He crossed his arms, expression growing serious. “I just want to know one thing.”
I took a deep breath and stood, preparing myself for I didn’t know what. “Yeah?”
“It’s more than sex, right?”
“So much more. I’ve never felt about anyone the way I feel about her, Dad. We haven’t even had sex, and I don’t plan to any time soon. I just…I really like her.”
He looked at me a moment longer then nodded. “Invite her to dinner this week, then convince your mom of that. Because you know if you hurt this girl she’s gonna kick your ass, right?”
I nodded. “I know.”
He patted my back before walking away then I sighed. Hurting Kirby was far from being in my plans. It was for that reason I’d chosen to bury my original intentions as deep as possible. I hadn’t followed through so there was no reason for her to know. Kirby was strong, but she was also fragile, and I had no idea what that knowledge would do to her. To us. Maybe it was wrong to keep it hidden, but how could I risk losing her by revealing that truth when she was all that I’d ever wanted.
~ ♥ ~
The yellow was a dead giveaway, but I could spot her anywhere. Crossing the courtyard, book hugged to her chest, was my baby. Esme was at her side as usual.
I’d just finished my last class of the day and though it had been only a few hours since we were together last, I missed her. I quickened my pace to get closer so I wouldn’t have to yell as loud. “Kirby!”
She stopped and looked over her shoulder. My heart jumped in my chest and I paused just a second before jogging to catch up. When I reached her, I tossed my arm over her shoulder then leaned down and kissed her cold lips.
“Where you headed, beautiful?”
“Esme’s.”
I should’ve known. Whenever she wasn’t hanging with me, which was a lot more lately, the only other place she’d be is with Esme. “Wanna come with me instead? We can snuggle up and watch a movie. I’ll warm you up.”
“Kay.”
Esme cleared her throat extra loud. “Excuse you, sir. What if we had plans? You can’t just steal her away.” She had a smirk on her face so I knew she was only playing around.
I hugged Kirby to me protectively. “Sorry, Es, she’s all mine now and I’m not sharing.”
Kirby giggled into my coat.
“She was mine first.”
I shook my head, flashing a playful smirk. “Trust me, Esmerelda, quit while you’re ahead. You won’t win.”
She rolled her eyes at me then turned to Kirby. “Really Kirbz. You’re choosing a boy over me? Have we really come to this?”
My Sunshine giggled again and snuggled closer to me. “You could always hang out with Gordon.”
For that she got a long eye roll from Esme that didn’t seem as playful as the one she’d given me. “Don’t even go there.” She shook her head, eyes once again dancing with playfulness, then turned and started to walk away.
After a few feet she faced us again. “I’ll win back your heart, my love, if it’s the last thing I do.” She stretched out her arm as if reaching for Kirby. “Nothing but death can keep me from it!” She backed away, mimicking the hand game the sisters had played in The Color Purple.
I cracked up and Kirby broke into a giggle fit. “She’s so silly.”
I shook my head as I turned us in the opposite direction. “Yeah she is.”
“I’m glad you two like each other.”
“She’s cool peoples and a good friend to you.”
“The best.” She smiled, leaning into me more. “Hey…can I still be your best friend if I’m your girlfriend?”
“Of course.”
“Yay.” She bounced up on her toes to plant her cold lips on my cheek. “So, what do you want to watch?”
“You pick.”
“Moana?”
I’d never seen the movie but felt like I had from the many conversations we’d had about it. It was one of her favorites. “Whatever you like, Sunshine.”
In my dorm, I sat on the bed with my back to the wall and Kirby was nestled between my legs, against my chest. We weren’t watching the movie.
Her warm lips pecked mine gently a few times then she offered me her tongue. Her kisses were still soft and sweet but were much more eager now. Mine weren’t much different. The connection of our lips was filled with fervor and need. I always had to pull back though and not let things get to far. With her I had to go slow. Not just because she was worth the wait, but such an experience for her would be impactful so I had to err on the side of caution.
I wanted her in the worst way though.
I broke our connection that had left us both breathless and gave her a smile.
She returned it. “Your lips.”
“What about my lips?”
“They’re my favorite.”
I chuckled and kissed the tip of her nose. “You’re my favorite.”
She smiled against my chest, hugging my waist tight.
Adorable little self.
“What are you doing Sunday at six? My parents want to have you over for dinner.”
“Really?” Excitement flashed in her eyes.
“Yeah.” That was half the truth. My dad wanted her over for dinner. My mom didn’t know yet. I’d asked my dad to let me tell her and being a chicken, I’d only told her I wanted to have a friend come to dinner, not who it was. The way I figured, if I just showed up with Kirby, it would be harder for my mom to yell at me in front of her.
“I’d love to have dinner with you and your family.” She blessed me with another kiss.
~ ♥ ~
Too late to back out now. My heart thumped hard as I stepped into the house with Kirby on my arm. When I entered the dining room, my mom’s eyes immediately fell on Kirby.
“Ma, you know Kirby…my girlfriend.”
Her eyes grew wide a moment then narrowed a second later.
“Girlfriend?” a deep voice said from behind me.
My heart immediately clinched. Damn. What the hell was he doing here?
I followed Baz with my gaze as he strode past me and took a seat at the table. “Yeah. We’re together.”
Kirby smiled nervously beside me, her small hand squeezing mine tight. I hadn’t been expecting him here. She was used to or at least knew everyone else who’d be present. Baz was too abrasive and I didn’t want or need any drama behind him saying something to her. I had enough to be nervous about with my mom, now this.
I squeezed Kirby’s hand back then led her to a seat farthest away from him. It so happened to be beside Savannah.
“Keem.” My mother’s voice jolted my heart again. By the time this night was over my nerves were going to be shot to hell. “Come help me with something in the kitchen.”
“Huh?” I played dumb and deaf, glancing around the table. It was fully set already. All the food in place, so I knew she didn’t really need help with anything. She wanted to get me alone.
“Kitchen. Now.” Her voice was even and polite, but I knew better.
Before I could say anything else she left the room and I had no choice but to follow. So much for that plan.
When I entered the kitchen, I went immediately to the fridge. “Need me to get some ice for the drinks?”
She didn’t respond.
I opened the freezer and searched around for ice trays that were right in my face. “We have juice, right? Kirby doesn’t drink pop.”
“Haikeem.” There was a sternness to her voice that couldn’t be denied.
I sighed, shutting the freezer door and reluctantly faced her. I still didn’t look at her though. My gaze stayed on my shoes. “Yeah?”
“You can start talking now.”
Several long seconds passed of her tapping her nails on the counter before I finally caved. I pushed off the fridge and took a deep breath, preparing to plead my case. “I know you don’t like the idea of me and Kirby, but Ma, I promise you, there’s absolutely no shadiness behind it. She makes me fee
l so much more than I have with anyone else. A day doesn’t go by when I don’t imagine a future with her.”
Until now I’d still yet to look at my mom and when I did her head was cocked to the side. “So, you’re serious about this?”
“As a heart attack. I wouldn’t be with her otherwise.”
Her eyes were still narrowed, lips twisted to the side. “Are you sure you’re ready for that? You haven’t had a girlfriend since…” She tapered off, glancing away from me.
“You can say Gabi’s name, Ma,” I said with a chuckle, moving over to her. “I’m completely over that. I know it’s been a long time, but I needed that time to heal. I’m a lot better now, and yes, I’m very serious about Kirby. She’s the most incredible person I’ve ever known. Except you, of course.” I hugged her from the side, trying to butter her up.
She shoved me lightly with her shoulder, a smirk on her face. Then she sighed. “I noticed how much you liked her last time she was here. It was hard to miss.”
“I really do, Ma. I can’t tell you how much she means to me.”
For a long while she just stared at me, then she sighed again. “It’s not just her I’m worried about.” Her hand cupped my cheek. “You’re my first born and you love so hard. I don’t want you hurt either. I don’t know what happened to you this summer…”
I placed my hand over hers, embracing her nurturing energy into me. “I will tell you about it…one day. You and Dad.”
Her thumb rubbed back and forth on my cheek. “Go slow. For the both of you.”
Smiling, I pulled her into a tight hug. I knew I didn’t need her permission to be with Kirby, but her approval meant the world.
After dinner, Kirby and Savannah hung out in her room for a while. I was happy when I was able to steal her back. I led her to my room, leaving the door open out of respect for my parents even though we wouldn’t be doing anything anyway.
Kirby walked around, admiring my anime and comic book collections. She stopped at my desk, leaning against it with her hands behind her. The usual smile she wore when around me wasn’t there.
I came near and brushed her hair behind her ear. “What’s wrong?”
She shook her head. “Nothing, just…I don’t think your brother likes me.”
She was referring to Baz and I could understand why she got that feeling. I’d caught him frowning at her during dinner more than a couple times. “I like you. That’s all that matters.”
Her eyes flitted around, a little wet. I could tell she wanted my family to like her. That was the type of thing that was important to her. It pissed me off that Baz made her feel uncomfortable.
I pulled her hand from behind her back and laced my fingers through hers. “Don’t take it personal, Sunshine. Baz is kind of an asshole and it has more to do with me than you.”
Her head tipped to the side. “He doesn’t like you?”
“He does,” I said after a sigh and scratched the back of my neck. “We have a…complicated relationship.”
Her lips twisted in thought and I knew she was processing my words, trying to understand.
I kissed those lips and was rewarded with a little gasp. “Don’t worry about him. Everyone else likes you. My mom, my dad, Taylor. Savannah loves you.”
“What about Juliet?”
I laughed. “Jewls loves you, too.” I chose to keep to myself how after meeting Kirby, Juliet had gushed about what beautiful babies Kirby and I would make. I wouldn’t be surprised if she was half way through planning our wedding. She did the most sometimes.
Kirby smiled. “Yay.”
I kissed her again, deeper this time and buried my fingers in her bouncy curls. My body pressed her against the desk. I held her around the waist with my other hand, enjoying the feel of her fluffy sweater dress. She was so soft and sweet.
She moaned against my lips and though I didn’t want to, I pulled back. Her shallow breaths almost made me dive in again.
I stepped back to keep her from feeling what she did to me. “Do you have plans for Thanksgiving? I’m sure my parents wouldn’t mind you joining us, if you want to.”
Her gaze drifted away from mine to the TV on the dresser. “I can’t.” She chewed her lip, shifting on her feet. “I’d like to, but my sisters are already expecting me to be there. Plus…they don’t exactly know about you yet.”
I leaned my head back slightly. “You haven’t talked to them yet?”
Eyes on the floor, she shook her head.
“And about Ringling?”
Another head shake.
I sighed deeply. “You promised, baby.”
“I know, and I will talk to them…soon.”
I was a little disappointed that she was dragging her feet on the matter, but I didn’t want to push too hard and make her shut down or pull away from me. I hoped she wasn’t backing out of doing it though.
“You promise?”
She nodded, still not looking at me.
I stepped to her again, now that my body was more under control, and used my index finger to lift her chin. “You wouldn’t break a promise to me, would you Sunshine?”
Finally, her eyes came to mine. They were glistening. She shook her head. “Never.”
I searched her eyes for sincerity and found it there. I knew she meant it, just hoped it would be sooner rather than later.
Softly, I pressed my lips to hers, and her arms wrapped around my neck, pulling me deeper.
A knock made us both jump.
My dad stood there, smiling. “Your mom says it’s getting late.”
I glanced over at the clock on the nightstand and it was nearing ten. Not exactly late, but we did have class in the morning. Taking Kirby’s hand, I made my rounds saying bye to everyone, then we headed for my car.
I cursed under my breath when I realized Baz had me blocked in. I decided to put Kirby in the car and give her the keys to warm it up while I went to get him, just in case.
Instead of going all the way in, I leaned inside the front door to make a point that I was in a hurry. “Yo, Baz. Could you come move your car and let me out?”
He eyed me a few seconds before standing. “Fa sho.”
I was halfway down the walk way when he cut me off by stepping in front of me. I pushed out a hard sigh, not even pretending to not be aggravated. “What?”
He frowned, tossing his head back to point at my ride. “So, she your girlfriend now?”
“Yeah, she is.”
When I saw him about to open his mouth, I cut him off. “Whatever you have to say about it, save it. I don’t wanna hear it.”
He scoffed. “All I’m doing is looking out for you, and that’s how you gonna act?”
“My love life is no longer your concern. I’m with her and nothing you say is gonna change that. And I don’t need you to look you for me, I’m good.”
He shook his head and shrugged with another scoff. “Whatever, Keem. Do you. Just don’t come crying to me when she stomps your heart out like the last bitch.” With that he turned and walked away. His car door slammed, and I pushed out a relaxing breath.
That was something he needn’t worry about. My days of taking advice from him were over. Kirby was the best thing that ever happened to me and I’d be damned if I lost her by listening to anything he had to say.
When I made it in the car it had warmed considerably. Kirby’s doe eyes, filled with concern, fell on me. “Is everything okay?”
My conversation with him faded as soon as I was in her presence. I took her hand in mine and brought it to my lips and kissed her knuckles. “Everything is perfect.”
Chapter Twenty - Eight
~ Kirby ~
Finals were getting close, and so was the due date of my oral report. Saige had been able to convince the professor to let me sit it out, using my Asperger’s and anxiety as the reason. I’d gone behind her back and emailed her that I was okay with giving my report. I was tired of Saige always fighting my battles for me. This was something I had to face on
my own. I just hoped I could get through it without having a panic attack in front of the whole class.
I was nearly done with writing the report with only the conclusion left. I also had a lot of studying to get in with two big exams coming soon. In about twenty minutes I’d be meeting Keem at the library to do just that.
Es plopped down on the bed in front of me as I pulled on my coat. “So…how are things progressing with the boyfriend.”
That word in reference to Keem always caused me to blush. We’d been going out for over two weeks now and my life couldn’t have been better. “Good. We kiss a lot. Sometimes in his bed.”
Her eyes went wide. “Maybe you should slow down a bit. I know you’re all in love, but I don’t want you to do something you’ll regret.”
“I could never regret anything I do with Keem. He’s so perfect.”
Es sighed. “Just be careful, okay? Your virginity isn’t something you can get back.”
I nodded to acknowledge her words. I’d thought about that and knew for sure that with Keem I wouldn’t want it back. I wanted to share all of me with him, including that. I would heed her words about not doing so too soon though. I hadn’t planned on it. I just enjoyed him kissing me and the feel of his large hands caressing my neck, arms, and hips as he did so.
I headed out to meet Keem, leaving Es to her own studying.
~ ♥ ~
Keem stood from his seat, greeting me with a hug and kiss on the cheek. “I missed you.”
“I missed you, too.” I deposited my things on our table and hung my coat on my chair. “Be right back. I need to find a book.”
He’d started to sit, but then stood straight again. “I’ll help you. Who’s the author?”
“Tracey McLendon.”
I headed toward the section of the library I predicted the book would be in. Keem followed close behind.
“The title is–”
His hand caught mine as we rounded the back of the shelf and he pulled me to him. I gasped when my chest collided with his then again when his lips did the same with mine.
I wanted to get lost in the feeling of being in his arms but broke away from his kiss and glanced around the public space. “We’re supposed to be finding a book.”
Somebody to Love Page 19