closer and took her hand in his. Then she raised her free hand and stroked his mustache with her finger. As their foreheads touched, Jamal could not remember feeling this close to any woman. While the sexual chemistry between him and Yazmin was evident, he felt something deeper. In the past, he would hold back in his relationships in fear of being hurt, but with Yazmin, there were no walls between them. No matter what they faced in life, nothing severed their friendship. Though he loved Danielle during their relationship, she never ignited a fire inside him that he felt with Yazmin.

As they stood face to face, Jamal held onto her hand as their fingers intertwined. From that moment, he knew he wanted her. Though they already had friendship, he wanted it to be more, much more. While he ran his fingers through her hair, she kissed the corner of his mouth. He beamed on the inside and kissed her lips again. She massaged his broad shoulders with her fingers as he hugged her hips. He did not want to be anywhere else but here with her. Nothing else seemed to matter.

"What are we gonna do about this?" she panted in between kisses.

"I don't know," he replied.

"Do you think we can handle this?" she asked.

"Let's talk about it later," he whispered.

"Okay," she whispered back, as she cupped his face in her hands. He wrapped his arms around her waist as they made out in her kitchen.

Chapter Eleven

Yazmin hung up the phone with her newest clients, for she was going to be meeting them later that afternoon to show them a house. She knew she needed to be leaving for lunch, but she added the appointment to her phone, and opened her laptop to review the property one more time. While she tried to focus on work, she thought about her and Jamal, again. The thought of them together and being involved puzzled her. She wondered why she was feeling the way she was. She had known Jamal all her life and not once did she see him as her boyfriend. She then nibbled her bottom lip knowing that thought was a lie. She recalled their first kiss years before.

****

It was the night of their homecoming game in high school. They were juniors. Yazmin remembered feeling like an idiot when she lost for homecoming queen to Hilary Rankin, the most popular girl in school. All the boys wanted her, including Jamal.

Yazmin's date that night was with Kobe Richards, but due to a cold, he could not make it. Therefore, she hung out with her friends, even though she still felt left out for not having a date. Jamal, in her opinion, seemed to feel bad for her, so he offered to drive her home that night. Before he left, they sat and talked on the front porch.

"Are you sure, Kobe, wasn't lying about the cold?" he asked curiously.

"Shut up, Jamal, I believe his story. Alright?" she responded, as she playfully shoved him.

He laughed. "I know, Yaz, I'm sorry."

"This night was the worst," she confessed.

He furrowed his brow. "Why?"

"I lost to, Hilary, Jamal. I knew I shouldn't have put my name on the ballad," she explained.

"So what?" he asked.

"Hilary Rankin, Jamal, even you said she's fine," she answered.

"And?" he replied.

She grinned. "I know you're trying to make me feel better, but we both know you have a thing for her. I couldn't compete with her if I tried."

"You don't need to, Yaz, I like you the way you are," he stated.

She reviewed him. "You're just saying that because we're friends."

"That and I'm gonna need some help with our biology exam next week," he joked.

She shoved him again. "Quit playing, Jamal."

"Okay. On the real though," he began, "I like you the way you are. You don't have to try to compete with, Hilary, because she'll never be you. If I had to choose, I would pick you any day."

She smiled at the compliment. "Jamal, thanks." His sincerity overwhelmed her and before she knew it, she kissed his cheek.

She caught herself off guard since she had never done that before. She was even more surprised when Jamal leaned in closer and kissed her lips. Yazmin felt all her emotions at once. She knew they needed to stop, but she did not want to. She brought her hand to Jamal's face as he wrapped one arm around her waist. Bringing herself out of the fantasy, she abruptly pulled away from his lips.

"I'm sorry," she said.

"No, I'm sorry. I don't know what happened there," he replied.

"Maybe it's the whole homecoming thing. I think it's got us all confused," she suggested.

He nodded his head. "Yeah, maybe you're right. And we're friends, so it's probably not a good idea for us to be kissing."

"Yeah, you're probably right," she answered.

"So uh...I guess I'll see you at school," he said. He rose from his seat on the porch.

"Yeah, I'll just see you then," she responded rising from her seat. She turned to go inside the house when Jamal took her hand.

"Yaz?" he began.

"Yeah," she answered.

He gave her one last peck on the lips. "Thanks."

"For what?" she asked confused at his question and for kissing her again.

"Just thanks," he said backing away. He headed for his truck.

"Jamal!" she called out.

He turned to face her. "Yeah."

"Did this really happen?" she asked.

He grinned. "Don't worry we'll just keep this between us."

"You don't feel weird about it?" she questioned.

"Not at all, besides you got some soft lips," he replied.

"Stop playing," she joked.

"I'm serious," he said getting inside his truck. "Goodnight, Yaz."

"Goodnight, Jamal," she said. After she waved to him goodnight, she walked inside her home.

****

Yazmin grinned at the memory. At the time, she figured they were in the moment and a kiss sealed the night. They talked about it but decided to forget it. Though she had always wondered about what would have happened if they did become involved. Where would they be now? However, her cell phone ringing interrupted her thoughts.

Brad's name showed on her screen. He had been calling her off and on for the past few weeks. Nonetheless, she did not pick up but sent him to voicemail. She had nothing to say to him and did not want to hear what he had to tell her. As far as she was concerned, it was over between them. However, she was curious. For him to be this persistent, she figured she could at least listen.

"Hello," she said.

"Finally," Brad responded.

"What do you want, Brad?" she asked.

"Why haven't you returned my calls, Yazmin?"

"I've been busy, now what do you want?" She heard him let out a deep breath.

"I'm sorry the way things ended between us."

"Oh really?"

"I am, Yazmin. Come on don't be like that. Alright. I know I said some things you didn't like, but I was just being honest. Don't all women want that from their men?"

"Say what you got to say, Brad. You know I'm at work."

"I hope we can be friends, Yazmin."

She raised an eyebrow. "I'm sorry, Brad, but that's not gonna happen. It's hard for me to be friends with a guy I've been in a relationship with. Especially if I've said the words 'I love you,' had deep conversations with, shared my deepest thoughts and fears. So forgive me if I don't want to be your friend."

"So I guess this is it. I hate doing this over the phone, Yazmin. I would love to have had this conversation with you in person," Brad acknowledged.

"I don't think so, Brad. I think our meeting would have been worse," she responded dryly.

"So, I guess I'll see you around. Believe it or not, Yazmin, I did care about you," he added.

"Maybe that was the problem, Brad. You stopped caring," she replied.

"I'm sorry it came to this, Yazmin. Goodbye," Brad said.

Yazmin did not respond but hung up her phone and placed it on her desk. She was relieved, but at the same time pissed that she wasted two years of her life on a man who wanted no future with her. _How could I be so blind_? When her phone rang again, she picked it up without looking to see who was calling.

"Hello," she said trying to sound pleasant.

"You sound strange. Is everything okay?" Jamal asked.

She smiled and liked that he knew her so well. He could always tell when something was wrong. "I'm alright, Jamal. Just one of those days. Anyway. How are you?"

"I'm good, just wondering if you wanna have lunch with me?" he asked.

She looked at her watch and noticed she had about an hour and a half. "Sure did you wanna meet somewhere?"

"No," he replied.

She walked to her office door when she heard knocking, and was even more surprised to find Jamal standing with bags in his hand. "What's this?"

"Lunch," he replied walking inside. "I bought take-out."

She closed the door behind him and went back to her seat. He sat across from her and took the food out of the bags.

"Now if I remember correctly, you love Caesar salad, and for the entrée I have for you Grilled Chicken Alfredo," he stated setting the plate in front of her.

She was at a loss for words. She smiled and proceeded to eat her lunch, but she did manage to say two words. "Thank you."

"You're welcome," he replied and directed his attention to his lunch.

As she ate, she could not help but wonder what all of this meant. She and Jamal had not discussed their second make-out session in her kitchen in full detail, although they referenced it a few times during their daily conversations for the past few weeks. It was as if they were giving each other space, but at the same time, they could not deny what was brewing between them.

The last thing she wanted was for him to be the rebound person. She knew she was getting out of a relationship and so was he. She thought perhaps they were using each other to get over their exes, but she soon brushed that notion away. She knew she would never do that to Jamal, and she was confident he would not use her that way either.

"You look like you have a lot on your mind," he said.

She directed her attention to him. "Huh?"

"Is everything okay?" he asked.

Jamal noticed her distant look. He had been wondering about their passionate kissing. He wanted to see where it led to, for he still had not been able to get her out of his head. He knew they both had bad break-ups, but he was curious. He could not deny he enjoyed kissing and touching her. He had even spent a few nights dreaming about her, and imagining how it would be if she were his woman. He knew he was not perfect, but he would try to show her how special she was.

"I'm alright," she replied.

He refocused his thoughts. There she was sitting in front of him wearing a teal short-sleeved collared shirt that complimented her skin tone. Jamal tried not to stare too much, but there was no refuting Yazmin looked good. He cleared his throat in an attempt to interrupt his thoughts. He knew if he kept it up, he would start undressing her with his eyes.

"Are you sure?" he asked. "What's on your mind?"

She leaned over on her desk on her elbows after she pushed her plate aside. "Well for starters, Brad called. He apologized and asked if we could be friends."

"What did you say?" Jamal questioned. _Please tell me you cursed his ass out_.

"I told him no," she answered.

He tried not to smile, but he could not deny he was happy that it was over between her and Brad. "Are you alright? I know you were wanting to—"

She raised her hand cutting off his sentence. "It doesn't matter anymore. It's over."

He paused for a moment. "Yaz?"

"Yeah," she replied.

"I know we haven't talked about our uh...," he reminded her.

"Our make out sessions," she responded.

He grinned. "If you wanna call it that. Okay. I just didn't want you to think I forgot about it. Whether you believe or not, I wasn't playing around the first time or the second time." He hoped she understood.

"And the third and the fourth, and to be honest I lost count," she said. "We've never done that, Jamal, ever."

"I know it caught me off guard too, but didn't we admit we like each other," he reminded her.

"I know but everything seems to be happening so fast. I don't know what to think right now," she replied.

He felt anxious. The last thing he wanted for her to say was "let's just forget the whole thing happened and go back to being friends." Sure things were happening fast, but his heart did not seem to keep up with time. He knew for a fact he wanted to try it with her. After all these years, he felt as if they owed it to each to other.

"I know it seems that way, but don't you think we owe it to ourselves to see where this goes?" he suggested.

She folded her arms and leaned back in her chair. Her looked seemed coy. "What are you getting at?"

"I'm suggesting we go out."

"On a date?"

"What else, Yaz?"

"You and me?"

"You plan on bringing somebody else?"

She giggled. "Wow."

He wrung his hands together as he awaited her answer. "What do you think?"

"Well," she began, "I guess...we do owe it to ourselves to see."

He rose from his seat and leaned over her desk. "So is that a yes?"

She rose from her seat. "That's a yes."

To his surprise, she kissed his lips.

Chapter Twelve

Yazmin fastened her buckle on her beige wedge shoes. Once she finished she looked at herself in the mirror. Her coral spaghetti strapped dress hugged her waist, and complemented her hips, while her gold jewelry gave her look sass. Her make-up was flawless, but she took caution not to wear too much. Though she knew she did not need makeup, she liked how it made her feel. It boosted her confidence when her blush brought out her cheeks, and her smoky made up eyes proclaimed "bold" and "daring." Her voluminous curled hair seemed to bounce as she sashayed her way to her bedroom for a jacket.

She nibbled on her bottom lip nervously. It seemed out of this world that she had agreed to go out on a date with Jamal. She was not sure about it at first, but she had to admit she was extremely inquisitive. She wondered if there was something between her and Jamal. Though up until now she had fantasized what it would be like, tonight it would become a reality. She would see firsthand how they would act around each other and if it would be uncomfortable or relaxed. Deep inside, Yazmin prayed it would be a fun date. The last thing she wanted was the awkward feeling. She did not want silence at the table or stale conversation. Then again, she did not feel self-conscious. Though her nerves felt on edge with anticipation, Yazmin looked forward to seeing Jamal. Regardless of her new feelings, he was still her best friend, and she always took pleasure in hanging out with him.

When she heard her doorbell, she gasped. She did not know why she was nervous, but she was. She grabbed her purse, keys, and walked to the front door. She looked through the peephole and found Jamal outside in the hallway. She let out a deep breath and opened the door. His black jeans perfectly hugged his narrow waist, and his royal blue collared shirt complimented his brown skin. A small gold chain around his neck made him look sharp, while his tan jacket, and black shoes sealed his GQ appearance. She beamed at him. _Please don't let this be awkward_. He smiled back, as he looked her up and down.

"You look good," he complimented.

"Thank you," she replied. When she closed her door and locked it, she leaned against the wall.

He stroked her arm with his hand. "Real good." He leaned in for a kiss.

Yazmin moved away. "Not yet," she said teasingly and walked down the hallway.

He caught up with her and wrapped his arm around her waist. "So, I gotta wait until the evening is over."

She pushed the button for the elevator. "Exactly. Let's see how you do. Then again, I might change my mind."

"Oh really?" he asked.

"Yeah, I need to see how you treat me first," she stated. She put her keys in her purse.

"So where was all this before? Did you forget we've made out already?" Jamal reminded her.

She rolled her eyes at him. "I was drunk remember?" she joked.

"You seemed pretty sober to me, and don't forget that time in your office, and my house," he said.

"Shut up," she replied and smiled. Once the elevator doors opened, the pair walked inside.

Jamal treated Yazmin to her favorite Italian place, Natalia's, and dinner flowed well much to her amazement. She and Jamal talked liked they always did, except for the occasional flirting in between. After dinner, they shared dessert and Jamal told her he had another surprise for her. Yazmin grinned at the notion.

After he paid for dinner, he drove them to the downtown area. They pulled into the parking lot of the most popular jazz/poetry bar. Yazmin smirked as Jamal led her by the hand inside, and once seated, they ordered drinks. She looked at the program. It was free verse night and they were just in time for the next poet. They looked to see a man walking to the microphone. Jamal slid his chair closer to her as the man began to speak.

"Do you know how much I love you," he began, "my words will share what I feel inside."

The spotlight shined on the poet. "My heart beats faster at the sound of your name. Sometimes I feel like I cannot breathe when you touch me. Never leave me my love. I will always be faithful. I will never turn away your affections. My soul is one with yours, joined and nothing will sever it. Nothing can break us apart. In spite of the trials of life, I will fight for our love. It will not dissipate. As long as I have breath in my body, my love for you will never die. Why should you believe me you ask? Our creator made us for each other. Before we laid eyes on one another, He predestined you for me. I loved you before I met you. As I walked this earth, I knew you existed. Regardless if I saw you or not, I knew, you were out there waiting for me. Oh my love do you hear how my heart beats for you? Hear me when I say you are my love. Hear me when I say you are the one. Hear me when I say I need you. Hear me when I say you fit me. Hear me my love. Never take your love away." The poet bowed his head and the crowd clicked their fingers as he nodded in thanks.

Jamal nudged Yazmin's shoulder. "You like it so far?"

"I can't believe I've never been here. This is amazing," she commented.

"I'm glad you like it," he responded.

"It's been a long time since I've been to a place like this."

"Too long."

"How did you find out about this place?"

"I just did some research, and I know you like poetry and jazz. So, I figured this would be a nice thing to do for our first date."

Yazmin swelled with happiness. She had never been with a man this considerate, and to think it would be Jamal. She had to admit he knew her, and she shared things with him more than her family and friends. Though she trusted them, Jamal always seemed to have a listening ear when it came to her. If he ever turned her away, it was rare, for he always appeared to have time for her. Even in the inconvenient impromptu moments, he made sure if she needed him, he was there. As their eyes locked, she leaned in and kissed his lips.

"I must be doing a good job?" he asked in between kisses.

"Uh-huh," she whispered. Her breathing slowed as her senses enhanced at the touch of his hand. She had never gotten this excited in kissing, but he had an effect on her. Though she tried to contest it repeatedly, he appeared to break all her defenses. It was as if he knew what frightened her and he attempted to make her feel secure. Through his embraces, he caused her feel safe and his kisses made her feel adored.

Despite the fact that she was enjoying herself, she still feared it was a mistake. They had already crossed the line, and she feared if things went further, there would be no looking back. If they chose to become more than friends, things would never be the same between them. _Am I ready for this?_ She abruptly pulled away from Jamal's lips.

"What's wrong?" he asked. "You're comfortable. Right?"

"I am and then I'm not, and that's what scares me," she responded.

"I know. This is different for us," he stated.

"I just don't want this to ruin our friendship. What if this doesn't work out?" she asked concerned.

He rubbed her chin with his thumb. "That's the worst thing that can happen and you're right," he began, "but what if it doesn't ruin our friendship?"

"You mean what if this actually works?"

"Yeah."

"I don't know. That would be funny."

"How so?"

"That would make our parents right. It would make our friends right too."

"I know. Did I tell you Phil and Deshawn had fifty dollars betted on us?"

She giggled and leaned her chin in the palm of her hand. "You're kidding?"

"Nope, for some reason they assumed we would end up together."

"Well, did you know Alana and Larissa think we make a cute couple?"

"They do?"

"Yeah, I was surprised myself when they told me."

"It looks like our friends are one up on us."

She grinned and started thinking again. "Have we really been blind all these years, Jamal?"

His arm embraced her waist. "I wouldn't say blind. I think that maybe...we weren't ready then. Think about it, Yaz, we were kids and we didn't know what we wanted. We're older now, and I think we're mature enough to handle this."

"Do you really think we're ready now?" she questioned.

"I don't think we'll ever be ready, but I think we owe it to ourselves to see where this goes," he responded.

"So you think this can work?"

"All we can do is try."

She nodded in response for she knew he was right. There was no harm in trying to see if things worked. She could not refute her attraction to him, and he obviously found her irresistible, for he could not keep his hands off her.

"I admit...I am curious to see," she said flirtatiously.

He grinned. "Alright then." This time he kissed her.

\----

Yazmin hated it when she and Jamal got off the elevator to the floor of her apartment. He held her hand in his, as they walked to her door. She had to admit, she had a great time with him. As they stood in front of her door, she searched for her keys.

As she stood with her back turned to him, she smirked as his strong hands gently embraced her waist and pulled her closer to him. She laid her head upon his shoulder, as her back leaned against his muscular chest. He kissed the temple of her forehead, and trailed his soft pecks to her neck. She giggled in response but noticed each kiss left a tingle behind on her skin.

When she found her keys, she turned and faced him. He rubbed her chin with his thumb and then leaned in to her lips. As she leaned against her door, he leaned against her body. One hand caressed her back as the other cupped her cheek. Her hands rested on his hips, as she welcomed his tender kisses.

Gradually, she brought her hands up the contours of his body and wrapped her arms around his neck. She felt her heart race in her chest. He seemed to take pleasure tasting her mouth, as if she were his dessert for the evening. His touch against her back was becoming more and more lethal with every stroke, and she feared things might go too far too soon. On the other hand, she could not pull away from his delectable lips. She loved how they felt against hers, as if they had found a new home.

"You wanna try this again?" he asked after he ended their kiss.

Yazmin took a moment to breathe. It was amazing how his kiss made her feel as if fireworks were exploding inside her. She needed to lighten the mood. "Sure, you weren't that bad tonight," she joked.

"So you got jokes?" he asked teasing her back.

She shrugged her shoulders. "Maybe, anyway what did you have in mind?"

"Be at my house tomorrow night and find out," he said. He kissed her affectionately one last time and backed away.

"What time?" she asked.

"I'll text you," he responded, as he walked down the hallway.

She smiled and watched him get on the elevator. Once he was gone, she unlocked her door, walked inside, and locked it behind her. She smiled then felt her phone vibrate. She grinned when she saw her text message from Jamal.

10:15pm....Jamal: B there at 7

Yazmin sighed. She thought for a moment and then responded. She and Jamal were dating. It still befuddled her. She laid her head against the door and closed her eyes. _Please don't fall for him. It's too soon_.

Chapter Thirteen

Yazmin pulled into Jamal's driveway at 6:55p.m the following evening. Once again, she was anxious. Her nerves felt jumbled and her stomach was in knots. Even though she enjoyed spending time with him, she could not avoid her nervousness as she walked to the front door. It felt like the first time all over again, though she could not fathom the reason. Yazmin nibbled on her bottom lip because each footstep she took sounded like the pounding she heard from her chest.

She admitted her feelings seemed unreal. Jamal was not just her friend anymore. They were dating. She beamed at the notion for it still appeared surreal. When she rang the doorbell, he opened the door with a smile. Then he looked at his watch.

"I'm five minutes early," she said smiling.

"Yeah, but I remember saying 7:00," he replied, as he closed the door.

"Really, Jamal?" she said, as she banged on the door.

"Sorry, Yazmin, I said 7:00. You're off my schedule," he called out through the door.

"Well technically you didn't say 7:00. Remember? You texted me, so the words never came out of your mouth?" she reminded him.

He opened the door. "I'll let that one slide."

"Thank you. I was about to leave."

"Yeah right?"

He grinned, as brought her inside by her waist. Once she was inside, he closed the door behind her. After he locked it, he kissed her lips. He looked her up and down. "I'm impressed." He slid her jacket off her arms and hung it up in the foyer closet.

"Not so bad yourself. So, what all do you have planned tonight?" she asked walking towards the living room.

"Do you have to know everything?" he asked.

"I just wanna know that's all. I'm not a control freak or anything. Shut up Jamal."

He took her by the hand and led her to the dining room table. The room glimmered with candlelight, soft music in the background, and a bouquet of fresh red roses sat in a vase. Yazmin felt as if she were in a romantic restaurant. Though the site overwhelmed her, she could not evade her big smile. Jamal then pulled out her chair for her, and she sat down.

"Wow. This is really sweet," she commented.

"So are you," he replied. "Wait here and I'll be back."

She folded her hands in her lap, as she awaited his return. As she inhaled in the scents around her, the fragrance of French vanilla encountered her nostrils, one of her favorite candle aromas. As they enveloped her nose, she could not reason that Jamal had remembered. Alternatively, she felt her fears creep inside, and her facial expression of excitement transformed into suspicion. Was Jamal being sincere or was this too good to be true? Yazmin groaned as she shook her head, but straightened up when he returned.

One hand held her plate while the other held a napkin. He placed her plate in front of her and draped the napkin in her lap. Though she felt his fingers delicately touch her thighs, she cleared her throat to disrupt her urge to kiss him.

"Don't do that, Jamal. Please." she said firmly.

"Don't do what?" he asked curiously.

He noticed her uneasiness when she first came inside. Though she tried to hide it with smiles and wit, he knew her better than that. He had hoped that once the evening got underway, perhaps she would relax. On the other hand, he feared she was second-guessing them, again. Recently, she seemed to go back and forth. One moment she was comfortable, fun, and affectionate, and then she would become hesitant, anxious, and cynical. She seemed to be battling her own emotions, and he did not know what to do except assure her of their feelings. They had only begun dating, so he did not comprehend her reservations occurring so soon. He knew she had doubts, and so did he from time to time, but deep down inside he knew what he felt for her was real.

He had already made the conscious decision to win her heart. He was determined to do everything in his power to make her feel secure in their relationship. He wanted her to trust him and know he would never do anything to hurt her. Of course, he had his fears. He wondered if she was as sincere as he was. Whether she knew or not, he truly cared about her. He knew how special she was. After twenty years, he knew Yazmin was a good woman and would make any man happy. Now, he wanted that man to be him.

"What's wrong," he asked. He pulled his chair closer to hers and sat down.

"You didn't have to do this," she said.

"I wanted to," he replied genuinely.

"Don't get me wrong I appreciate it. It's very thoughtful and romantic, but this is too much," she explained.

He nodded, "Well...I just wanted to do something special for a beautiful, kind, and sexy woman."

She shook her head, "Jamal, don't say things you don't mean."

He furrowed his brow in confusion, "Why would I do that? I'm just saying what I feel."

"I just think maybe we're moving things too fast, Jamal. We're not even over our exes yet."

"I think you mean you're not over, Brad."

She gave him a sharp look. "Why should I be? I literally wasted two years with the man, and then he tells me I'm not wife material. How am I supposed to handle that?"

Jamal let out a mouthful of air in frustration. The last thing he wanted to be was compared to her ex. "I'm not saying to just forget about it, but don't let it come between us. In case you haven't noticed, I ain't Brad. I'm never gonna be him."

Yazmin brushed her hair behind her ears. "I'm sorry Jamal. I just can't seem to—," she began but he kissed her.

He did not want to hear anymore of her explanations, so he figured the best way to shush her was to kiss her. It quieted her while at the same time satisfied him. He ran his fingers through her velvety hair, as he cupped her chin with his hand. As his tongue slid inside her mouth, she moaned and leaned closer to him. After a short time, he pecked her lips one last time and pulled away. Yazmin looked astounded.

"Like I told you," he began, "Brad, is an idiot. You are everything a man could want in a wife."

In response, she smiled. "Thank you," she said, as she stroked his mustache with her finger. "And you're everything a woman could want in a husband."

He thanked her with another kiss. "Yeah, he's an idiot," he agreed in between kisses. "A complete idiot."

After they ceased kissing, he served her dinner. Though surprised when he served up salmon with lemon sauce, steamed asparagus, and red potatoes, Yazmin ate with satisfaction. The salmon seemed to melt in her mouth, while the perfectly cooked seasoned asparagus and red potatoes brought the meal together. She knew he was determined to make healthy foods taste better, since he had to stay in shape for his job. Tonight he had succeeded.

"I don't think these potatoes are healthy?" she joked.

"I thought I'd throw those in the meal, since you can't break away from them," he replied.

She knew he was right. Though the potatoes were a guilty pleasure, she knew he did it for her. They were her favorite. She had no issues cutting out the other unhealthy foods, but it was difficult to leave the potatoes.

"I only eat them once in a while," she countered.

"Sure you do," he joked back.

"Didn't you say if it's in moderation, certain foods are not that bad," she acknowledged.

"I did," he admitted though he sounded reluctant.

"Uh-huh," she responded slyly.

After the appetizing meal, Jamal then led her to the living room. He turned on his flat screen and found the football game. For the rest of the evening, they spent it yelling at the TV.

"That wasn't holding," he said obviously annoyed by the last play.

"You're not the ref," she commented teasingly.

"They're too close to miss this touch down," he continued, as he wrung his hands together.

Yazmin decided to make things interesting by betting against Jamal's team. He had been bragging how his team would win, but she was confident that they would not since their quarterback was injured. Now the score showed 23-20, and his team was behind.

"You know they're gonna win, so get ready to pay me my money," he bragged.

"I don't think so. With their quarterback out, I don't think they can hold it together," she countered confidently.

"We'll see," he replied, as he looked intently at the TV screen. "Come on guys. Let's get this one."

Soon it was the fourth quarter, and the score was now 31-27 with thirty seconds left on the clock. Yazmin watched as Jamal's team fumbled, and her team ran the ball in the opposite direction for the touchdown. When they ran the clock down, it was over. She could not evade her laugh, as he pulled out his wallet to pay her. He put the money in her hands though he rolled his eyes. She cupped his face in her hands and kissed his cheek. Then she leaned back on the couch, crossed her legs, and counted the money.

"Do you have to do that right now?" he asked folding his arms.

"Just wanna make sure it's all here," she stated teasingly.

"Really, Yaz?" he asked.

"It's only fifty dollars, Jamal. Remember?"

He grinned and leaned in to kiss her.

"I gotta go," she said in between kisses, though she did not want to leave.

"You could spend the night?" he joked.

"Maybe one day," she responded, as she rose from the couch.

He followed, took her hand in his, and escorted her to her car. Her eyes widened when their fingers intertwined. While they held hands that way before, she still could not comprehend how they fit together. As they walked in silence, Yazmin looked up at the sky. The stars flickered against the moonlit sky, and the cool breeze flowed through her hair. As she inhaled in the night air, again the moment with Jamal felt dreamlike. When they made it to her car, she leaned against the door and faced him.

"Enjoy yourself?" he asked, as he wrapped his arms around her waist.

"Actually I did," she replied. "You're not that bad, Jamal Parker."

"You're not so bad yourself, Yazmin King," he replied.

She smiled as she pondered for a moment. The notion that Jamal could be "the one" overcame her. The man she always wanted and prayed for could be standing in front of her. For twenty years, she saw him as her best friend. Never had she consider his touch would make her want more, and his kiss could ignite a fire inside her soul. However, it was exactly what she felt and it completely terrified her.

"Can I ask you something?" she asked.

"Sure, what's up," he replied.

"Was it...was it supposed to be us all this time?" she questioned seriously.

He responded, "I don't know. It would have saved us a lot of heartache over the years."

"That's what I'm thinking."

"Why is that?"

"Honestly, I don't know."

He moved closer and cupped her face in his hands. He kissed her. "Let's just take it one...date...at a time," he said in between kisses. "We don't have to figure everything out right now."

"I can do that..., as long as you control yourself," she joked breaking their embrace.

"What?" he asked smiling.

She got into her car and let down the window. "Seriously, Jamal, the way you've been holding and touching me lately. I don't know if you can handle all this."

"Can I help the fact that you're fine?" he asked.

"Well...no," she said smiling, as she put her car in reverse.

"So technically it's not my fault," he replied.

She rolled her eyes and backed out of the driveway. He waved as she pulled off, so she waved back.

Chapter Fourteen

"Forget it, Jamal," she said, "I'm just not good at this."

Jamal had taken her to a miniature golf course. It had been two months since they had started dating exclusively, and he loved every minute of it. Though he had to wrap his mind around the fact that Yazmin was his girlfriend, everything between them seemed to happen naturally. They way her hand felt right in his, or how his arms around her felt as if they had always belonged there. In addition, he could not get enough of her lips. He could not remember feeling safe in a relationship before, but he prayed this one would last forever.

"You're concentrating too hard. Just let it flow, Babe," he responded, as he took his shot.

"I'd rather bowl," she replied, as she followed behind him to the next level.

"Just keep trying. You might like it if you give it a chance."

"If you say so."

"Where do you wanna go eat after we leave?"

To his dismay, Yazmin was not paying attention to him. When he caught her looking straight ahead, he saw Brad with another woman. They were smiling, as he seemed to be teaching her to swing. Jamal then directed his attention back to Yazmin. Her look of enjoyment turned into annoyance.

While he knew she did not expect to run into Brad, he did not like her ignoring him. They were together, and Brad should not have been her main concern. Jamal let out a deep lungful of air in hopes to relieve his frustration. This was becoming too much of a routine in his and Yazmin's relationship. Just when things seemed to be going well, something would remind her of the past with Brad. Though Jamal tried to be patient, he could only take so much of the baggage she brought.

"You gotta be kidding me?" she asked and then looked at Jamal. "I can't catch a break."

He knew she was still hurting over the break up, so he decided to think of a plan. "You wanna have some fun with him?" he asked slyly. He decided to appease her, in hopes after tonight she would forget about Brad.

She gave him a puzzled look. "How? What do you mean?"

"Go over there and say hi," he responded.

"Why? Besides if I do, I'm gonna slap the taste out of his mouth," she replied.

He walked over and kissed her forehead. "Just go over there. Say hi and let him introduce you to his date. When I come over, follow my lead."

Yazmin walked over to Brad and his date. Her steps seemed heavier with every stride, and she felt as if weights chained her ankles. Though she figured this was a bad idea, she wanted to see the look on Brad's face when he saw her with Jamal. On the other hand, she did not want to cause a brawl. She knew if Brad took his sly comments too far, Jamal would knock his teeth out. Though the site would appease her, she did not need a repeat of high school. Jamal had always defended her honor, whether it was with words or physical fights. As she came within feet of Brad and his date, it took everything in her to smile.

"Brad?" she began, "is that you?"

He looked shocked to see her. Then he put his arm around his date's waist.

Yazmin could not contest that the woman was pretty, but in her opinion, not as pretty as she was. The woman's hair was longer, but the way it draped her face made her forehead look bigger. Additionally, she stood about five-seven, brown-skinned, and slim.

"Yazmin, imagine me running into you," he replied.

"I know it's been a while. The last time I saw you, you had champagne all over your face," she said sarcastically.

"I know. Thanks to you," he responded.

She kept her cool despite his cynical tone. "You're so welcome. It was my pleasure. Aren't you gonna introduce me to your date?"

Brad cleared his throat and looked over at the woman beside him. "Piper, this is Yazmin King. Yazmin, this is my date, Piper Williams," he said.

Piper gave a pleasant smile and extended her hand to Yazmin. She shook it kindly and returned the grin.

"Nice to meet you, Yazmin," Piper said.

"You too, Piper," she replied.

Brad cleared his throat. "So, what are you doing here, Yazmin? I thought you didn't like golf."

"Same as you on a date, and let's just say my man has a way of convincing a woman," she said slyly.

"Hey, Babe," Jamal called out.

She turned and beamed. Once he was beside her, he embraced her shoulder and kissed her lips. "I thought you were ready to go?"

"Jamal," Brad began, as if caught off guard by his presence, "I didn't know you were here."

Yazmin directed her attention back to Brad. "I'm sorry, Brad, you remember my best friend, Jamal. Right?" she asked. She wrapped her arm around his waist, while his grasp tightened around hers.

"Yeah I remember. You two are dating now?" he asked, as though baffled.

"That is so sweet," Piper complimented. "It's so romantic."

"Yeah, it surprised me too. Jamal, this is Brad's date, Piper Williams," Yazmin said, as she glanced at Jamal.

"Nice to meet you, Piper," Jamal greeted. Then he kissed Yazmin, again.

"How long have you two been friends?" Piper questioned curiously.

"Twenty years. Since we were nine years old," Yazmin answered, as she hugged Jamal's waist.

"That is just so sweet," she commented. "Falling in love with your best friend. Isn't that nice, Brad?"

"Yeah, that's nice," Brad responded, as if displeased by the notion.

"Anyway," Yazmin began and then looked over at Jamal. "Babe, we should be going. Nice seeing again you, Brad, and it was a pleasure meeting you, Piper."

"Nice to meet you," Piper replied.

"Yeah, see you guys around," Brad commented.

With that, Jamal and Yazmin walked away leaving Brad with a dazed look on his face. Jamal thought he would feel better after his plan unfolded, but he actually felt worse. Ever since he and Yazmin started dating, she would always mention Brad in one way or another. Again, he attempted to distract her by showing her affection and attention, but she continued to rant on and on about the past, and her fears of her and Jamal as a couple.

Of course, there were days when she did not mention Brad, but they seemed few. Jamal preferred those days when Yazmin focused on him. He did not want her thinking about another man and comparing the two. In his mind, he was more than enough for her. At least that was what he wanted. He figured tonight he would help her get back at him, and Brad would be out of her system. He was wrong.

As much as it pained him, it crossed his mind that he and Yazmin needed space. Despite the fact that he wanted to be with her, he knew their relationship was one-sided. He felt as if he was giving his all, but she was holding back.

Soon, the couple walked into his house. Yazmin could not keep from smiling and Jamal could tell she felt better. She had talked about it the whole way home, while he remained silent. He knew if he responded, his anger would get the best of him. Therefore, he decided to wait until they reached his house.

"Wow that was great, Jamal," she said excitedly, as she walked into the kitchen.

He locked the door behind him and took off his jacket. "I'm glad you feel better," he responded somberly.

Nonetheless, she did not seem to notice. "You bet I do. Finally, I can say I got even. I always felt like, Brad, had something over me and now I think I can let it go."

Jamal's anger fumed. "Really, Yazmin?"

She looked at him as if confused. "What's wrong with you?"

"So now you're over him? Now that you've gotten your revenge, you're over him?"

"What's wrong with that, Jamal? Besides it was your idea."

"I only did it to make you happy. Ever since we started dating you've held back in our relationship, because you couldn't get over him."

"That's not true, Jamal."

"It is true, Yazmin." Usually he would call her 'Yaz,' but this time he did not.

"Jamal—," she began to say.

"I'm serious, Yazmin. Yeah I'm scarred from what Danielle did to me, but I know you and her are two different people. I know you wouldn't hurt me as she did. If I can trust you, why can't you trust me? You're making me pay for what Brad did, and you're holding back from me. It's not fair, Yazmin," he stated.

He leaned against the counter. Shortly, she walked over and stood beside him. She wrung her hands, as she appeared in deep thought. Finally, she broke her silence.

"I know you're not him, Jamal. I'm sorry."

"I thought I could help you heal and move on, but you've been determined to make me pay for his mistakes."

"That's not what I'm doing."

"It's not?"

"No!"

He wanted to believe her words, but he saw through her. "Do you even want to be with me?" he asked. He brought her closer and rested his hands on her hips.

"Of course I do," she responded.

"Then what's the problem?" he questioned.

She tilted her head and exhaled. "I admit I've been scared, but it's only because I—."

"You what, Yazmin?" he questioned seriously.

"I...Jamal you have to understand," she said.

"Understand what, Yazmin?"

"Can you just give me some time?"

"I want to Yazmin, but I can't. I know you've been through a lot lately and I understand, but it's not fair to drag me along. It's clear you're not over, Brad," he explained.

"Jamal, I'm not dragging you along," she argued.

He brushed her hair behind her ear with his fingers. "I think you are. Why don't we just stop? I would say before things go too far, but it's too late because...I am already in love with you. I have loved you this whole time, but I was too stupid to realize it. As much as I wanna be with you, I can't make you feel the same for me."

"Jamal," she responded, as if speechless.

He took her hand and led her to the door. "Let's just call it quits. You don't have to say anything. We tried and things didn't work out, so there's no sense in holding onto something that's not gonna work. I have no hard feelings, so let's just walk away from his now. I'll see you later. Alright?"

He closed and locked the door after she walked outside. He saw the disheartened expression on her face, but refused to let her argue with him. As he leaned against the door, he slid to the floor and rested his elbows on his knees. A part of him wanted to go after her and admit he acted to hastily, but he knew it was best to let her go. He knew he was a good man, and he was not going to force her to love him. On the other hand, he wanted her love in return, but he realized she was not ready. _Damn_.

Yazmin walked to her car flabbergasted. She wanted to assure Jamal he was wrong about her, but deep down she knew it was true. It was not fair to him and she felt terrible. _What did I just do_? At first, she drove home in silence, but soon she decided to turn on the radio. To her dismay, Alicia Keys' "Unthinkable" played on the station.

"Are you serious!" she exclaimed, as the song played.

While she wanted to change the station, she let the song play. Soon the words had her in tears. Though she wiped her eyes, they continued to run down her face. _I lost him._

Chapter Fifteen

"Well congratulations on your new house. They accepted your offer!" Yazmin said to her clients over the phone.

It had been a few weeks since she and Jamal had talked, and she found herself missing him more and more. She decided to bury herself in her work and ended up selling two homes in less than two weeks. While she thrived professionally, she could not help the void she was feeling on the inside and Yazmin felt it more for Jamal than she did for Brad.

When she ended her conversation with her clients, she headed home for the evening. Although she tried to keep her mind off Jamal, it seemed easier said than done. She missed his touch, his kisses, and his voice. This had been the longest they had gone without talking. Even in the past when they had arguments, one of them would apologize the following day. She knew he must have been upset with her, because he did not bother to call or text her as he usually did.

Yazmin walked into her apartment and immediately took off her shoes. She checked her messages on her phone, but they were all from work. She let out a deep mouthful of air, headed to her bedroom, and changed into her comfortable sweat pants and oversized t-shirt. For dinner, she made herself a turkey sandwich, with yogurt for dessert. Then she plopped down on her couch and watched her contemporary romance DVD collection. By the time she got through all four movies, it was 10:30p.m.

At that time, Yazmin walked to her bathroom for a shower. She undressed, stepped inside, and thought about Jamal all over again. She did not anticipate to miss this much, but his image remained in her mind. As the hot water ran down her chest immersed, she closed her eyes as the steam caused beads of sweat to form along her hairline. Immediately, she wiped her brow though she continued to breathe the humid air.

Soon she imagined herself with Jamal. She licked her lips, as she had withdrawals yearning for his kisses. It had been too long. Quickly, she wiped her brow again and realized the water was not the only thing making her hot. _Not again._ Yazmin inhaled through slowly her mouth, as the memories in her mind heightened. Despite the fact that she and Jamal only dated a short while, it was evident they were perfect together, as if they had always belonged.

Yazmin had to confess, being with Jamal came natural to her. Being with him seemed easy, and although they had disagreements like any other couple, she felt as if they were in sync. They had a mature and adult relationship. Not to mention, the chemistry between them was searing. A fire burned within her for Jamal that she had never felt before with a man, not even Brad. Yazmin nibbled on her bottom lip, and when she opened her eyes, she realized she was crying. _What am I supposed to do?_

After showering, she stepped out and wrapped herself in her towel. When she faced the mirror, she wiped away the moisture from the mirror. Then she reviewed her appearance. Whereas her reflection showed a beautiful woman, Yazmin saw an insecure woman petrified of love. The notion had plagued her, and she finally discovered she feared Jamal too good to be true. Furthermore, that she did not deserve his love.

Her past had left her damaged, and she could not understand why he would want to restore her faith in love. For the first time, she felt secure in a relationship and it horrified her. A man being honest and upfront with her felt unusual and dreamlike. She just figured Jamal would change. She supposed once he got what he wanted, regardless of what that was, he would change and become someone different. However, he did not. He remained consistent and that was unfamiliar to Yazmin.

She covered her face with her hands, but then an idea crossed her mind. She quickly dressed and sauntered to her bedroom. She retrieved a piece of paper and a pen. She wrote Jamal and Brad's name, and drew line to separate them. She made Brad's list first.

Brad

Kind

Thoughtful (sometimes)

Sweet

Good provider

Attractive

Athletic

Organized

_What else? Why do I love Brad?_ Yazmin thought long and hard, but she could not think of anything else to write about Brad. Then is dawned on her, even after two years of dating, she did not want him. Some aspects about him she missed like his smile, but she could survive without him. Truthfully, she felt relieved he was out of her life. During their relationship, Yazmin felt as if she were in love by herself. In her eyes, everything was one-sided.

At that moment, she moved to Jamal. She let out a deep lungful of air and wrote. _Be completely honest Yazmin, and do not hold back._ Her heart fluttered just at the thought of Jamal. The effect he had on her was evident, as she grinned to herself.

Jamal

My best friend

Funny

Loyal

Generous

Affectionate

Good listener

Attractive

A shoulder for me to cry on

Knows the real me

Defends me

Patient

Honest

Sees my flaws but challenges me to be better

I can be myself completely around him

Sweet

Somehow knows when to hold me

Takes care of me when I need him

Trustworthy

I can trust him with my deepest thoughts

He's wiped my tears

I cannot imagine my life without him

Spontaneous

Thoughtful

Caring

Tells me the truth even when I don't like it

Somehow, he is a part of me

Without him I feel as if something is missing

I have to hear his voice at least once a day without going crazy

Yazmin covered her mouth in disbelief, as she recognized Jamal's list outweighed Brad's. _Wow._ Although she had to think of things to write about Brad, Jamal's list came easy to her. His list flowed effortlessly out of her. She felt tears form in her eyes. Though she quickly wiped them away, they kept coming. She read over her list about Jamal, again. She knew everything she wrote was true, especially the last one. It had been too long since she heard his voice. She missed him, terribly.

She wrung her hands together as she cried. Then she began to have flashbacks of them, and everything they had been through over the years. She remembered how Jamal would answer her phone and pretend to be her boyfriend, when boys she did not like kept calling her. Alternatively, the time Jamal canceled an evening to stay home with her, when she sprained her right knee their junior year in high school. His friends gave him a hard time about it, but he chose her over them. He came to see every day while she was on bed rest. Just then, a grin went across Yazmin's face. Jamal had always been there for her. She closed her eyes, as she remembered that day.

****

"I thought you were hanging out with you 'boys' tonight," she asked.

"My mom wanted me to drop this off for you," he responded handing her a bag.

Yazmin sat up on her bed and rummaged through the tissue paper. She pulled out a bottle of perfume, a notepad, and a decorative picture frame. "Tell your mom I said thank you."

"I will," he replied with a smile.

They duo turned their heads, when they heard the horn beep outside.

"I guess they're waiting for you," she said setting her gift to the side of her bed.

He nodded. "Yeah, we're headed to the movies."

She gave a small smile. "Well have fun."

"You're gonna be alright?" he asked, as he headed for the door.

She nodded her head. "Yeah, go have fun."

He nodded and walked out of the room.

Yazmin leaned her head back against her bedpost and closed her eyes. When she heard another knock at the door, she quickly opened them. She saw Jamal in the doorway taking off his jacket.

"I thought you left?" she asked surprised.

"I decided to stay and hang out with you," he replied. Then he smiled.

"You don't have to do that," she said.

"I know but I wanted to," he admitted.

She smiled at her friend. "So, I'm sure the guys gave you a hard time about this. Huh?"

He concurred. "Yeah, they keep saying I like you."

"Well, I would hate to be your friend if you didn't."

"I mean I like you, but not like that."

"I don't like you either."

"Yeah right."

She furrowed her brow. "What's that supposed to mean?"

He sat in the chair beside her. "I still remember that kiss from homecoming."

"I thought we said we'd forget it."

"I know."

"Then why are you bringing it up?"

"Just saying."

She eyeballed him. "Just saying what?"

"I told you had soft lips," he replied.

"Shut up Jamal!" she joked.

He laughed at her.

****

Yazmin wiped the rest of her tears. She knew there was no rejecting what she was feeling. She was in love with Jamal. The best times she had while growing up were with him, and during the worst times, he was there to help her through them. _He's always been there._ At first, she thought it was too soon after her break-up to feel this way, but deep down she understood that was not the situation. As more flashbacks flooded her mind, she knew she could not imagine the rest of her life without Jamal. Never had she felt this way about a man.

_What if I've lost him? What if he has changed his mind about us? What if I've ruined everything? How could I be so stupid?_ The thought pained her chest. She knew she could not lose Jamal. He had been a part of her life for too long for her to lose him. She realized she needed to fix things. Even if they never became more than friends, she needed to apologize.

She hastily sprinted to her closet and rummaged through her clothes for something to wear. It was a long shot, but she needed to see Jamal. She settled for a sundress since it was something she could put on quickly. Once she approved her appearance, she grabbed her keys, cell phone, and hurriedly ran down the stairs of her apartment building, avoiding the elevator. After she made it into her car, she drove to Jamal's house.

As she steered down the road, she rehearsed what she was going to say. On the other hand, she had no idea where to start. For the first time, she did not know what to say to her best friend. Her heart pounded louder once she made it into his neighborhood. She turned off the engine as soon as she made it into his driveway. _What if he doesn't want to see me? What if it's really too late? What if I've really lost him for good? God, I hope it's not too late._

Yazmin rubbed the temples of her forehead, as she went back in forth in her mind. Her pulse raced, but she inhaled deeply to calm her nerves. She grabbed her steering wheel, as she lifted her eyes to stare at Jamal's house. Though she had walked the path to his door repeatedly, this time seemed difficult. She slowly moved her hand to her door and grabbed the handle. She clinched her eyes shut as she opened it. As soon as she opened the door, she fluttered her eyes wide open.

She stepped out the car with her purse, shut, and locked her vehicle. She put one foot in front of the other, and soon came to the porch. At that moment, she noticed the light in the kitchen, so she figured he was awake. She raised her hand to the doorbell. Though her fingers were inches away from the button, she found it hard to push.

Chapter Sixteen

Jamal washed the dishes in his sink and hoped he would stop thinking about Yazmin. It was no use. It had been a few weeks since he had called things off. However, he could not deny she had left an impression on his heart. He told her his real feelings and that surprised him, but he could not hold it inside any longer. The expression on her face nearly killed him, as he led her out the door. He had hoped she would stop him and try to convince him he was wrong about his assumptions, but deep down he understood the truth. He knew Yazmin too well and would have known if she were lying.

He walked over to his refrigerator for a bottle of water, when the doorbell stopped him in his tracks. He walked to the door and looked through his peephole. Yazmin was standing on his porch. He gripped the doorknob and opened the door. Her arms folded across her chest, her hair flowing with the wind, and her black jacket covered her shoulders.

"I would have called, but I didn't think you'd want to see me," she stated breaking the silence between them.

"Are you alright?" he asked.

"I need to talk to you Jamal. Please...I just need to say some things. Okay?" she said. She brushed her hair behind her ears.

He ushered her inside and locked the door behind him. He turned and faced Yazmin, as she took off her jacket exposing her lovely toned arms. Jamal cleared his throat trying to retain his composure.

"Yazmin, what's going on?" he questioned.

"You must still be mad at me since that's the only time you call me, Yazmin," she responded.

"What do you want? It's late," he stated.

She cleared her throat. "I came because...I wanted to apologize. You were right. I should not have dragged you along without having settled my feelings for, Brad. I admit I was scared when things heated up between us. You awakened a passion in me that I didn't know existed and that terrified me. Let's face it, Jamal, we grew up as friends and I admit there were times when I thought about us being more, but I thought it would ruin our friendship."

"What do you think now?"

"You are the only man who really knows me. You know my strengths as well as my weaknesses and you don't judge me for them. I have never opened myself up to any man the way I have opened up to you. You see the real me. You...you see into my soul, and I don't want to lose that just because of..." She covered her mouth, as tears rolled down her cheeks.

"Yaz—," he said walking towards her. The last thing he wanted to see was her crying.

She held up her hand for him to stop. "Let me finish." She let out a deep breath and wiped her cheeks. "I want you to know that I don't regret what's happened between us. I've always dreamed of this happening, when a man could make me feel special. I've always wanted to feel like I was only person in the world for him, and I wanted to be that for him too. I felt that with you. For the first time in my life, it felt like that my dream came true, but...once again I got scared. It was as if I thought it was too good to be true. Also, for some reason I felt like I didn't deserve it. I don't know why, but I felt as if I wasn't good enough to have what I always wanted. Perhaps I wasn't enough for love. Now, I know that's not true. I know I'm worthy of love and the love from a good man." She stepped closer towards him. "Jamal, you are a good man. I've always known that as a friend, but now I know it as a woman. I am so sorry for everything I put you through these last couple of months. I hope you can believe me when I say...I am in love with you, Jamal Parker. I know we've only been dating for short time, but...I've loved you all my life too. I just hope I'm not too late."

Jamal felt his heart leaped inside his chest. It was as if a symphony was playing when he heard the words "I love you" leave her lips. As he looked into her eyes, he saw the tenderness and sincerity. Her eyes glistened from her tears, but the smile that went across her face lit up his world.

"I'm not too late am I?" she questioned as if worried.

He stepped closer. "No, Yaz," he began, as he took her hand, "you're not too late." Next, he took her mouth into a profound passionate kiss.

"I missed you," she whispered.

"I missed you too," he murmured.

He felt her melt into his arms. As she embraced his neck, he wrapped his around her waist. Again, he took his time, as he maneuvered his tongue in and out of her mouth. She still tasted sweet to him, even more now than ever since she professed her love. As she brought one hand to stroke his cheek, he ran his through her hair, for her soft tresses felt silky against his fingers. Once he ended their fervent kiss, he guided her by the hand to his den.

"What are you doing?" she panted.

"You'll see," he replied.

Jamal walked over to his stereo and turned on his slow groove collection. He turned to find her glowing as he dimmed the lights. He took her hand in his and led her into a slow dance. Their bodies rhythmically followed to the music in the background. Jamal rested his head on her shoulder, as she massaged the back of his head with her slender petite fingers. He heard a moan leave her lips as he caressed her back, and he felt the heat of his hand against her delicate supple skin. As he placed kisses on her neck, he heard her giggle.

As Yazmin closed her eyes, she moved with his body to the music. Her pulse sped, as he stroked her back and traced his fingers along her shoulder blades. As she allowed the soothing music to sweep over her, she clung to the man she loved. The sensations he sent through her essence caused her heart to thud, and when he raised his head from her shoulder, he tilted her chin and kissed her cheek. Next, he kissed her ear, and finally he made his way to her lips. She welcomed his advances, for she had missed his touch.

From that moment on, she did not want to be without him. She could live without several things in her life, but she could not imagine the rest of her life without Jamal. With him, every aspect of her life seemed better.

"Come with me," he whispered in her ear.

"Where?" she questioned curiously. She still felt his touch though he dropped his hands from her back. He took her hand in his.

"Just come with me," he answered, as they walked down the hallway to his bedroom.

She felt her stomach tighten with anticipation. When they made it to his bedroom, she did her best to remain tranquil, but she could not help but speculate. Was he expecting sex? He cracked the door behind them to where they could still here the music playing. She licked her lips as he walked towards her. The moonlight shined through the drapes and the room glowed.

He cupped her face in his hands and planted kisses on her lips. She could not believe how soft his lips were or how delicious he tasted. His hands then moved down her jaw line to her neck, and from her neck down her arms. Then his kisses transferred to her neck. At first, she kept her eyes closed, but when she felt his tongue peak through and taste her neck, she panicked. _It's too soon_.

Yazmin felt her body tingle with expectancy. Her eyes fluttered as he pleasured her neck with his tongue. Then he trailed his kisses back to her mouth. He seemed hungry for more of her and could not get enough. Next, he ran his hands up and down her spine, and she knew if she did not stop him soon, he would take her down. Though the thought of them making love intrigued her, Yazmin still did not feel ready to take their relationship to that level yet. She patted his arm to get his attention.

"Jamal...," she murmured.

He lifted his head and looked intently into her eyes. "Yaz, do you trust me?"

"Yes," she replied.

He led her over to his queen-sized bed and sat her down in front of him. He bent down and untied the straps to her wedged shoes. She stared at him not knowing what to think. Once both her shoes were off, he sent a vibration through her body, as his hands glided up her toned smooth legs. When he came to the hem of her sundress, he moved his hands to her waist not attempting to pull her dress over her head. He stole another kiss from her lips and took her hands in his. She rose from the bed to her feet.

He kept one hand on the small of her back, while the other pulled the sheets back on his bed. He came out of his shoes and pulled away from Yazmin's lips. She watched as he got into bed and reached for her. She did not ask questions, but took his hand and reclined beside him. Jamal kissed her lips again and ran his fingers through her hair.

As much as Jamal wanted to make love to Yazmin, he did not want to rush their relationship. While it took the majority of his strength not to take off her clothes, he wanted more than sex with her. He wanted something deeper. So he figured the next best thing was intimacy, and to have her body close to his. Kissing her lips and holding her in the night. Her whispers interrupted his thoughts.

"This is nice," she said.

He wrapped his arm around her waist. "What did you think I wanted?"

"Well...," she began.

"Well what?" he questioned.

"Sex to be honest," she responded.

"I won't lie to you. The thought is nice, really nice, but I don't want to rush things between us."

"I appreciate that, Jamal," she answered. "This is the first time I've done this. I like lying here next to you."

"Glad I could be your first," he stated.

"Me too," she agreed. Next, she moved closer and placed a hand on his cheek. Then she traced his mustache with her finger.

Jamal could not help his arousal, as her fingers made his pulse speed up. "Yaz, don't tease me."

She moved her hand away. "Sorry."

"That's alright," he answered. "Yaz?"

She fluffed her pillow and closed her eyes. "Yeah."

"I love you," he confessed.

She fluttered her eyes open. "I love you too."

He brushed a soft kiss over her lips as she nestled closer to him. Yet again, he ran his fingers through her hair, while she stroked his cheek with her petite hand. As the moon glowed over them, and the music still played in the den, Jamal wrapped both arms around Yazmin. Before long, she was asleep, but he remained awake for a while as he held her close.

Yazmin soon fluttered her eyes open only to find herself wrapped in Jamal's arms. As her head rested on his chest, she positioned herself to listen to his heartbeat. Listening to the rhythmic thuds made her smile to herself. She knew she could listen to that sound every night. She could listen to it for the rest of her life.

Chapter Seventeen

Yazmin rested her head on Jamal's chest, as they watched a movie on his couch. He massaged her head as they watched a suspense thriller. The movie was almost over, about to reach its climax. The suspense thrilled Yazmin, as the revealed the killer. Once the movie was over, she rose from her spot and put back on her shoes. As she bent to fasten the buckles, Jamal leaned over and nibbled her neck.

Once more, his touch brought her body quivers. Yazmin could not believe three months had passed. She did not know she could be this happy in a relationship, but Jamal had proven her wrong. For the first time, she felt secure. She finally put the past behind her, and was ready to start again with him. The only regret she had was not falling for him sooner. She wondered if they had been together all along, where would they be now.

On the other hand, she understood they came together at the right time. She had to confess, in the past, she was not for a mature relationship. While she wanted genuine love, she had to let go of her past. However, at this moment, Yazmin felt confident she could be the woman Jamal needed. Everything that occurred before, prepared her for this moment. Currently, she was with a man who loved her just as much as she loved him. There was nothing in the world she would not do for him, and she was convinced he would do the same for her.

Almost immediately, she blocked out her thoughts, as he continued to please her neck with his kisses. Before long, she found herself giggling. However, it was getting late. Yazmin knew she had to leave.

"Don't start that, Jamal," she said.

"Why not?" he asked wrapping his arms around her waist.

"I have an early day at work tomorrow," she said in between kisses.

"Me too. Besides, it's still early," he replied.

"Well I need a good night's sleep," she said, playfully pushing him off her. Nonetheless, he pulled her back by her waist. She giggled. "You don't give up easily do you?"

He kissed her lips. "Not usually and you owe me."

"For what?"

"I want my fifty bucks back."

"You're still not over that?"

"That was gas money."

"What do I have to do to get rid of you?"

"I don't think you really want to," he commented.

"Maybe, maybe not," she teased.

"Do you want me to stop," he questioned.

"No, but I have an early day tomorrow," she reminded him.

"And?" he joked.

She flicked his back with her finger. "I'm serious, Babe. I need my sleep, and you're just gonna keep me up."

He gave her one last peck on her neck. "Alright, but do me one favor."

"What?"

"Meet me in the backyard," he said, as he rose from the couch. He exited the back door to the backyard. Yazmin took off her shoes and jacket and quickly followed. She found a water gun on the patio table.

"You gotta be kidding me," she said. "Jamal, we're not kids anymore."

Yazmin shrieked when water sprayed her back. Determined to get revenge, she picked up her toy gun, and battled Jamal in a water fight. Before long, she ran for cover and hid behind a tree. She waited for him to make his next move.

It had been a long time since they had a water fight, and she could not help but smile. She loved how they could have fun together. Even though they were adults, this made her feel as if they were still kids again.

"Yaz," he taunted, "just give up, Yaz."

She did not budge at first. She continued to listen while he scouted the backyard for her. Then Yazmin thought of a better idea. Since he was standing on the edge of the pool, she laid down her water gun and decided to sneak up behind him. Immediately, she grabbed him by his waist, and they both tumbled into the pool. When she came up for air, she noticed Jamal's water gun had floated to the surface. She laughed when he rose above the water. He wiped his eyes.

"I guess I win," she bragged, as she swam to the steps.

"You ain't right, Yaz," he responded smiling. He pulled her closer to him.

She wrapped her arms around his neck. "You started this so don't blame me, and thanks to you, I'm gonna be up tonight doing my hair."

"I think it looks good."

"Whatever, I'm the one who has to fix it."

"I fixed it one time."

"We were ten years old, Jamal. Because of you, my hair was uneven for six months before it grew back out."

"Yeah, and you got back at me in high school when you tried to give me a fade."

"That was my way of getting back at you for not asking me to prom."

"But you said you were going to the dance with, Bobby Coleman."

"You were taking the most popular girl in school, Hilary Rankin, to the prom. Remember?"

"Don't tell me you were jealous."

"That and I had a small crush on you in high school," she confessed.

"Really?" he asked. "What about that kiss on the porch at homecoming?"

"Yeah I know, but I still didn't think you really liked me. I thought you kissed me because you felt sorry for me," she explained.

"Well you were wrong," Jamal replied.

Her eyes widened. "Really?"

"Do you remember that game of 'spin the bottle' at Hilary's 17th birthday party?" he reminded her.

"Yeah, I remember you bragging about kissing her that night. You said that was the best seven minutes of your life."

"Well...," Jamal began, as he brushed her hair behind her ear with his fingers. "Let's just say, she wasn't the girl I really wanted to kiss."

She met his gaze. She loved how he looked in the moonlight. As the remaining water drops trickled down his face, he smiled.

"And who did you really wanna kiss?" she asked.

He leaned in closer. "Guess," he whispered and kissed her lips.

She loved floating in his arms in tranquil water, and she loved how they clicked as a couple. All these years she was in love with her best friend. He was it for her and she did not want another man. Yazmin had given her heart to Jamal. She was his from that moment on.

"Jamal," she whispered in between kisses.

"Uh-huh," he answered clearly distracted by her essence. Soon they floated to the wall.

"Do you think we should get out?" she questioned.

"Not really, why?"

"I think we should."

"Why?"

"Cause its cold."

He laughed. "Wow, you really know how to ruin a moment," he joked.

"I don't mind we can stay here, but I feel weird with my clothes sticking to me. Unless you want me to get sick, I suggest we get out," she joked back.

"I can't keep you warm?" he said.

"You can, but it doesn't change the fact that its cold and our clothes are wet," she reminded him.

"I think you're focused on the wrong thing, Babe," he replied.

"Well...what do you suggest?" she teased.

He kissed her again but this time he unbuttoned her shirt. Then he slid it from her shoulders and down her arms and tossed it on the concrete. Next, his hands went to her pants. She felt the ruggedness of the pool wall against her back, while he slid his pants down her thighs, legs, and finally her feet. He tossed it to the same place as her shirt. She then watched as he came out of his shirt and pants. Once they were both in their underwear, he wrapped her legs around his waist and caressed her thighs. Their eyes locked and soon he inched closer to her lips.

"Anything else bothering you?" he asked.

"No," she managed to say.

"Anything else I can do for you?" he questioned.

She heard the seduction in his voice and it made her body tingle. All she could do was shake her head in response, and he took her lips into another passionate kiss. Yazmin hugged his shoulders. She loved the roughness of his hands they stroked her thighs and lower back. His tongue moving in and out her mouth sent tremors throughout her core. When he transferred his kisses to her neck, she felt a chill up her spine. At first, she thought it was his touch. While most of it was, the chill of the night intensified.

"Babe...," she whispered.

"Uh huh," he whispered back.

"I'm getting really cold," she admitted.

Jamal raised his head from her neck and smiled. He loosened his grip from her body and led her out of the water. Yazmin grabbed two towels lying on the patio table and wrapped herself. She tossed Jamal the other. Then they walked back inside the house.

"You're gonna need some dry clothes," he suggested, as they entered the den.

Yazmin eyeballed him. "Was this your way of getting me to stay longer?"

"Maybe," Jamal answered and walked to the laundry room.

She shook her head. "You are sneaky!"

He returned to the den with a dry black t-shirt in his hand. He was already dressed in his gray pajama pants, and a fitted white sleeveless t-shirt.

"You want me to leave?" he asked teasingly.

She kissed his lips. "No, you don't have to. I'll change in the bathroom. I need to fix my hair."

Yazmin strolled to the bathroom along with the t-shirt and her purse. She combed her hair as best she could and looked herself over. She did not look terrible, even though Jamal's t-shirt looked like a dress on her petite frame. She shrugged her shoulders and headed back to the den. She found Jamal sitting on the couch, searching the channels with the remote.

"I was about to come get you. What took so long?" he asked.

"I told you. I had to fix my hair," she responded.

"You know you had fun, Yaz, so stop playing," he teased.

She playfully shoved him. "Shut up."

"I don't know if I like you talking to me like that." He pulled her to his lap.

"I thought you liked women with fight in them."

"Not all women, just you."

"Good," Yazmin responded. She kissed his lips.

"Besides, they got nothing on you anyway," he acknowledged.

"Nice comeback line," she teased in between kisses.

"You ain't right," he joked back, "here I am trying to pay you a compliment, and there you go ruining it."

She continued to kiss his lips. Before long, he broke the kiss and repositioned lie down. She lied on top of him, and he pulled a blanket over them. He wrapped his arms around Yazmin.

"You wanna go away this weekend? Just the two of us?" he asked.

"Not this weekend, Babe. Remember? We have Phillip and Yolanda's wedding."

"Yeah, you right. Well, what about next weekend?"

"What did you have in mind?" she asked.

"Let your man surprise you," he replied.

"Well as long as it ain't Red Stone's Bed & Breakfast, I'm good," she joked.

Jamal laughed and kissed her lips again.

Chapter Eighteen

Jamal flipped the burgers on the grill in his backyard. It was the night of Phillip's bachelor party, and since Jamal's house had the most space, he allowed them to use his house for the occasion. The men were either nodding their heads to the music, or sitting on the patio furniture as they waited for the food.

"Any more wedding plans you're helping with?" Deshawn joked looking at Phillip.

"You got jokes," Phillip stated.

"Deshawn, I guess that means yes," Jamal said.

"Shut up, and to answer your question, no. All that's left is the rehearsal dinner tomorrow night, and finally the wedding on Saturday," Phillip replied.

"He's really going through with it, man," Deshawn called out to Jamal.

"I don't blame him. Yolanda is a good woman and we all know, Phillip, loves him some Yo-lo," Jamal joked.

Deshawn laughed, "So, is Yolanda cool letting us hire strippers?"

"What's that supposed to mean?" Phillip questioned.

"Man, you know," Deshawn joked.

"We're just having fun and my woman knows that. Besides, she's doing her own thing with her friends, and I know I'm marrying her. No stripper is not gonna make me leave Yolanda," Phillip declared.

"So if we call Yo-lo right now, she's gonna say its okay we got you strippers," Jamal interjected.

"My woman trusts me," Phillip admitted.

"Man, you sprung for real," Deshawn commented.

"That's right I love me some Yolanda, just like Jamal loves some Yazmin," Phillip stated and sipped his drink.

Deshawn looked at Jamal along with Phillip.

"What?" Jamal asked.

"See, she's got him twisted man," Phillip said.

"How's it going with you two?" Deshawn asked.

"So far so good," Jamal responded.

Jamal was in love and his friends knew it. Every moment he spent with Yazmin was amazing. He never wanted to leave when one of them had to go home. In the last eight months, he and Yazmin went from being friends to being in a romantic relationship.

"He ain't gonna give us details man," Deshawn said looking over at Phillip. "If it were another woman, maybe. Since its, Yaz, he ain't gonna tell us anything. Jamal was always protective of her and it's even worse now that they're dating."

"I'm the same way with, Yolanda, man," Phillip responded.

Deshawn looked at Jamal and Phillip. "So both of my boys are sprung? Both of these women got you whipped? Maybe I need to stop this thing with Mya, now."

"Yeah right, man. You might as well admit it, you like her," Jamal replied and took the burgers off the grill.

Deshawn did not answer.

"You do like Mya. Right?" Phillip asked.

Deshawn took a gulp of his drink. "I told her I love her last night."

Jamal's eyes widened and Phillip choked on his drink.

"Looks like we're all sprung," Jamal said.

"Yeah, we're gonna have to get checked out," Phillip said and they all laughed together.

"How do these women do it?" Deshawn asked.

"I don't know, man, but I like it," Jamal admitted.

"I don't even wanna know, because I might not like it," Phillip added.

They men laughed again, and Jamal quickly found himself thinking about Yazmin once more.

\----

Yazmin took another bite from her delicious tiramisu cake pop, which made her eyes roll in the back of her head. She sat on the couch and watched Yolanda's friends give her gifts. Though surprised Yolanda asked her to come to her bachelorette party, let alone be in the wedding, she gladly accepted. Phillip and Yolanda seemed to be complete opposites, but then again, Yazmin felt the same way about her and Jamal. Over the course of three months, she had found genuine love with her best friend. It still seemed surreal, but every time they kissed, she knew it was real. For the first time, she knew what real love felt like, and it took Jamal to show her.

Although Yazmin expected Yolanda to be a "bridezilla," she was the sweetest woman she had ever met, and she wondered how Phillip wooed her. In fact, Yolanda's sister, Amber, seemed to be the control freak, for she ordered everyone around to make sure her sister had the perfect party.

"Okay ladies," Amber began, "the strippers have arrived!"

"Amber!" Yolanda exclaimed. "I told you I didn't want nasty strippers."

"Oh come on, Yolanda, have some fun," a bridesmaid commented.

"I don't know why she tries to act all sweet and innocent. She knows she's an undercover freak," another bridesmaid agreed.

"I can't believe this is happening," Yolanda said and rose from her seat. She walked over to where Yazmin was sitting, and sat beside her. She was obviously uncomfortable.

"Sis," Amber responded, "you were really serious about this? You didn't want a stripper? I thought you were just saying that."

"I meant what I said, Amber. I can't believe you went behind my back," Yolanda declared.

"If you don't want the strippers, Yolanda, then they can just leave," Yazmin said in hopes she made Yolanda feel better.

"First of all, Yazmin, this is none of your business. Second Yolanda, I can't just send them away. These men have been paid to do their job. It would be a waste of money to just send them back," Amber explained.

Yazmin furrowed her brow at Amber. "If she doesn't want the strippers, Amber, she doesn't want them."

"How about this," another bridesmaid interrupted, "we'll let them in, and they can just dance for those who are comfortable. Yolanda, they don't have to get close to you if you don't want them to."

"But she's the bride," Amber corrected.

"They don't know that unless we tell them," Yazmin commented.

"Sounds good to me," Yolanda agreed. "Then again."

"Then again what?" Amber asked.

"I'm not married yet," Yolanda joked.

"I knew it!" another bridesmaid exclaimed. The women laughed.

\----

Soon Phillip and Yolanda's wedding day arrived. Yazmin dressed that evening in her bridesmaid's dress, along with the rest of the bridal party. Yolanda's wedding colors were lavender and white, and Yazmin liked her one-shoulder, thigh length, lavender dress. It hugged her waist beautifully and flattered her hips. Then she looked at her French manicured toes and smiled at the silver, open-toed stiletto shoes, Yolanda had picked for her. Once her make-up and hair were finished, she admired her look in the mirror. Her brown eyes accentuated the plum eye shadow, and her spiraled curled hair fell perfectly at her shoulders. She was glad she decided to let her hair grow. Usually she kept it short, but she wanted something new.

Once the time came to start, Yazmin lined up with the rest of the women, as the ceremony began. When it came time for her to walk down the aisle, she followed the beat of the song as rehearsed. Then her eyes locked with Jamal, while he stood with the groomsmen in his black tuxedo. He smiled and she smiled.

For the remaining for the ceremony, she and Jamal never laid eyes off each other. Then when the minister announced Phillip and Yolanda as man and wife, Yazmin and Jamal walked out behind the newlywed couple, as each of the bridal party did with their assigned escort.

During the reception, family and friends danced, ate, and laughed in celebration of the newly married couple. Yazmin slowly sipped her champagne, being careful not to go overboard. She did not want a repeat of the last time. When a hand grazed her back, she shuddered, but smirked when she saw Jamal looking down at her.

"Wanna dance?" he asked.

Yazmin looked at the dance floor. Couples were joining Phillip and Yolanda while they danced to their song, "You and I (Nobody in the World)" by John Legend.

"Sure," she replied and took his hand.

They walked to the dance floor fingers laced together. Jamal spun her around and brought her into his embrace. She wrapped her arms around his neck, while his hugged her waist. She closed her eyes while he swayed their bodies back and forth. At first, she rested her head on his shoulder, but soon pressed lightly her forehead against his. Then she took one hand and massaged the back of his head with her fingers. She inhaled deeply, for her lips were inches away from Jamal's. While he ran one hand up and down her back, he kissed the corner of her mouth.

"You look good in that dress," he commented.

"Thank you. You don't look so bad in your tux," she replied.

Then he cupped her chin and kissed her lips. "I couldn't help it." He held her closer.

"You didn't hear me complain did you?"

He grinned, "So, what do you wanna do once we leave here?"

"I thought I'd go home," she teased.

"Or...," he began.

"Or what?" she questioned, as she grinned.

"You could come over to my place," he suggested.

A shockwave traveled throughout her essence, while he caressed her arms. He kissed her again, but this time he lingered. She cupped his face in her hands while his hands glided down her waist. For a moment, she thought they were alone, but she soon remembered they were in public.

"What do you think?" he asked, interrupting her thoughts.

"Well..., I guess I could come over for a little while," she admitted.

"Good," he responded. Then he kissed her again.

As soon as Phillip and Yolanda left that night for their honeymoon, Jamal and Yazmin scurried along to his car. On the way to his house, rain poured from the sky. To Yazmin's dismay, she did not bring a jacket or an umbrella. Upon arrival, Jamal gave her his jacket to use. Then they darted for the front door. When they made it to the front porch, his coat made no difference to Yazmin. The rain soaked them both.

"Thanks for ruining my hair," she said.

He took one of her wet curls in his hand. "Still looks good to me," he countered with a grin.

"Sure," she joked.

He opened the door and let her walk in front of him. Once they were inside, he locked the door, and immediately brought her closer for a kiss.

"Sorry about your hair," he said in between kisses.

She wrapped her arms around his neck. "That's okay. But you can make it up to me."

"How do I do that?" he flirted.

"You don't know?" she joked. "I thought you knew me."

"I'm still getting to know you, Baby," he replied.

"Then I'm sure you can figure something out. I'm not that hard to please."

"Oh really?"

"I'm not."

"If you say so, Babe."

"Besides, it's not as if you don't know what I like," she flirted.

"Oh really?" he questioned.

"Uh-huh," she whispered.

A chill traveled up Yazmin's spine, as Jamal lifted her off her feet. She wrapped her legs around his waist. Next, his hands massaged her back while he leaned his against the wall. Her dress clung to her skin, but her body remained sensitive to his touch. Soon he carried her to his bedroom and closed the door with his foot. He placed her on her feet and she unbuttoned his shirt.

He unzipped her dress and it dropped to her feet, exposing her black strapless bra and panties. His kisses led to her neck, and she took the opportunity to unzip his pants. He pulled his t-shirt from over his head and picked her up once again. Then he sauntered her over to his bed and laid her on her back.

Chapter Nineteen

The following weekend, Jamal and Yazmin packed his car with their bags and drove two hours down the road for their romantic getaway. Although she was nervous about their excursion, being with him made her happy. Of course, she was not sure how it would turn out, but she assured herself it would be like old times. As they journeyed down the road, she recalled their spring break trips during their high school days. They even snuck away one time to Miami, Florida for a spring fling week. Though they had a blast with friends, when they returned home, their deception infuriated their parents.

Yazmin stared out the window as they glided down the highway. The sun shined in all its glory, the puffy white clouds floated across the baby blue skies, and the light wind made the trees sway back and forth. The whole scene was serene and finally she relaxed her head against the headrest.

"You wanna stop and stretch a bit?" Jamal asked taking the exit off the highway.

She tilted her head to face him, "Sure. Is it my turn to drive?"

"No, I still got one more hour before we switch. Can you grab me a bag of chips from the back, Babe?" he said.

She undid her seatbelt and reached for the snack bag in the back seat. She smirked when she felt his hand touch her bottom. "Excuse you."

"What?" he joked.

"Keep your hands to yourself, sir," she teased. She handed him his chips and refastened her seatbelt.

"Sure," he laughed.

Almost immediately, they pulled up to the rest stop. Yazmin stepped out the car, followed by Jamal, and stretched her legs. He then took her hand and led her over to a nearby table where they sat. She breathed in the fresh air and enjoyed the cool breeze sweep over her.

"Is that a lake over there?" he asked interrupting her thoughts.

"What?" she responded.

"Yeah, I hear this rest spot has a lake nearby. You wanna check it out since we're here," he suggested.

She nodded in response. "Okay."

Jamal took her hand and they followed the designated trail to the nearby lake. As soon as they arrived, they found a couple of families with their children feeding the ducks. Yazmin smiled just as Jamal wrapped an arm around her shoulder. In return, she wrapped her arms around his waist.

"This is nice, Babe," she commented.

"I thought you'd like it," he bragged.

She lightly pinched him. "Someone's modest, huh?"

He grinned. "I do what I can."

She shook her head. "You better be glad I love you."

"Why is that?"

"Cause that's the only way I can put up with you."

"Would you rather put up with someone else?"

She met his gaze. "No."

"Me neither," he replied and caressed her lips with his. Then he looked at his watch. "We probably should head back out."

She concurred and they walked hand in hand to the car. For the rest of the trip the couple joked, talked, and listened to music. Given that she fell asleep, Jamal ended driving the rest of the way. She woke to him kissing her forehead.

Upon their arrival that evening, they checked into their hotel, and settled into their room for the night. Yazmin nestled into the comfortable queen-sized bed after showering and washing her face. She did not expect the trip to tire her so much, but when her head hit the pillow, her body quickly relaxed. Her eyes fluttered open when Jamal came out of the bathroom shirtless. He only wore his pajama pants. Yazmin allowed her eyes to follow the perfectly toned muscles in his back. His broad shoulders still gave her chills, and the contours of his arms astounded her, for she loved how they felt around her body.

"You're supposed to be asleep," he commented.

She quickly closed her eyes. "I am."

"Then why are you checking me out," he responded.

"I'm not," she lied.

He turned off the light and crawled in bed beside her. "You weren't."

She opened her eyes. "Maybe, maybe not," she teased.

"I think you were," he affirmed jokingly.

"You can't prove it," she argued.

"Maybe, maybe not," he mimicked and kissed her goodnight. She grinned in between kisses and finally rested her head on his chest. Once again, her body relaxed, but this time, she went to sleep.

The following morning, after breakfast, the couple spent the day sightseeing. When they returned to their room, they decided to play basketball at the court down the street. Yazmin chose her pink fitted athletic shirt, along with her black pants, and white tennis shoes. She loved how it complemented her small frame, but at the same time showed off her curves. She tied her shoes just as Jamal stepped out of the bathroom in his black basketball shorts, a grey sleeveless t-shirt, and white tennis shoes. She nodded in approval.

"What?" he asked smiling.

"Nothing," she replied coyly.

"Checking me out, again."

She rolled her eyes. "Whatever."

"Let's go, Babe."

Upon arrival, they decided to play half court. Yazmin stretched, while Jamal practiced his layup shots. When he made his third shot, she sensed him looking her up and down. She then turned around and placed her hands on her hips.

"You ready?" he asked.

"Please," she joked, "I'm gonna kick your butt."

"Listen at you," he joked, as he passed her the ball. "First one to fifteen wins?"

"Make it twenty," she countered, as she took a three point shot. She made it.

He looked at her. "Okay. You serious, huh?"

"Why wouldn't I be?"

"I was gonna go easy on you, but it looks like I need to get serious."

"Bring it," she taunted with a smile.

For the next ten minutes they played. Although she was serious about winning, Yazmin would occasionally exchange kisses with him. He seemed to like her competiveness, and she enjoyed toying with him since it appeared to excite him. Soon, the duo took a break. The score was 16 to 19 and he was winning. She took a gulp of water from her bottle, as he sat on the bench and wiped his forehead with his towel.

"Ready to quit?" he asked.

"The game's not over yet, Baby," she began, "you just got lucky on that last play."

"Okay. I tried to give you a way out," he answered.

"I don't need a way out. I have skills, and I'm going to beat you," she concluded.

Jamal grinned at her confidence. He loved how she teased him and he could not wait until they got back to the room. He wiped his forehead again, but when she sat in his lap, he lost concentration.

"What are you doing? Is this part of your strategy?" he questioned.

"Maybe," she whispered. "Why do you look good even when you sweat?"

He swallowed hard knowing if she did not stop, he would take her down right there on the concrete. Her body glistened from sweat, and the heat that came from her thighs while she sat in his lap drove him crazy. Her heat seemed to permeate through his shorts and seep into his skin. She felt good against him, then again, she always did.

"You do realize if you don't get up," he said, "I'm gonna have trouble finishing this game."

"Who says we have to finish?" she questioned, as she laced her fingers around his neck.

He planted a soft kiss on her lips. "I think you're trying to play me."

"Me?"

"Yes you."

"I can't believe you would think that about me."

"That's too bad, because I do."

"Why would I play you?"

"You know why."

"If you say so," she replied rising from his lap.

He shook off the feeling. "You're gonna pay for that."

She giggled. "Let's just finish the game, Babe."

They continued their game. Jamal went for a layup but missed. Yazmin got the rebound and went for a three pointer. She made it and tied the game at 19 to 19.

"You know you got lucky. Right?" he asked smiling.

She smiled, as she dribbled the ball. "Sure, Babe," she replied slyly.

"You sure are talking smack," he commented.

She smirked. "If you say so."

"No, seriously, I'm getting concerned," he kidded.

Jamal got closer to guard her and she smirked. As she leaned in closer teasing him, she did a quick cross over and went for a layup. She missed but when she landed on the ground, she landed wrong on her right ankle. Jamal ran quickly to her while she took deep breaths holding her ankle.

"What happened, Babe?" he asked concerned.

"I think I twisted my ankle," she replied trying to breathe deeply.

The stinging and throbbing pain was undeniable. After she released her grip, he gently took her ankle, laid it in his lap, and took off her shoe. He moved her ankle around gently much to her dismay. She nibbled on her bottom lip while he examined her.

"I think it's just a mild sprain, but let's go back to the hotel and get you some ice," he concluded.

"Okay," she responded.

"Can you stand, Babe?" he questioned.

She nodded. He helped her to her feet, but when she put weight on her foot, she felt the pain. For this reason, he picked her up, walked over to the bench, sat her down, and gathered their things. He took two trips by first putting her in the car, and then their towels, water bottles, and the basketball. Once they made it back to the hotel, he carried her to their room.

"I'm fine," she said, as he closed the door with his foot.

He shook his head in disagreement. "I still think you need ice."

"It's not that serious, Babe, I can walk," she assured him.

"Then why am I carrying you, Yaz?" he asked, while he walked over to the bed.

"Because you worry too much."

"You're just mad because the game ended in a tie."

"Yeah, because I was about to win."

"And you would've loved that, huh?"

She grinned. "Maybe a little."

He left to get some ice.

Yazmin sat up in bed and placed two of the four pillows underneath her right ankle. The pain was letting up so she felt better. Jamal returned with a bag of ice and sat beside her on the bed.

"Is that a little better?" he asked placing the ice gently on her ankle.

"I think so," she replied.

"That's what you get talking all that trash, Babe," he teased.

She rolled her eyes. "I was about to win."

"Sure you were."

She glared at him. "I was," she responded. She smiled again, for she liked how he was taking care of her. "Thank you."

"You're welcome, Babe," he replied.

She motioned for him to come closer. He leaned in closer and kissed her lips.

"Consider this your payment doctor," she teased in between kisses.

"You couldn't afford me," he joked back.

She stroked the back of his neck. "You don't take checks do you?" she asked and kissed him again.

He laughed. "No cash only."

"You ain't right," she responded.

He pulled away from her lips and stroked her chin with thumb.

"You know I love you right?" he asked.

She beamed. "I love you too, but you're not getting off that easily."

"Oh really," he responded. "What's it gonna take?"

She pretended to think and watched while he smirked at her facial expression. "I have a few things in mind," she responded.

"Like what?" he asked.

"You know I show better than I tell," she flirted.

"Then show me," he whispered.

She reclined on her back bringing him on top of her. He slid a hand underneath her shirt and she tugged at his. He came out of his shirt, and she allowed him to pull hers over her head. She cupped his face in her hands while he stroked her hips and thighs. As the couple made out lying on the bed, Yazmin failed to see her phone light up with a text message.

4:05p.m...Brad: Can we talk?

Chapter Twenty

Jamal pulled into the parking lot in front of Yazmin's apartment building. Although he did not want the weekend to end, he knew they had to get back to reality. As he turned off his car's engine, he turned to find Yazmin unfastening her seatbelt, and reaching for her purse. When she faced him, he immediately covered her lips with his.

"I thought your lips were numb," she joked.

"That was earlier," he murmured.

"But I thought I exhausted you," she reminded him in between in kisses.

"Not that much," he responded. Soon he pulled her over into his lap without breaking the kiss. She caressed the back of his head while his hands stroked her thighs. As his kisses traveled to her neck, Jamal heard his phone ring.

"Do you need to get that?" Yazmin inquired.

"Not right now," he said.

"What if it's important?" she countered.

"Not as important as right now," he replied.

Yazmin giggled as she budged out of his lap. "You're crazy, Jamal. Answer your phone."

He grinned and reached inside his pocket to see who called. To his demise, it was Danielle. _What does she want?_ As his mind wondered, he hoped she did not call again, at least not with Yazmin in the car with him.

"Do you need some help with your bag? How does your ankle feel?" he questioned.

"It's a little sore, but I can use some help with my bag. I can walk though," she explained.

With that, he helped her out the car and escorted her inside her building. She rested her head on his shoulder while they rode the elevator to her floor. As soon as the doors opened, Jamal looped his arm around hers for support, and they walked down the hall to her apartment. Though Yazmin claimed her ankle felt better, he knew it still bothered her a little. Once they came to her door, she turned to face him. She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed his lips.

"Thank you for an amazing weekend," she declared.

"You made it amazing," he responded sincerely. "Be sure to stay off you ankle for the rest of the day."

"I told you I'm fine. It's just a little sore," she answered sounding confident.

"Doctor's orders," he countered.

"Fine," she agreed.

"Thank you."

"You're welcome."

Soon he found his hands at her hips.

She beamed. "What are you doing?"

"Like you don't know."

"I think you need a break."

He kissed her lips. "I'll never need a break from you."

"Good," she whispered and covered his lips with hers.

Jamal felt as if he were on fire. Yazmin's touch was lethal, and since he was getting weak in the knees, he rested his hand against her door for support. She hugged his waist and wrapped one leg around his. He knew he needed to go home, but he hated being away from her. Though he tried not to smother her, he enjoyed spending time with Yazmin.

"I should probably go," he finally said.

She kissed the corner of his mouth. "Okay."

He could not help himself, so he kissed her one last time. "I love you."

"I love you too," she replied. From there, she grabbed her bag, unlocked her door, and walked inside.

Once Jamal was in the hallway by himself, he strolled back to his car. As he cruised down the road, he bopped his head to the radio. When he pulled into his neighborhood, he was content on taking a shower and going to bed once he made it home. However, when he pulled onto his street, the car sitting across from his house looked familiar. _Oh hell no_.

He knew Danielle sitting in her a car across from his house was not a good sign. He had not seen her since their break-up nor did he want to see her. He had completely moved on with Yazmin, and he was finally happy. As he pulled up in his driveway, he dreaded the conversation he knew was coming. He figured Danielle needed to talk to him if she came to his house. The calls were one thing, but for her to show up to his house meant it was more than he realized. _I hope that she doesn't wanna_ _get back together._ _I don't wanna deal with that_. After getting out his car, he watched Danielle walk towards him as he took his duffle bag out his trunk. She was getting closer and he let out a deep breath. _Get ready for her drama._

"Danielle, what are you doing here?" he asked walking towards his front door with his bag.

"I need to talk to you, Jamal. Just give me ten minutes," she said.

Though he tried to listen, all he recalled was Yazmin. He desperately did not want the weekend to end with her, but he knew they had to get back to reality. Being with her was pure bliss, and he could not stop smiling when he drove home from her place. After she sprained her ankle, they closed themselves for the rest of the weekend, and did not come out of the room until checkout time. He wished they could have stayed longer, for she seemed to make him feel alive. The sound of her voice gave him goose bumps, her kisses make his body tingle, and her touch made his heartbeat race. He never thought he could love a woman in such a way to where she became a part of him, but Yazmin defied his beliefs. Jamal was completely in love with Yazmin King.

He licked his lips for they still tingled from Yazmin's peppermint lip-gloss. He did not want to say goodbye just yet, and she did not seem to want to either. _Damn, I miss her already. I really got it bad._ The smile left though when he directed his attention back to Danielle.

He shook his head and gathered his thoughts. "I haven't heard from you since I kicked you out, and now all of the sudden you wanna talk?"

"I know. Please Jamal. Just let me say what I have to say. Okay. Can I come inside?" Danielle pleaded.

He knew she was not going to let up. He figured she would continue to beg, so Jamal nodded and she followed him inside his house.

"Say what you gotta say Danielle," Jamal stated, as he locked the door behind them.

"I feel so bad with how things ended between us. I know I shouldn't have treated you that way."

"No you shouldn't have."

"I understand you're angry, but Jamal, I wasn't ready for a man like you. You were so different from any other man I've ever dated. You actually cared about me and that scared me, because I was so used to being played by men."

"And you thought I would do that to you?"

"I did and because of that I went back to a man who didn't really love me."

"You made it perfectly clear that you loved him though."

"I was confused, Jamal. I convinced myself that going back to, Marcel, was easier and safe, but I was wrong."

"What's that got to do with me, Danielle?"

"I came here to say I'm so sorry, and I want to try again."

He glared at her. He figured deep down she was being serious, and he felt bad for her. While he did have some lingering feelings for her, it did not change how he felt about Yazmin.

"It took you all this time to figure this out?" he asked folding his arms.

"Yes I did. I needed to know for sure. I know my timing is off—," she stated.

"Way off Danielle, way off," he interrupted.

Danielle glanced at Jamal then noticed his bag in the corner. "Did you go somewhere?" she asked.

"Yeah I did," he responded proudly. The last thing he wanted was to feel as if she caught him doing something wrong. They were not together, and he could come and go as he pleased without her input. He did not owe her an explanation for anything he did. He knew he was a grown man and did not answer to her. Despite this, he did feel sorry for Danielle.

"You went with another woman?"

"Yeah, I went with another woman."

"Wow."

"I'm sorry you had to find out like this."

"We just broke up Jamal, and you're already going out of town with another woman? How could you?"

"The same way you could sleep with Marcel behind my back without telling me. Besides, it's been a while since we split up."

"Jamal, I can't believe you! You were gonna propose to me."

Her attitude did not surprise at all. She was trying to turn the situation around to make it his fault. Immediately, he stopped feeling sorry for her. In his eyes, she did not change at all.

"Wait a minute," Jamal began seriously, "you're the one that screwed up this relationship. Remember?"

"I know that, but I haven't moved on since we broke up," she responded.

"No, you just messed around while we were together."

"I know I deserve that. I know I was wrong, Jamal, but I'm here to make things right."

"It's a little late for that don't you think Danielle?" he questioned

"You're telling me you don't miss me," she commented.

"At first I did, but I'm over that."

"So you just turned off your feelings for me?"

"You turned them off for me when you included, Marcel, in the picture."

"But I don't love Marcel. I love you Jamal."

"I don't know what to tell you. I've moved on."

"Do you love her?"

"Yeah I do."

"More than me?"

"Danielle, do you really wanna know the answer to that question?"

She shook her head as if in disbelief. "No, but I just can't believe you're really over me," she stated. She walked closer to him and reached for his arm.

He jerked away. "Don't, Danielle," he stated firmly.

"Jamal, I know you love me," she said, as tears rolled down her cheeks.

"Danielle, don't do this. Just go, alright," Jamal replied.

"Jamal, I love you, and I wanna be your wife," she confessed.

She moved closer to him and wrapped her arms around his neck. He did not return the embrace, but kept his arms to his side. He could not believe her. Now that he was happy, she was trying to come back to him. Though Jamal could not deny that he still cared about Danielle, he knew he did not want to try again.

"Where was all this emotion when we were together? From what I can remember you were manipulative, conniving, dishonest, and shallow," he pointed out. Even though he wanted nothing to do with her, he had wanted to get some things off his chest.

"Jamal!" she proclaimed.

"It's the truth, Danielle. Why can't you just be honest with me? Admit it, you haven't changed. You just want something you can't have," he declared.

"I am being honest. I was scared, Jamal. I didn't know how to love you back," Danielle confessed.

He was not satisfied. "I'm sorry Danielle," he responded breaking the embrace, "but I don't trust you."

Danielle covered her mouth as if in disbelief. "Jamal...Please," she whispered and quickly covered his lips with hers.

Despite the fact that Jamal wanted to break away, he wanted to know for sure if he was really over her. In the past, her kisses gave him pleasure, and eventually the two of them would end up in bed. There was a time when he could not resist her. The touch of her hand, the taste of her tongue, or the way she felt in his arms. For her to have that much power over him, he allowed her to kiss him to see if he felt anything. To his surprise, he felt nothing. In fact, he wished she were Yazmin. As a result, he quickly broke the kiss and motioned for her to leave.

"Goodbye, Danielle," he said opening the front door for her.

She walked but stopped when she stepped in the doorway. She gazed at Jamal. "This is not over yet, Jamal," she said sounding confident. "You're new woman has nothing on me."

"You really think so?" he asked.

"I know for a fact I was the best you ever had in every way. She can't outdo me even if she tried," she asserted and walked outside the door.

"I don't know about that, Danielle," he called out. "She's pretty amazing in every way."

He swiftly closed his door and locked it before she could respond. He laid his head against his door and smiled as he remembered his weekend with Yazmin. _Yazmin's better Danielle,_ he thought to himself, _Yazmin's better_.

Chapter Twenty-One

"When are you getting here, Babe?" Jamal asked Yazmin. She was coming over for dinner and spending the night. It had been three weeks since Danielle's surprise visit, but Jamal did not tell Yazmin. He figured Danielle got the message and moved on with another man.

"Let me pack some clothes first. It's only 6:15," she, responded.

"I don't think you're gonna need clothes, Babe," he joked.

She beamed. "Shut up," she replied. "What are you cooking tonight?"

"You'll find out when you get here," he replied.

"Well, let me get it together over here. I'll see you in a bit," she stated, as she walked over to her dresser.

"That's okay if don't wanna talk to me," he joked.

"You're such a baby," she teased back.

He laughed. "You're the one spoiling me."

"Whatever, I'll see you in a while. Okay."

"Alright be careful, Babe," he responded.

With that, Yazmin hung up the phone. She went to her restroom, packed her toiletries, and walked back to her bedroom to pack the rest of her clothes. Yazmin sipped up the bag and walked to her living room. She grabbed her car keys and placed them on top of her purse. When her phone rang, she answered when she saw Alana's name.

"Hey girl," Yazmin greeted.

"Hey, what's up," Alana replied. "Larissa, are you still there."

"Yeah, I'm here," Larissa said.

"You have me on conference?" Yazmin questioned.

"Well I wanted to talk to you, and since I was already on the line with Larissa, I thought I'd save time," Alana explained.

"Yeah, and besides I need to hear some adult voices. I love my baby girl, but I need adult time. And Terence only counts for half in that department," Larissa commented.

"How is my little Kya?" Yazmin inquired. "She's already two months old right?"

"Yeah, and I can't believe how fast she is growing up. I finally got a routine with her as far as her feedings and naps. Having a newborn is no joke," Larissa admitted.

"I remember those days," Alana acknowledged.

"Well I'll come by and see you soon, Larissa," Yazmin assured her. "I would've come by earlier, but work has been hectic."

"Not to mention your new man has been keeping you occupied," Alana pointed out.

"Don't start, Alana. Besides, I thought you were rooting for Jamal and I to hook up," Yazmin responded but grinned.

"No, girl, I'm happy for you. You and Jamal were bound to happen sooner than later. In fact, how did that romantic weekend go? You never gave details," Alana said.

"Like I told you before, it went well," Yazmin remarked.

"And?" Alana coaxed.

"Alana," Larissa began, "stop being nosey. What happens between her and Jamal is their business."

"Thank you, Larissa," Yazmin commented.

"You two always team up against me," Alana pointed out.

"I thought you'd be used to it by now," Larissa joked.

After ending her conversation with Alana and Larissa, Yazmin then walked over to her TV set to pick out a couple of movies to take with her. She, however, lost her train of thought when she heard her doorbell. She quickly rose from her spot on the floor and looked through the peephole.

To her dismay, it was Brad standing in the hallway. She did see his text messages but did not respond, nor did she mention them to Jamal. Brad had even called a few times, but she ignored them too. She wanted to leave him in the hallway, but she was curious to see what he wanted. He had never been this persistent before, and she wondered what he had to say.

She let out a deep breath and reluctantly opened the door. A wide smile went across his face when he saw her. His royal blue collared shirt complemented his brown skin, along with black jeans and a black leather jacket. She admired his trimmed beard, for she knew he had always wanted to grow one. It looked good on him.

"Brad," she said.

"I would've called before I came over, but you haven't been answering," he responded.

"I've been busy lately," she replied.

"Can I come in?" he asked.

"Why?" she asked confused.

"I need to talk to you, Yazmin. It's important," he said.

She wanted desperately to say no, but she was curious. "Make it quick. I'm on my way out," she responded.

He came inside and she closed the door behind him. She followed him to the living room and sat down on her couch. He glanced at her bag.

"You're going somewhere?" he asked looking at her.

"Like I said, I'm on my way out, so what do you need to talk about," she responded.

"Yazmin," he began, "I came here to say I'm sorry and that I love you."

Yazmin's eyes widened. "Brad..."

"Let me finish, Yazmin. Please?"

"Okay," she said.

"Yazmin, I thought I was over you, but when I saw you at the golf course all my feelings came back to me. I found myself thinking about you more and more and I can't get you out of my head. I can't eat and I have trouble going to sleep at night. Then if I do go to sleep, I'm seeing you in my dreams. Yazmin, I want you. I wanna be with you," he confessed.

She swallowed hard. "Where was all of this when we were together?" she asked confused. She leaned back on her couch and folded her arms.

"I wasn't ready, Yazmin, I admit that."

"So now that you're ready, I'm supposed to drop what I'm doing and run back to you?"

"No, I wanna earn you back. I wanna prove I can be all the man you want and need."

Yazmin thought for a moment but shook her head in disbelief. "I'm sorry Brad...but all of this sounds like a bunch of crap to me," she stated.

Brad's eyes widened as if surprised by her comment. It appeared as if he did not expect a brush off. "Yazmin, I know I was wrong. I took you for granted and I'm sorry."

"Sometimes saying sorry doesn't fix everything," she responded.

"I know that."

"Regardless if you changed or not, you hurt me. You hurt me deeper than any man ever has. I can't just forget that."

"I know. That's why I'm asking you to forgive me."

"I've already done that. But just because you're sorry and I forgive you, doesn't mean we're meant to be together."

"Yazmin—"

"Besides I've moved on."

"You can't tell me you're serious about, Jamal?"

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"You and him. Aren't you friends?" Brad asked.

"We were," she declared.

"Now you're with him?" he questioned.

"Yeah, I am," she affirmed.

"Come on, Yazmin, really? You even told me when we were together, when I thought something was going on between you two, you were just friends. Now all of a sudden you're tongue kissing him in public."

"Things change."

"I just don't believe that, Yazmin."

"Well, I really don't care what you believe."

"So you two are really serious?"

"Yeah we are."

He glared at her. "You love him?"

"Yes."

"Are you in love with him?"

"Yes I am."

Brad shook his head as if in skepticism. "I don't believe that, Yazmin. After everything we've been through, you can't get over us that easily."

"Do you have any idea what you put me through?" she questioned seriously.

"I know Yazmin—," he began.

She raised her hand to cut him off his sentence. "Brad, I'm in a good place right now. I'm with a man who loves me for me, and I love him just the same. I'm sure you regret what happened between us, but that does not change anything. I admit that a part of me will still care about you, but I'm in love with another man."

"You can't be serious," he responded.

"More now than ever," she asserted.

"I can't lose you, Yazmin, not like this," he declared.

"Well I'm sorry, Brad," she said walking towards the door. "I think you need to—."

Brad stopped her by putting his arm around her waist. "Yazmin," he whispered.

"I have somewhere to be," she responded.

He released his grip on her waist but he took her hand in his. Her eyes widened when he got down on one knee.

"What are you doing?" she questioned nervously.

"Yazmin Nicole King," he began as he took a blue ring box out of his pocket, "I love you. Whether you believe me or not, I am in love with you. I know I've made mistakes, but if it takes the rest of my life, I want to prove to you how much I care. I know we can't repair our relationship overnight, but I am willing to fight for us. So, I am asking you to make me the happiest man on earth by taking this ring. Will you marry me?"

Yazmin could not believe what she was hearing. She had never seen this side of Brad before. She knew he was being sincere, but she could not help the way she felt. If he had asked her to marry him before, she would have said yes in a heartbeat. There was a time when she wanted to be his one and only. She wanted to share his last name and spend the rest of her life with him as his wife. Yazmin wanted to grow old with him and raise a family, but he showed her he was not ready. He broke her heart and left her to heal on her own. She did not think her heart could beat again with joy until recently.

Due to her new man, her happiness restored to new heights. However, as she looked at the two and half carat, three stoned, round cut platinum ring, she could not deny its splendor. Instantly Yazmin thought about Jamal and fantasized if this was he proposing. She knew if he did she would hesitate at first, but after taking a few minutes to think it over, she knew she would utter "yes." Even though she still cared about Brad, she was in love with Jamal. She had never experienced unconditional love until him, and she was not going back to the way things used to be.

"Brad, this is really sudden—," she said.

"And you need some time to think about it," he interjected, as he got up from his knee.

"Well you see...I," she replied.

"I know this was unexpected, Babe, but I had to do it. I had to tell you how I felt, because I would have regretted it if I didn't. I want you to be my wife," Brad responded.

"Brad...," she began trying to make sense of the situation. She did not expect a proposal.

"Look, Yazmin, take all the time you need to think about it. Marriage is a longtime commitment, and I want you to be sure this is what you want. I'll be here when you're ready," Brad explained.

Before she knew, he covered her lips with his. He rested his hands on her waist as she held the ring in its box with both of hers. As much as she wanted to push him away, curiosity held her. She wanted to see if she still felt sparks. She did not. In fact, she pictured Jamal for a while, but she had to snap out of her fantasy and remember it was Brad's lips. When he broke the kiss, he walked out the door and left her in the foyer of her apartment. Before long, she walked to her breakfast table and sat down with the ring box in her hands. _What just happened?_ She took the ring out of the box and tried it on. It looked and fit perfectly.

"Damn," she complained, "why does it have to look good on my hand?"

Chapter Twenty-Two

"You gotta be kidding me? He proposed to you?" Jamal asked, as he and Yazmin sat on his couch.

She brushed her hair behind her ears. She sat on her knees in one of Jamal's collared shirts and rolled up the sleeves to where they were quarter length. At first, she thought about keeping Brad's proposal to herself, but she did not want to keep him in the dark. The relationship had been going great so far, and the last thing she wanted was for him to find out about Brad's proposal from someone else. If he was going to hear the truth, she wanted it to come from her. She did not want secrets between them, at least not this one.

She had to admit, Brad's proposal caught her off guard as well. He always claimed he did not want marriage, let alone with her, and now here he was proposing to her. She had not seen him since the golf course. Though he appeared to have moved on, she supposed it was all a front. However, she did not expect a proposal.

"I know right?" she responded. "And look at this?" She walked over to her purse on the dining room table and pulled out the ring box. She opened it and showed Jamal the ring.

Jamal's eyes widened. "Damn that's nice," he commented.

She returned to her seat beside him. "He just came out of nowhere and asked me to marry him."

"What do you say?" he asked solemnly.

She sighed. "He didn't give me a chance to say anything. He wants me to 'think about' it."

"Where was all that when you two were together?"

"That's what I said, and he claims he wasn't ready then."

Jamal let out a deep breath as he closed the ring box and set it on the coffee table. "Do you wanna marry him?" he asked looking into her eyes. "I know how you felt about him."

She felt her heart drop as she noted the disappointment in his eyes. He was right. When she was with Brad, she pictured marriage and children. Yet, he did not want those things with her. Now, she and Jamal had created a wonderful relationship, and Brad had made things complicated. Yazmin rubbed the temples of her head and sighed.

"No, I don't want to marry him," she replied, as she moved closer to sit in his lap.

"Are you sure?"

"Jamal, I'm sure. I love you."

"I love you too."

"I know before I held onto the past, but I don't want to be with him. The man I love is right here," she declared.

He smiled as if her words brought him assurance. "What did you tell him?"

"I told him I'm in love you," she said and kissed his lips.

He hugged her waist as she hugged his neck. "Was that before or after he asked you?" Jamal asked, as he stroked her back.

She released her embrace around his neck even though she stayed in his lap. "Before and that's what surprised me. He seems serious about this," she stated.

He nodded in response. Even though Brad's proposal bothered him, he knew could not be angry with her, especially with Danielle in the picture. Though it never seemed the right time to tell Yazmin about Danielle's abrupt visit, he figured this a good time as any to tell her.

"I know the feeling," he said.

She glared at him. "What do you mean?" she questioned moving from his lap and returning to her spot on the couch.

"I didn't tell you before because I didn't think it mattered," he began.

"What didn't matter?" she asked.

"Danielle came to see me."

"When?"

"About three weeks ago."

She laid her head back on the couch. "How come you didn't tell me sooner?" she asked.

"I haven't heard from her since then, so I didn't think it was a big deal," he replied resting one hand on her knee.

"What did she say?"

"She wants to get back together."

She raised her eyebrows. "Oh really?"

"Yeah, and she apologized for cheating."

She shook her head. "I can't believe her."

"Believe it, Babe."

"What did you say when she told you all that?"

"That's the thing. I told her I moved on, but I didn't tell her we were together."

She looked as if surprised by his comment. "Why not?" she asked sounding confused.

"I wasn't volunteering information. Besides, I know Danielle, Babe. If she found out I was with you, she would have went on about it, and I didn't wanna hear it that night," he explained.

"I understand," she commented.

"Then again, I should have said something," he countered. "Who knows she might try it again."

"Wow," she declared.

He furrowed his brow. "Wow what?"

"You've gotta be kidding me," she said covering her face with her hands.

He kept his hand on her knee. "I'm sorry, Babe. Damn, I should've told her!"

"I can't believe this," she said as she uncovered her face.

"Are you mad at me?" he asked.

That was the last thing he wanted. If Yazmin felt betrayed by his omission, he knew he would have to build her trust all over again. He did not want her to feel threatened. While there was no threat, he did not want those thoughts to penetrate her mind. He knew his heart belonged with her and up until now, she had been able to trust him. He hoped this one mishap did not change how she felt. He did not want her to lose faith in him or her love for him. He did not want Danielle. He wanted Yazmin Nicole King.

"Yaz," he began apologetically. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to keep it from you, and what I don't want is for you to question how I feel. I love you and I could care less about Danielle. We had our time, but right now, I'm with you. That's not gonna change."

"I mean what the hell?" she exclaimed.

He raised his eyebrows first, and then he faced her. She seemed distracted as if she did not hear what he had said. He watched as she nibbled her bottom lip and twitched her thumb back and forth. The look in her eyes showed annoyance, and when she raised one eyebrow, he knew she was irritated.

"Babe, are you listening to me?" he questioned confused.

"I'm sorry, what did you say?" she asked befuddled.

"Are we talking about the same thing here?"

"What are you talking about?"

"I'm saying I'm sorry about, Danielle. I don't want you thinking I'm second guessing us, because I'm not."

She gave a small smile. "Jamal, I'm not angry. Why should I be?"

"You're not?" he questioned surprised by her gentle tone.

"No. Jamal, I know you love me and I love you. It doesn't matter if Danielle wants to come back, or if Brad proposes to me. At the end of the day I want you, no one else."

He smiled. "Then what were you talking about?"

"I'm talking about our dumb ass exes," she replied.

Her comment confused him. "What do you mean?"

"Babe, I think our exes are complete idiots," she said.

He grinned at her remark. "I have to agree with you on that one."

"I mean here we are in love and happy, and here these fools come and try to mess it up for us. I mean who do they think they are. Did they honestly think we were gonna sit around and wait for them to come back to us?" she responded.

He thought about it and nodded his head. "That is messed up. Just because they're miserable without us doesn't mean it's our fault. It's their fault for letting us go." His temper fired up along with Yazmin's.

"I know."

"So what do we do about it?"

"I don't know, but I don't think Danielle deserves you. You're too good for her."

"Thanks, Babe, and like I said Brad's an idiot."

"Tell me about it."

He took another deep breath and calmed himself. "There's more, Babe."

"What?" Yazmin asked.

"Danielle kissed me," he responded.

"Really?" she asked leaning her head back on the couch again.

He leaned back with her. "Yeah."

"Wow. Babe, that chick is trying me."

"It caught me off guard too."

She paused. "Do you miss her?"

"At first I did."

She nodded in response. "What about now?"

"No. I can honestly say I don't miss anything about her. It surprised me that I didn't since we got history, but I don't miss her at all."

"Well then I should tell you something."

"What's that?" he asked.

"Brad kissed me too," she admitted.

He jumped from his seat. "What the hell!"

"If it makes you feel any better I didn't feel a thing," she interjected.

He took deep breaths and sat back down. "Okay. I guess we're even on that," he said wringing his hands together.

"Are you alright?" she questioned, as if she knew what he was thinking.

"No, but I'll get over it," he admitted.

"Anything I can do to help?" she asked sincerely.

He looked over at her. Though he hated that another man kissed her, he could not be angry for long. He glared as she brushed her hair behind her ears and his eyes traveled down to her thighs, and then to her smooth legs, which positioned underneath her bottom. Then his eyes moved upward to his shirt she wore. The top three buttons were unbuttoned and he could see the outline of her cleavage.

"Jamal," she interrupted.

"Huh," he managed to say.

"Were you checking me out?" she joked.

"No I was just thinking," he lied.

"Liar," she teased.

"No really I was thinking," he assured her, though he knew he was lying.

"About what?" she questioned.

"You," he admitted.

She smiled as she climbed back onto his lap. "That's what I thought," she teased and kissed him.

He ran his hands up and down her back as she wrapped her arms around his neck. Gradually, his hands came down to her thighs and back up her backside to where he felt her skin against his hands. Her mouth was delectable as always, and her taste was sweeter than ever. Their first kiss came unexpectedly, but this one demonstrated love.

"Do you forgive me?" she questioned breaking the kiss.

"For what?" he answered.

"Kissing Brad. I can tell you're bothered by it," she declared.

"A little, but I it's not worth it. I know you're with me. You're not mad about Danielle are you?"

"A little bothered, but like you said, it's not that serious. It was just a kiss, but what are we gonna do about our exes, Babe?"

"I don't know right now," he began, "but I know I love you."

"I love you too," she responded and he kissed her.

"Babe?" he said in between kisses.

"Yeah," she replied.

"Danielle did mention something I think you should know," he stated. "It was kind of funny in my opinion."

She broke their kiss. "Like what?" she asked, as her hands were resting around his neck.

"Danielle claimed," he began, "she was the best I ever had in 'every way' and you had nothing on her."

Yazmin nodded as her eyes widened. "I see and what did you say in response?" Her tone was serious, but her look softened when he grinned.

"I didn't go into details, but I did tell her she was wrong," he responded. He used his finger to trace circles on her thigh.

"I think you should have given details," she countered and kissed him.

"Yeah, I should have," he said in between kisses.

Her kisses became deeper as she remained in his lap. "What would you have said?"

"That you're ten times better and you put her to shame," he replied, though he felt his concentration fading. She leaned forward as her lips pressed against his. Jamal leaned back and reclined his head on the back of the couch. He moved his hands up and down her thighs, which caused her to moan. Soon he felt lightheaded. It still did not make sense how she had this much impact on him.

"That's what I thought," she whispered. She held his face in her hands and kissed him again.

"It's too bad Brad and Danielle can't see us like this," he joked.

"Uh-huh," she murmured.

This time Jamal broke their kiss. "You wanna call and have them come over?"

She laughed. "Shut up." She covered his lips with hers.

Chapter Twenty-Three

Jamal fluttered his eyes open as the sun shined through his window. As soon as the alarm went off on his phone, he quickly hit the snooze button. He took one hand and rubbed his eyes in an attempt to disturb his tiredness. The other rested on Yazmin's shoulder. Even while sound asleep, she looked gorgeous. Though her hair mussed, it draped perfectly on his toned chest. He gently took her hand in his, while the other found the small of her back. Soon he began tracing circles. Though she budged, her eyes remained closed. He tried again, but this time with a little more intensity.

"Noooooo," she moaned.

"We need to get out this bed," he pointed out, even though he loved lying next to her.

"Why?" she questioned, as she nestled her head in his neck.

"Because we both gotta go to work," he reminded her.

"Well I guess I'll get up," she said pushing back the covers, but he pulled her back.

"Not yet," he commented going in for a kiss.

She covered her mouth. "Uh uh, morning breath."

He took her by the hand and led her to the bathroom. He handed her a toothbrush while taking his. She grinned as they brushed their teeth together. Afterwards, he brought her closer by the waist.

"Feel better?"

"Yeah, what about you?"

"Not too good."

"Why?"

"You know why?"

He covered her lips with his, as he lifted her off her feet. Her grip tightened around his neck and he carried her back to his bed. He laid her down and rested on top of her. She wrapped her legs around his waist, as he ran his fingers through her hair. Soon they started moving in a rhythm and her panting in between kisses aroused him. His hands ran down the contours of her body and came to her panties. She lifted her hips, as he attempted to slide them down her legs. However, when his phone went off again with the alarm, he stopped, and Yazmin giggled.

"Are you gonna get that?" she questioned.

"I'm trying to," he replied, as he kissed her neck.

"Not me, the phone," she laughed.

"Both."

"Well I gotta take a shower, so it's probably best we stop now."

He kissed her lips one last time and moved to turn off the alarm. From there she gathered her clothes from her bag.

"I'll be out soon," she said.

He walked up to the door. "You need me to wash you up?"

She giggled. "No, you'll just be a distraction."

"That's a good thing. Right?" he questioned teasingly.

"Not today," she responded, as she closed the door.

Jamal laughed and walked to the kitchen to prepare breakfast. Before long, he walked his breakfast table as he scooped the scrambled eggs and put them on the plate. He then looked on the clock on his microwave. It was 7:05a.m. He stopped when he heard his doorbell. When he walked over, looked through the window, he saw it was Danielle. Since she was dressed in her flight attendant uniform, he assumed she had just got back from a trip. He decided to get rid of her before Yazmin got out the shower.

"What are you doing here?" he asked after he opened the door.

"Can I come inside?" she asked.

"Now's not a good time, Danielle. I'm getting ready to eat breakfast and then I'm heading off to work," Jamal replied and he turned his back.

"Whose car is that?" Danielle asked sarcastically.

Jamal turned back around and faced her. Her attitude annoyed him and he could not believe he wanted to marry her. Now, he figured this was the decisive moment. She needed to know the truth, and perhaps she would get the clue that he had moved on with another woman. "You might as well know now. It's Yazmin's."

"Why is Yazmin's car here before eight o'clock in the morning?" she questioned sounding annoyed.

He put his hands in his pockets. "Do you really wanna know the answer to that, Danielle?" he asked seriously.

Her facial expression showed she was in deep thought. Soon her eyes widened. "Jamal, are you and Yazmin together? She's the woman you moved on with?"

"Yep."

"When did this happen?"

"After we broke up."

"So she's your rebound chick?"

"Watch your mouth, Danielle."

"Oh okay, so it must be serious if you're defending her. Seriously Jamal, you and Yazmin?"

"You don't have to believe anything, Danielle. I'm with, Yazmin, whether you approve or not."

"I thought you were just friends?"

"We were."

Danielle looked into Jamal's eyes, as if she were looking for him to take her in his arms. "Jamal, you can't be serious about her."

He gave her a sharp look. "What's that supposed to mean?" he asked getting annoyed with her.

"I know you're just using her to make me jealous," Danielle stated confidently.

"You're wrong, Danielle."

"Let's face it Jamal. It's Yazmin. She's not me, and she never will be."

He gave her another pissed look. "You know what, you're right."

She smiled and stepped closer. "Thank you. I know I'm right." She reached for his arm but he pulled back. She gave him a perplexed look.

"Yazmin's not you, and that's what I love most about her. With her, I don't have to worry if she's thinking about another man. Why, because I know I am the man she wants. I don't have to question whom she's with, because I trust her. I can trust that she'll be honest with me and not go behind my back," Jamal said sharply. He turned to go back inside his house.

Though Danielle touched his arm, he jerked back. "Wait I'm sorry." Tears formed in her eyes, "I don't why I say things like that. I didn't mean to be rude. It's just that I love you. I know I messed things up, but I want another chance. Please Jamal."

"Face it, Danielle, it's over. We had our time, and you chose to be with another man over me."

"I made a mistake. Can't I make a mistake?"

"You can, but that doesn't mean I have to take you back."

"You mean to tell me, you don't feel anything for me anymore. Come on, Jamal. Remember when we first started dating and how much fun we had. The first time we kissed or the first time we made love. You might not believe me, but that meant everything to me. You are a good man and I know that now. I love you, Jamal. Please. Give us another chance. Yazmin is a fling and you know it," she proclaimed.

He crossed his arms over his chest for he could not believe his ears. While he wanted to believe her sincerity, he did not trust her. He admitted in the past, before things got serious with Yazmin, he considered reconciling with her.

"You got some nerve. You know that," he replied harshly.

She took a step back as if in shock by his comment. "Excuse you?"

"How you gonna come up here and tell me what to do? I am a grown ass man, and regardless of what you might think, I know what I want. What I want is the woman inside my house. You made your decision when you left me for, Marcel. So, I've made mine," he declared.

"So that's it. Just throw away everything we've built together?" she questioned.

"You threw it away, not me," he corrected.

"Jamal I—," she began.

"I think you better go," he said turning his back to her. He reached for the doorknob.

"I'm not giving up on us, Jamal," Danielle remarked.

He did not respond but closed the door behind him and locked it. He looked through the window and watched her walk back to her car. He shook his head and headed back to his kitchen. He rested his elbows on the kitchen island and bowed his head. He did not understand why Danielle could not leave him alone. He was genuinely happy. He knew he was in love with Yazmin and nothing was going to change his mind about her.

He raised his head when he saw Yazmin walk in the kitchen. She wore one of his black sleeveless t-shirts, which stopped at her thighs in length, and she was barefoot. Yazmin stopped by the breakfast table and picked up a piece of turkey bacon. Jamal stared at her. _Yeah, I'm in love_ _with her_. She did not seem to notice his stare at first, but eventually she met his gaze and walked over to him.

"Hey," she greeted.

He picked her up and sat her on the counter. "Hey," he responded and kissed her lips.

"Who was that at the door? I saw you looking out the window," she asked, as she wrapped her arms around his neck.

He cleared his throat. "That was..., Danielle."

Her sweet and soft look turned into a sharp and annoyed one. When her arms fell from his neck, he knew she was upset.

"What was she doing here?" she asked.

"She still wants to get back together. Babe, I'm sorry. I didn't know she was coming over." He massaged her shoulders.

She moseyed off the counter and looked at him with her arms folded. "What did she say this time?"

"The same thing as last time, but now she knows I'm with you," he explained.

"What did she say then?"

"She couldn't believe it to be honest. Then she said you were the...uh...rebound chick."

She let out a deep breath and scratched her head. Then she placed one hand on her hip. "Rebound, huh? I got her rebound." She briskly walked over to the foyer.

He quickly followed and found her grabbing her keys.

She looked at him with her hand to the doorknob. "Where does the slut live?"

"Babe, no," he declared stepping in front of the door.

"Move Jamal," she protested trying to get from around him.

"What are you gonna do?"

"I'm gonna slap the taste out of her mouth!"

"Babe, just calm down and sit. Please."

She shook her head. "Look, Babe, all I'm gonna do is go over there and talk to her."

"I don't believe you," he responded.

She tried to get from around him. "Move, Jamal, come on," she stated.

He grinned, picked Yazmin up, and placed her over his shoulder. Her feistiness was not surprising, but he knew she was never one to look for a fight.

"Put me down Jamal!" she demanded.

"Not until you calm down," he replied.

"I AM calm!" she declared.

"Yazmin Nicole King, you're lying," he countered.

"I'm not gonna do anything. I promise," she said.

He ignored her comment and walked to the living room with her over his shoulder.

"Jamal, put me down!" she protested.

"Okay," he replied, as he plopped her on the couch.

"Really, Jamal," she said folding her arms.

"First of all, Babe, you going over there ain't gonna help the situation. Second you're barefoot with no clothes on," he acknowledged.

"I'm wearing a t-shirt," she replied sarcastically.

"Yaz," he said.

She overlooked her attire, and then scratched her head and giggled. "Okay, okay. I'm sorry. I just lost it for a second."

He smirked back and sat down beside her. "No I'm sorry. I really need to deal with, Danielle. This is getting out of hand with her calling and coming over unannounced. I thought I got through to her today, but she claims it's still not over." He looked over at Yazmin sitting with her hands underneath her thighs. He smiled. "Where you really gonna find her?"

"For a moment I was, but people press charges now days," she joked.

He laughed but continued staring at her.

"What?" she asked.

"Nothing you just look good in my t-shirt that's all," he replied, as he leaned his head closer to her shoulder. He could smell the scent of her body wash. "What's that scent, Babe?"

"Wild cherry. I think."

He kissed her shoulder. "Wild huh?" he asked flirtatiously and kissed her shoulder.

She nodded her head and smiled. "There will be plenty of time for that later. Besides I'm hungry," she said patting his thigh and rising from her seat. She walked to the breakfast area.

"I know you playing with me. Right?" he said following behind her. "Yazmin?"

Chapter Twenty-Four

Jamal and Yazmin sat at a table in Starbucks on a Saturday afternoon. A few weeks had passed, and she had called Brad the night before to meet her, as Jamal did with Danielle. They had decided to confront their exes together. It seemed extreme at first, but they felt like Brad and Danielle did not leave them a choice.

Jamal held Yazmin's hand on top of the table. "You ready for this?"

"You bet I am. I'm ready to be done with both of them."

He grinned and looked at the front door. Brad walked inside.

"Well he's here," Jamal pointed out.

Yazmin made eye contact with Brad and motioned him to the table. Brad's eyes widened when he saw them. He then sat across from the couple.

"What's going on, Yazmin?" he asked sounding uncertain.

"You'll see," she replied still holding Jamal's hand.

"Nice seeing you again, Brad," Jamal commented.

Brad nodded. Jamal soon turned his attention to the parking lot. When he saw Danielle's car pull up, he rose from his seat to meet her. Brad leaned in closer across the table to Yazmin.

"Yazmin, what's going on here?" he asked again.

She could tell he was confused and she loved every minute of it. She did not respond, but watched as Jamal and Danielle walked inside. Jamal motioned for her to sit beside Brad, and she complied. Jamal then returned to his seat next to Yazmin.

"I wasn't expecting to see you here, Yazmin," Danielle said taking off her jacket.

"Nice seeing you, Danielle," Yazmin replied trying to sound pleasant. "You remember, Brad. Right?"

Danielle and Brad turned and smiled at each other, and then directed their attention back to Yazmin and Jamal.

Jamal cleared his throat. "We brought you two here, because there are some things we want to say to both of you."

Yazmin nodded in agreement. "Also, we would like for you to hear us out before you rebuttal."

"Yazmin, will you please tell me what this is all about?" Brad asked still sounding puzzled.

"Yeah, Jamal, I would like to know why I'm here too," Danielle said, as she folded her arms.

"Well, Brad," Yazmin began, "the reality of it is you're a complete asshole."

Brad's eyes widened at her remark. "Excuse you, Yazmin?" he asked.

"No seriously, we dated all that time and you never mentioned getting married or having babies. You focused on your career. Don't get me wrong, I respected that and I supported you, but for you to tell me I'm not wife material was total B.S.," Yazmin explained.

Brad seemed at a loss for words.

Jamal then looked over at Danielle. "Danielle, you and I both know you didn't want a committed relationship. I just never said anything, because I wanted to fight for us. However, what I have learned is you can only fight with someone who wants it as much as you do. You say you love me, but the truth is you're lonely because Marcel dumped you. You think running back to me will satisfy you, but it'll only make you and me miserable."

Danielle leaned back in her chair. By that time, Brad appeared to have gathered his thoughts.

"But Yazmin," Brad began, "what about now? I know I screwed up, but I love—"

Yazmin raised her hand. "Yeah yeah, Brad, you say that now, but what about later? Can you honestly say you want to spend the rest of your life with me, or do you just want me because I don't want you? Which is it, because I'm curious?"

Brad leaned in closer to her. "You don't mean what you're saying; you're just confused."

"I get confused about a lot of things, but not this," Yazmin remarked.

Danielle rubbed her head. "Jamal, I know I've made mistakes in the past, but I'm better now, I promise. Look, I know I hurt you and I was wrong, but I need you Jamal. I love you so much. Please, Jamal, just give me a chance to prove it again."

"Danielle, do you know how many times you've said that to me?" Jamal asked.

Yazmin rubbed Jamal's leg underneath the table. She could tell by his tone that he was annoyed. "Breathe, Babe."

Jamal looked at her and grinned.

"You two can't be serious?" Brad asked.

"Seriously, who do you two think you're fooling," Danielle added.

"Well, to be honest with you both, it was because of you two that we found happiness with each other," Jamal informed them.

"Yeah, because if you two weren't complete assholes, we wouldn't have found real love with one another," Yazmin explained.

"Well maybe not assholes, Babe, maybe...," Jamal countered. Yazmin's cross look made him think for a moment. "Then again, asshole does seem like the best way to say it."

"I told you," Yazmin replied.

"Really, Yazmin, do you hear yourself?" Brad responded, as if surprised by her behavior.

"Who are you calling an asshole?" Danielle asked appearing insulted.

"Danielle, calm down. Alright?" Jamal suggested.

"Well, how do you expect her to feel?" Brad questioned.

"Please, Brad, you don't care. We just came here to tell you both to leave us alone. Jamal and I are together and that's the way it is," Yazmin explained, as she reached in her purse. She gave Brad back his ring.

"You sure you wanna do this?" Brad asked her. "Yazmin, I don't get you. First you want marriage and then when I give it to you, you leave me hanging."

"That is stupid," Danielle taunted.

Yazmin gave a sharp look.

Jamal stroked Yazmin's leg, for he knew Danielle irritated her. He watched Yazmin's nostrils flaring and her raising one eyebrow. He knew if he did not interject, she might let Danielle get the worst of her temper. He cleared his throat. "Danielle, don't get your ass kicked talking crazy. Alright."

Danielle rolled her eyes. "Please. Ain't nobody scared of your so called girlfriend."

Yazmin breathed deeper and Jamal continued stroking.

"Yeah but, Danielle, you know you can't fight. Do you really wanna get hurt because you acted stupid?" Jamal pointed out.

Danielle's look turned from being bold and tough to looking embarrassed. She sat up in her chair after clearing her throat.

"Anyway," Brad said in an attempt to change the subject. "Yazmin, can you really tell me you don't want to marry me?"

"I'm sorry, Brad, but I don't. I've moved on and you should too," Yazmin responded.

Brad leaned back in his chair.

"You feel that way too, Jamal?" Danielle questioned.

Jamal glanced at her. "I'm sorry, Danielle. We had our chance, but I've moved on too."

Danielle shook her head as if in disbelief.

"I still don't believe this," Brad continued, "I mean you two are friends. Now all of sudden you're dating?"

Yazmin looked over at Jamal. "I thought so too. We've been friends all these years, but now...," she replied but paused.

"I didn't think we would either, but...she's amazing," he agreed.

Brad rubbed his head. "This is crazy."

"I don't believe what I'm seeing," Danielle commented.

"Me neither," Brad responded and then looked over at Danielle. "You wanna a cup of coffee?"

"I might need a drink after this," Danielle replied.

Brad rose from his seat. "There's a bar down the street how about we go there?" he asked, as he helped Danielle put her jacket back on.

She nodded as they walked away from the couple, who were whispering to each to other. Jamal kissed Yazmin, as they leaned in closer to each other. When she broke the kiss, he noticed Brad and Danielle were gone.

"I guess they got the message," she noted.

"I hope so," he replied. "Come on let's go."

"Where? You keep talking about a surprise, what is it?"

"You'll find out when we get there."

He took her by the hand and led her to his car. As they journeyed down the road, she pestered him to tell her what the surprise was, but he did not budge. Before long, they pulled into the driveway of a house, which possessed traditional as well as contemporary like qualities.

"What's this?" she asked curiously.

"I want you to see it," he responded, as he led her inside.

He gave her a tour of the two-storied home with open floor plan. Yazmin adored the kitchen, which had Santana polished granite counter tops, new stainless steel appliances, and gorgeous Ceramic tile floors. When they came to the breakfast, she adored the bay window. The three rooms upstairs, aside from the master bedroom, were large with crown molding. The master bath had his and her sinks along with a large tub and shower. Natural light brought a sense of warmth to the house, while the neutral colors gave a homelike feeling. When the tour was over, the couple ended back in the kitchen.

"So...what do you think?" he asked.

Yazmin folded her arms. "I love it, Jamal. I knew you were looking for a new house, but I still don't understand why you didn't hire me as your agent."

"I didn't want to mix business with pleasure," he acknowledged.

"Shut up," she joked.

"Seriously, Babe, I think this is the place for me. I need more space and this has everything I need," he said.

"But why though? It's just you. I guess I don't get why you want to move."

"I've been renting for as long as I can remember. I want something to call my own. I've saved my money, and I know this is the right move. Besides, I feel at home here. Tell me you didn't feel that way when you walked in here," he declared.

"I admit, it does feel like home. I would move here."

"Good, because that's what I want to talk to you about," he addressed.

Yazmin felt butterflies in her stomach. _Please don't ask me to move in with you. Do I have roommate written on my forehead?_ "What's that?"

"What do you think?" he questioned.

"About what?" she asked folding her arms.

"About us? I know what I said about taking one date at a time, but it's been a while, and what do you think about us taking things to a new level?" he asked.

She swallowed as what seemed like a large lump in her throat. However, she managed to remain calm and collected. "I don't know, Jamal. It's been almost a year since we've been dating. Is that enough time?" she inquired.

"I think it is when you know you're with the right person," he responded with sincerity.

She grinned at his comment. "Okay, I agree with that."

"So what do you say?"

"Say to what?"

"Taking our relationship to the next level?"

"Which level is that?"

He reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a small black box. He placed it in front of her on the kitchen island.

Yazmin's eyes widened when she saw it. "Jamal?"

"Open it, Babe," he said.

She opened the box and found a golden key with a black string tied to it. She tugged on the string until it led her underneath the black cardboard. She found a platinum, princess cut, two-carat diamond ring. She gasped.

"Jamal...," she managed to say.

He cleared his throat. "If you think it's too soon I understand, but as for me I know what I want. What I want is you. For the rest of my life, I want you. You have been my best friend all my life and I want that relationship to continue. I'm giving you this key, because I want you to have the first copy to our new house. But I want you to move in here with me as my wife," he explained.

She stood in shock. Her heart raced and her breathing deepened. She could not believe her eyes or her ears. "I...I...Damn," she whispered and rubbed her head.

"Is that good or bad?" he questioned.

"It's good, Babe," she responded, as she admired the ring. "I only wish one thing."

"What's that?" he asked curiously.

Yazmin looked into his eyes and saw the authenticity of his heart. Thoughts, doubts, and fear clouded her mind. She knew she loved him completely. If there was, a man she could not see herself without, it was Jamal. She let out a deep breath and decided to take a chance.

"That I would've married you sooner." She smiled, as she put the ring on the ring finger of her left hand.

Jamal smiled back.

To be continued...

_Oceans Deep_ : Sequel to _Testing the Waters_

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Jessica yawned, seeming to focus her eyes on her surroundings. At first, she stared at the IV in her arm, and then she glared at the doctor. Her expression appeared afraid and shocked, but when Ethan gently tightened his grip on her hand, her eyes quickly turned to him.

"What are you doing here?" she scolded, as if she were not glad to see him.

In response, Ethan released his grip, but remained seated beside her.

"Mrs. Wells, I'm Dr. Peterson," he said. "You were in a car accident, and you've been in a coma for the last six weeks. Do you remember?"

Jessica's eyes welled with tears. Though Ethan reached for her hand, she jerked away.

"Oh my God," she murmured, as the tears fell from her eyes. "Was anyone else hurt?"

"Calm down, Mrs. Wells. You were the only one," the Dr. Peterson assured her.

"Don't call me Mrs. Wells! We're divorced. My name is Jessica Mills," she corrected, as if annoyed by the name.

Ethan furrowed his brow. "Jess, don't you remember? We were getting married again. That was the night you had the accident. You were on your way to the rehearsal when you—"

"What are you talking about, Ethan?" she asked. "We're divorced, and we have been for the past six months. As I told you before, I want nothing to do with you. You've done enough to hurt me and I'm not going back down that road again!"

Ethan felt his heart sink. _She doesn't remember. She doesn't remember us getting back together._

"Ms. Mills," Dr. Peterson interjected, "it's extremely important for you to remain calm now. I know this is a lot to take in, but if you're patient, we can help you answer all your questions. In the meantime, you just get some rest."

"I can't rest if he's here," she sassed.

"Mr. Wells will let you rest. Mr. Wells?" the doctor responded as he motioned for Ethan to follow him.

Ethan quickly rose from his seat and left the room. His fists clenched in anger while he felt his heart break into pieces. He would never forget the look on Jessica's face when she saw him. It was full of disdain and disgust. It was as if they had taken ten steps back in their relationship. They had just gotten to a place where they could start over, but now that chance was gone. Once he made it to the elevators, he pushed the down button. He wanted to escape the nightmare. The woman he loved hated his guts. She wanted nothing to do with him.

There was a time when she looked at him with love and affection. His touch did not annoy her, but her slender fingers welcomed the embrace of his. Now, she looked at him with sheer contempt. Ethan sighed as he remembered that look. He had seen it once before. He had seen it when they finalized their divorce. Jessica seemed heartbroken that day. He knew she wanted to fight for their marriage and try again, but he insisted it was what was best for them.

He ran his fingers through his dirty blonde hair. As he placed his hand on the wall and leaned for support, he continued to recall the day he filed for divorce. He figured it was the right thing to do, since he and Jessica were drifting apart. She had changed. She was no longer the young girl he had met one day in a coffee shop. He did not mind being four years older, for Jessica was mature for her age when he met her at twenty-three. Though young, she had a good head on her shoulders, and since she was adventurous and free-spirited, Ethan offered to take care of her. That was five years ago. So much had changed since then, including Jessica.

In the beginning, she depended on him to take care of her. She was in her last year of college when they met, but was still trying to figure out a career she loved. After they married, Ethan assured her that she did not have to worry about finding a career. Jessica, however, seemed to think differently. She claimed she was an independent spirit and wanted to stand on her own. She had admitted to him, she had a hard time asking for help. She wanted to accomplish tasks herself.

Then she finally found her niche and found what she loved. She chose to become a florist and open her own floral shop, J's Floral Creations. Jessica had always loved flowers. She seemed to love receiving them, but especially enjoyed giving them to others. She always said, "Flowers can always bring a smile." Ethan smiled to himself as he reminisced hearing her say the words.

Though he was proud of her ambition, Ethan did not understand why she wanted to work when he was the successful CEO of Wells, Inc., which specialized in computer software. He had been running the company for the past six years since his father retired after twenty-five years. Ethan provided Jessica with everything she ever wanted, but it did not seem to be enough. She argued that she wanted something on her own. She had changed completely. She appeared as if she no longer needed Ethan. She became efficient on her own, and that terrified him.

At first, he tried to support her and her dreams, but his ego got in the way. He wondered why she wanted to work. He thought about them expanding their family with children, but Jessica objected to the idea. She claimed she was not ready to be a mother, but said they would have children later.

Before long, he found himself nitpicking at Jessica and her work ethic. Her long hours during the holidays and for special orders, such as weddings and parties. It bothered Ethan when she would come home late. Then when she began to build an additional green house at her store, it seemed to take her away from him emotionally. They disconnected, since she focused on her work, and Ethan refused to hang on to the marriage of three years any longer.

While he admired his parents for being married for over forty years, he figured that was the old days and people did not stay married that long any more. It was a new millennium and a new age. Nowadays people could divorce if they were unhappy, and at the time, Ethan was unhappy. Then again, he felt as if he had tried. He tried to understand Jessica and her newfound aspiration. In spite of this, he decided to throw it away. Therefore, he filed for divorce, which he regretted afterwards.

"Mr. Wells," Dr. Peterson called out.

"I don't want to hear it," he replied angrily.

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_Oceans Deep_ : Sequel to _Testing the Waters_ preview!

Yazmin

_I can't believe it! I'm Mrs. Jamal Parker!_ All I can do is smile as I stare at my ring finger. My engagement ring is a platinum, princess cut two-carat diamond ring. My wedding band is a platinum seven-diamond channel. I loved my wedding dress even though it took me two months to find. I know a wedding is only for one day, but I didn't want to wear just any dress. I was marrying my best friend. I had waited so long to meet my husband, and it surprised me when it turned out to be Jamal.

My wedding dress was an ivory lace off-the-shoulder mermaid gown. I loved its floor length with a court train and a scoop neckline. I loved the tulle and the flower-laced patterns that run from my shoulders all the way down the train. The way Jamal stared at me as I walked down the aisle confirmed that I had made the right choice.

I am now standing in the master bedroom of a beach house in Nassau, New Providence, the Bahamas. I can't describe the beauty of this place. I've never seen water so clear. The beach looks like a postcard. I still can't believe Jamal's parents sent us here as a wedding present. I nearly passed out when they surprised us with their gift during the reception.

The Wedding Day, one day earlier

Mr. Parker, Jamal's father, looked debonair in his black tux. His bald head made him look distinguished; for a man in his mid-fifties, he was in great shape. Jamal looks like him, but he has his mother's brown eyes. Mr. Parker has hazel eyes.

I was in tears over the speech my own father gave and I didn't know if I could take much more. He said I would always be his little girl and was happy that I had found happiness. Thank God for waterproof mascara. I chose more of a natural look with regards to my makeup, but my eyes did make a statement with the purple eye shadow to bring out my brown eyes. I went with purple, silver, and white for my wedding colors. Jamal didn't care, he just wanted to marry me. I felt his arm drape over my shoulder.

Mr. Parker cleared his throat once he took the microphone. He appeared to be holding a manila folder tucked underneath his arm. "Yazmin and Jamal, I've watched you two these last twenty years and I've seen the friendship you two have shared. Yazmin, I want you to know that I already had you picked for my son, but it took him a while to reach this conclusion. I love you, son."

The crowd laughed as Jamal covered his face with his hands. I kissed his cheek.

"Anyway, you two started off as friends, and that's what's going to keep you together. Marriage is not easy, but it's worth it. No matter what life throws at you, never give up on each other. You two were made for each other. Remember that. Yazmin, I can see how much you love my son and I know he adores you. I wish you both the best." He raised his glass and the rest of the crowd joined in.

By now I was dabbing my eyes with my napkin. Jamal walked over to hug his dad. I stood to join the embrace, but when Mr. Parker signaled his wife to join us, I was certain something was up. Mrs. Parker stood at five seven with salt peppered shoulder-length hair. She regarded herself as a full-figured woman and was always telling me that a man likes meat on his woman. I always laughed it off since she knows I struggled with my weight growing up. I like my size-six body.

"As a gift," Mr. Parker continued, "we are sending you on an all-expense paid seven-day honeymoon to Paradise Island, the Bahamas."

I covered my mouth in shock as Jamal took the folder from his dad to look inside. I saw the plane tickets along with a brochure for the beach house. I looked up at my parents who had joined us; my mom embraced me.

"Did you know about this?" I asked her.

"Of course, dear," she replied. "We knew you two would get together eventually. Your father and I agreed that we would take care of the wedding while Jamal's parents would take care of the honeymoon."

"I don't know what to say," Jamal answered.

"I just wish you'd proposed to Yazmin sooner," Mr. King, my father, added. "We've had a pool on you both for years and I was starting to get concerned."

"I was so happy when Jamal broke up with Danielle," Mrs. Parker stated.

"And don't forget, dear," my mom said, "you're faze with Brad."

"I can't believe you are bringing up our exes at our wedding," I said, trying not to laugh. They had actually betted on when Jamal and I would hook up.

"It doesn't matter," Mr. Parker uttered, "you both grew from the experience and it made you better for each other. You're his wife now Yazmin, which makes you officially our daughter."

I kissed his cheek. "You guys are amazing. Between the wedding and this trip to the Bahamas, I'm... I... thank you."

"Jamal, just make sure you both use protection when you two consummate," Mrs. Parker said. We all turned our eyes to look at her. "Yazmin doesn't need to get pregnant right away. You two need time to grow as a married couple, although it would be nice to have a grandchild."

"Mama, seriously?" Jamal replied shocked.

"Oh that would be nice to have our first grandbaby," my mom said.

All I could do was eyeball my father and father in-law. Understanding the message, they each took their wives' arms and directed them back to their table. Our moms were still talking to each other as if nothing had happened. Ever since Jamal and I started dating, they have been waiting for the day of our marriage. I felt Jamal's hand embrace mine.

"They are something," he said.

"I know," I replied before laughing.

"Dance with me, baby?" he whispered.

I nodded as he led me to the dance floor.

**Present, September 20** th **, 2015**

I admit the beach house has a modern décor. The palms trees outside sway to the cool salty breeze. We have a pool outside and the private beach is close by. I'm standing in front of the window. The sun is starting to set; it is dipping into the crystal-clear water. The colors in the sky are breathtaking with oranges, pinks, and purples. It looks like it was painted by God.

I haven't seen Jamal since lunch and I wonder where he is. He was out on the Jet Ski earlier and he even dared me to join him. Just to rattle him, I did and ended beating him in a race back to the shore. We ate lunch and I guess I must've still had jet lag because I fell asleep. I do remember him carrying me to the bedroom and although I was a little groggy, he did say he was going into town for something. I didn't plan on sleeping that long and I'm surprised he's not back yet. Just as I'm about to go the kitchen, I see someone walking along the beach. I'd know that frame anywhere. It's my husband.

Jamal

My bare feet are cushioned in the sand as I watch the waters crash over each other, the sun descending into their wild embrace. I let Yazmin sleep because I know she is tired. I'm feeling it too but not as much. It's our first night here and I couldn't be happier. I'm married to my best friend. I stared at her so long during the wedding ceremony that the preacher, Reverend James, had to remind me to say my vows. I couldn't help it; she was so beautiful. She kept saying I was going to love the dress but I loved the woman in the dress. Then again, the dress did bring out her natural beauty, not to mention her curves. I loved the way her hips looked. I close my eyes as the memories flood my mind.

The Wedding Day, one day earlier

"Dearly beloved," Reverend James began. "We are gathered here today in the sight of God and the company of family and friends to join together this man and this woman in holy matrimony. Marriage is an honorable estate instituted by God Almighty and should not be entered into lightly, but soberly and in the fear of God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Yazmin and Jamal have opted to recite their own vows. Yazmin."

I watched as Alana hands Yazmin a small piece of paper and I prayed she didn't break me. Then again, she always did. I didn't know what it is about this woman, but I couldn't help loving her.

"Jamal," Yazmin began. I watched as she leaned her head to the side, tearing up. "You've been my best friend since we were nine years old. Over twenty years, you've been a part of my life as a friend, but now you're in my life as my one true love. I never knew that I could fall in love with my best friend, but I did. I admit I was scared to admit my feelings, but that was because I didn't want to lose what we had. You taught me how to be brave, to love wholeheartedly, and unconditionally. As I stand here today, I vow to love you no matter what. I know it won't be easy and I won't be perfect. I do promise my heart and love to you and only you. You'll always have me as a lover, friend, confidante, and encourager. I'll always support your dreams, because God knows you've fulfilled mine. I love you forever."

All I could do was stare. Her eyes were glistening and I brushed her falling tear away with my thumb. She mouthed, "I love you." I mouthed it back just as I heard Reverend James.

"Jamal?" he said.

"Oh right," I replied only to hear the crowd laugh at my slip-up. I didn't care because Yazmin was here. I turned and Phillip handed me the paper with the vows I wrote. I couldn't decide between him and Deshawn as my best man, so I asked them both. Phillip was in charge of the vows, while Deshawn had the wedding band. I turned back to face my gorgeous bride.

"Yazmin," I started. "I remember when I first kissed you. You were so sad that night of homecoming in high school and more than anything, I wanted to take your pain away. I hated to see you hurt and if I could do anything to shield it away from you, I would put myself on the front lines of life to protect you. What I didn't know was that kiss would lead me on a journey and that the destination would be you. The most freeing experience was admitting to falling in love with you and the most joy I felt was when you said it back."

She dabbed her eyes but I had to keep going.

"You are," I continued, "everything I wanted. I love that we can clown and kid each other. I love when you tease me. I love that I can open up to you, but most of all, I love that I can be myself with you. You've seen me at my lowest moments and still you saw the best. You once said I 'broke down your walls,' but Yaz, you broke through mine. I love you more than you know. It's you and me, Baby. It'll always be you and me. My vow to you is my love. I vow to love you every day for the rest of my life."

"Jamal," I heard her whisper.

"I love you," I repeated and tucked the paper in my pocket. I took her hands in mine.

"I love you too," she replied.

Reverend James moved to the rings and Yazmin and I placed them on each other. He said one final prayer of blessing over us and finally said the words I'd been waiting to hear all day. "I now pronounce you husband and wife. Jamal, you may kiss your bride."

I cradled Yazmin's face in my hands as hers grazed up my back. I didn't want to rush the moment, but I couldn't contain the passion I felt when our lips met. We joked that we didn't wanted to "slob" each other down in church, but in my mind, we're married. So if I wanted to tongue-kiss my wife, I was going to tongue-kiss my wife. However, I did try to keep it as appropriate as possible since I didn't want her to be embarrassed. She still gets a little shy when it comes to PDA. Me, I don't care because she's mine. As much as I wanted to devour her mouth right then, I held back some, knowing there was always later. I could kiss her everywhere then. I couldn't wait.

"I present to you for the first time," Reverend James stated, "Mr. and Mrs. Jamal Parker."

I grinned against Yazmin's lips. She gave me one last peck before grabbing my hands and laced our fingers. She's beamed. We turned to see our family and friends on their feet cheering and clapping. Yazmin and I walked down the aisle to exit the church hand in hand as husband and wife.

**Present, September 20** th **, 2015**

I feel her arms embrace my waist and I clasp her hands in front of my chest. I feel her mouth kiss my back through my collared shirt. I turn into her embrace and lower my head to meet her mouth. She's running her hands up and down my back as her tongue meets mine. My hands are in the waves of her hair. She's been on the natural hair kick for almost a year, and I think I'm beginning to like it. The natural kinks of her hair feel soft against my fingers. They look amazing when the wind blows them in wind.

"Where did you go?" she asks me in between kisses.

"I went to a souvenir shop. I thought we could take something back for our parents," I reply.

"I still can't believe they did this."

"Me neither."

She looks up at me. "You happy?"

"Yes," I reply. There are not enough words to describe what I'm feeling.

Coming soon!

About the Author

Atlanta is an author who began writing at the age of fourteen in school notebooks, and publishing never crossed her mind until nine years later. In late 2013, Atlanta made her debut and wowed her readers with her imagination and storytelling.

She lives in Texas with her family, plays the piano, loves to shop, and is a fan of classic films. "Send Me No Flowers," "My Favorite Wife," "A Raisin in the Sun," "Cabin in the Sky," "Arsenic and Old Lace," and "The Quiet Man" are just a few of the many films she enjoys watching. She is the second of three daughters and the longest book she has read so far is _Gone with the Wind_. To connect with Atlanta, here are her social media coordinates!

Check out her website: "The Hunter Project" at www.atlantahunter.com and join her email list "Atlanta's Domain"

Follow her on Twitter: <https://twitter.com/atlanta_hunter>

Read her blog: http://www.atlterritory.blogspot.com

Follow her on Booklikes: <http://atlantahunter.booklikes.com/>

Other Works by Atlanta Hunter

_Desperate Measures_ (True Love Series, Book 1)

_Testing the Waters_ (True Love Series, Book 2)

The Journal

Special Thanks from Atlanta

Thank you for reading _Testing the Waters_ (True Love Series, Book 2). I hope you enjoyed reading it as I did writing it. The True Love Series is just beginning, and believe me I say; you have not seen anything yet. I have no idea how long this series is going to last, but I am excited about the stories that are coming.

Since I was a teenager, I have come to love reading and writing. The fact that you have taken the time to read my work means so much more than you know. I truly value you as a reader, and I appreciate you reading my work.

Reviews and ratings are more than welcomed and appreciated. Stay tuned for other works by yours truly because more is coming! Feel free to share this with your friends, family, and anyone else you think might enjoy this series.

God Bless and Happy Reading,

Atlanta Hunter

Acknowledgements

Ebook Cover Design by Tatiana www.viladesign.net

