Page 12 of The One He Desires

My conscience and I speak internally and simultaneously as Sincere’s words land like a bulldozer in my lower region. I’m so lost in my internal struggle that I almost miss Sincere’s name suggestion for Milan.

“How about you call me Cere? Can you say that, Sweet Face?”

His voice is void of the sexual inflection he’s used moments ago, but it has the same effect on me.

“C-Cere.” My baby happily and without struggle recites his given name for her like a parrot.

The way Milan has taken to this man should be studied. I don’t know what’s gotten into her, but as I watch the merriment in Sincere’s eyes, I can’t say that I blame her.

“That’s great, Sweet Face.”

Milan giggles like he’s said something funny, and all I can do is stare like an interloper. Milan launches into a conversation involving hand movements and everything, as Sincere nods, like he understands every word.

“Hm. I hear you. I got to get back to work, but if it’s okay with Mommy, how about I come see you again?”

“Yesh. Yesh.” Milan claps like my agreement is a foregone conclusion as Sincere’s eyes shift to me.

“Sweet Face agrees, so it’s up to you. Can I stop by again?”

Time stands still, and I momentarily lose my ability to think or breathe as his eyes fill with a mix of determination and desire. I fight the urge to bite my lip as heat fills my back from the intensity of Sincere’s gaze. My boutique doesn’t have customer restrictions, but do I really want this man shaking up my day with his presence?

“Can I stop by again?”

I have been in a chokehold for hours over those five words, and it’s pathetic. I can’t explain my reaction or the slow nod of agreement that I gave Sincere. I wanted to blame it on Milan, but the truth is my hormones got lost in the masculine scent of his cologne. Not to mention the way my eyes shamelessly raked over him. The suit that hugged his body seemed tailor-made to fit him. I tried my best to pretend like I wasn’t affected or attracted to Sincere.

But every time Milan giggled at something he did or said, I creamed my panties just a little more. I only stayed in the boutique twenty minutes, and I could wring out my underwear like a dishrag seconds after he left. I was seconds from asking him if he would lick my outer lips to hold me over, until I got home to let my rose finish what he started. The knowledge of Sincere’s return to my boutique fills me with low anxiety. I haven’t entertained a man seriously since BN, and even longer since I’ve let one between my thighs.

What my rose can’t do, my rabbit and fingers can. But Sincere’s sexy tail might have me rethinking a lot of things. The first is what I’m going to do when I see him again. From the determination in his eyes, I know that it’s only a matter of when he’ll return to my boutique. Crazy enough, I’m not as freaked out as I was initially. In fact, I’m looking forward to laying eyes on him again.

I look at the wall clock and realize it’s time for me to relieve Deanna for the day. Since Milan had a doctor’s appointment, I decided to just keep her with me instead of taking her to Mom. My mini me isn’t the friendliest after she gets shots, and I like to give her special treatment. She’s been quiet today and is currently focused on whatever doodles she’s making on the paper I gave her to occupy her.

“You ready to wrap up this day, baby?”

Milan’s head pops up, and her eyes twinkle as merriment fills them. I match her expression and walk around my desk before I stop and extend my hand for her to take. There are about two hours left before the boutique will close for the night. Then Milan and I will go home so I can tackle dinner, bath time, and maybe a glass of wine as I unwind. My mind swirls with thoughts of what to make for us to eat. The problem is usually what sounds good and won’t take forever to prepare.

Fifteen minutes later, Milan is in the toddler chair I keep here for her as I fold scarves next to her. Milan is oblivious to everything but her iPad and the movie she’s watching. I try to limit her overall screen time, but I need the aid so I can move into my closing procedures. Two old ladies just left after fingering every scarf I have, then left the store complaining. So now this is a task I have to complete outside my normal routine, close to closing time.

The doorbell chime sounds, shifting my focus from the task as I open my mouth to greet the incoming customer, only for the words to lodge in my throat. My body stiffens as my eyes connect with a set of dark brown ones I haven’t seen in years. BN. A cold chill slides down my spine as he walks to the counter with a grin that I don’t reciprocate.

What the hell is he doing here, and how did he know where to find me?

“Hi, Journee.”

A grimace slides into place as my nose curls in disgust as BN walks closer to the counter. Whoever told him where my business is needs their tail kicked. I have gone four years living my life without this imbecile, and here he comes.

“You’re just as beautiful as you’ve always been.”

My nose twists, and a deep frown slides into place at the words that leave his mouth. It’s been four years, and of all the things he could have said, I’m unsure what made him speak these.

“Humph. Interesting choice of words, don’t you think? What are you doing here?”

For too many seconds, BN and I just stare at each other, and the entire exchange makes me want to act like I’m a heavyweight champion desperate to defend my title. The love I had for this buster left my body the day I read his letter dismissing my unborn child and me. As far as I’m concerned, there is nothing for us to talk about, so I don’t know why he felt this drop-in was necessary.

“I fucked up, Journee.”

This motha—Jesus, please be a fence right now.

“Which time? The day I learned you’re a cheater, or the day I lost respect because you gave up your parental rights?”