Page 27 of The One He Desires

“So, what made you consider horseback riding for today? I would have never guessed you would be interested in this type of thing.”

“Believe it or not, my pops used to talk about bringing my sisters and me here when we were little, but never did due to his demanding work schedules. I’ve been on a couple of horse trails before, but I wanted to patronize someone who looked like me. In my search, I came across this ranch and figured it would be something special to experience with you.”

Aww.

I lean into Sincere’s back and place a light kiss against his shirt because I’m a sucker for a great story and vibe. It also makes me excited to see what else he has planned because, so far, this date is off to an awesome start.

Clem Stables provided not only space for Sincere and me to ride Ida but also showers to clean up and put ourselves together post-ride. I was wondering how we would be able to change clothes for the second part of our day. But clearly, Sincere didn’t half step with the details and had been way ahead of me. The trail didn’t have anything on how I felt riding shotgun behind Sincere. It’s a memory I will forever cherish, regardless of what happens between us. I also hated to see Sincere switch clothes from how well his jeans and flannel adorned his body.

“Mm. You clean up very nicely, Esquire.” My words sound like a kitten purring as I take in Sincere’s second ensemble.

The black shirt with the two top buttons undone, showcasing hints of ink, stonewashed black jeans, and black boot-like tennis shoes give Sincere the illusion of a bad boy. It’s the opposite of his profession, but he looks like someone I’d love to sink my teeth into. He also has a relaxed outfit selection that matches perfectly with what I decided to put on for the latter part of today. My outfit is a cream top that crosses at my breasts and flares open to reveal a small portion of my stomach. Thanks to my hard efforts, there are no remnants of my having given birth to Milan.

The black jeans adorning my body fit my lower half like a glove. The open-toe jeweled heels do a great job of making my calves and backside look amazing. I’m ready for whatever comes next. Based on Sincere’s clothes, I don’t know whether we’re going to dinner or someplace else. But with him, it doesn’t even matter because I’m down for literally whatever.

“As do you. Damn, Journee. You might make me hurt somebody for staring at your beautiful ass too long.”

“Don’t hurt them. I’m securely with you.”

Sincere nods as he takes my hand and guides me to the passenger seat. Butterflies and an electric surge course through my body at the comfort of our connection. Our conversation flows easily as we talk about mundane things. I note that we’re heading back to Kaigood, my mind swirling with destination possibilities. It feels like we’ve been driving for minutes when we reach our final location.

“Ooh. This should be so fun,” I say five minutes later as Sincere and I head to the front entrance of KaiCity Soul Lounge.

It’s a place dedicated to people who want to vibe to karaoke. They’re only open Friday through Sunday and stay open until midnight. Although I have never been here, I have heard great things about it. I’ve also never performed karaoke, so this will be another first but one I’ll keep to myself for now.

When we enter the lounge, the vibe hits me instantly as someone sings horribly on stage to one of Whitney Houston’s songs. The audience is heckling them, and they still sing their hearts out. I would give them an A for their effort and confidence.

“Don’t laugh too hard because we’re hitting the stage soon. You can sing, right?”

Wait, what?

My humor dries instantly as my mouth opens and closes upon hearing Sincere’s words just as we reach a table.

“You’re joking, right?”

“Nah. Besides, you just said this should be fun. What do you have to lose?”

My ability to get a kiss at the end of the night.

I shake my head just as the waitress struts over to our table asking about our drink orders. I quickly order something that will give me some liquid courage. Then my focus alternates between Sincere and the stage. All I can do is pray that Sincere chickens out before whoever is in charge calls us to take the stage. I’m not sure how I’m going to go from never performing in front of people to performing in front of a crowded room of strangers.

This will either be a disaster or a nightmare. There’s no other option, because, oh my God, how am I about to do this? One thing is for sure: This just got really interesting.

“And I will always love youuu.” The current performers sings, and the audience joins in, almost making them sound better.

The person should never feel bold enough to get on stage because they sound like a pack of howling dogs. It’s not a performance that should have left the inside of their shower. Yet, here they are, full of confidence, ruining one of Whitney Houston’s hit songs. Poor Whitney would have thrown a truckload of tomatoes at this performance.

“Now what would make him go up there and embarrass himself like that? My word.” Journee’s voice is low as her eyes are on the stage as the performance comes to an end. The person bows and curtsies before walking off with a dramatic wave and a wide smile.

I chuckle because I don’t have an answer, but karaoke is the only event where you can risk it all in the name of fun. After an intimate setting for the first half of our date, this moment will help ease the urge to jump the gun on my sexual desires. While the horse ride with Journee was great, I didn’t get a chance to truly enjoy the moment because my dick kept trying to send signals to my brain to cancel these plans to incite sexual ones. But it’s imperative that I keep my focus on building with Journee versus having sex with her.

My plan is to date Journee, not just take her to bed for a temporary fix. My profession doesn’t always lend itself to me letting my hair down and having a night out. So, tonight is all about creating memories with someone I’m hoping will become a permanent fixture in my life. With Journee, I see new opportunities to live outside of my office. Outside of the courtroom and outside of what I always do.

Before now, my routine was to go to work and go home every day, like my life was on a constant rinse-and-repeat cycle. Journee gives me reasons to discover what life has to offer. So hell yeah, we’re doing karaoke. But what Journee doesn’t know is that it’ll be a duet, because I would never have her perform alone after dragging her in unsuspectingly. If she’s going to be embarrassed in front of strangers, then so am I.

“Are you listening to me, Sincere? Do you really want me to go up there and sing?”

My focus shifts to Journee as her beautiful face contorts, and her eyes shine with multiple questions and a mix of fear.