Page 28 of The One He Desires

“All work and no play can make for an unhappy mommy. Sweet Face deserves a mother who knows how to enjoy more than her cute face every day.”

Before Journee can respond to me, someone speaks into the microphone, and their words let me know that this was a great decision for how we end this night.

“Alright, after that, I think we need a brief intermission. I need to let this stage recover so the ghost of Whitney doesn’t shake this room.” Chuckles sound before music flows around the room as various people respond with immediate excitement.

“Let’s go cut a step. It’ll help ease your anxiety for a bit.” I stand and extend my hand toward Journee as the introduction of “Can’t Get Enough” by Tamia plays.

Journee grins sheepishly but doesn’t decline my request as she stands and places her hand inside of mine. The jolt that surges up my arm from our connections causes a cheesy grin to surface. This woman is about to have me set my sights on my future which is a first. I have been so busy with work that I haven’t given myself permission to consider what I’ve been missing as it pertains to the opposite sex. But the minute Journee and I hit the dance floor with the other couples and join in the two-step, this song calls for my mind to shift.

My ears perk when Journee’s humming voice reaches my brain. For a woman who’s nervous about getting up on stage, Journee can carry a tune. The song’s melody makes me lose track of the steps in this line dance. Thanks to my sisters, I know every step and don’t have to follow anyone's movements but Journee's, as our connection feels organic. By the time the song ends, Journee is in my arms, and our hearts sync.

Our eyes connect, and in hers, I see many things, but I settle on her attraction to me. In Journee’s eyes, I can see her plea for me to be someone different and genuine in my pursuit. I nod without speaking a word as the DJ shifts into Joe’s “I Wanna Know.” Journee and I go from two-stepping to slow dancing. It reminds me of the first time I held Journee in my arms, and I smile. I also know that our time to hit the stage will come sooner rather than later, and I’m hoping that she’s gonna be as ready as I am.

“Okay. I need to finish my drink, and then I just might be able to embarrass myself in front of this crowd.”

“No worries. You won’t be doing it alone.”

Journee smiles like I just made her night, and I lead her off the dance floor so we can get things moving along. Thankfully, the time between our completion of drinks and our slot to perform isn’t long.

“Alright, this is our first duet of the evening. Let’s welcome to the KaiCity Soul Lounge stage, Esquire and Ms. J.” The host calls us to the stage, and I wave to let them know that we’re here.

Then I take Journee by the hand and lead her up on the stage. The small grin she wears and the slight tremor in her hand alert me to her reaction. I give her hand a light squeeze as we each grab a microphone. Journee’s face lights up when the beat of the song seemingly vibrates around the room.

“Oh yeah. I can definitely get with this,” she says as we turn to face each other.

I lift the microphone and sing the opening lines like I wrote them. “Ooh, yeah, ooh, yeah, yeah.”

Journee then lifts her microphone and belts the first line of the lyrics, and I have to fight the urge to pump my fist when she does so with perfect pitch. “I can picture us in the living room by the mantelpiece.”

When I put us down to perform a duet, this song came to mind because it’s one I enjoy listening to whenever it comes on the radio. Keke Wyatt and Avant did their big one with this song. Journee’s body moves to the beat as her eyes collide with mine for her part of the song. Adrenaline and excitement flow easily through me when it’s my turn, and I forget all about the crowd of people in the audience. I bob my head as Journee and I perform the song like it was made for us. Karaoke will never be the same after this moment as I pat my leg with my free hand.

The song ends sooner than I’m ready to release Journee from the bubble our duet has created, as applause instantly breaks out from the crowd. I pull Journee off the stage as she leans into my body while we walk back to our seats.

“That was awesome. You can carry a tune too.” She gushes.

“As can you. You acted all scared and went up there and killed it.”

“You made it easy. Thank you.”

The rest of our time in the lounge is filled with easy conversation as we watch people take the stage with boldness. Some of them can sing, and others should stick to their shower. When Journee yawns back-to-back, I take the cue and decide to leave before closing. It’s been a great date, and I need to get Journee home so she can rest. Our exit and the subsequent drive to her apartment are uneventful, and before long, we’re in front of her front door. I don’t want to let her go, but I can’t prolong this moment any further.

“I had a great time today. I didn’t think I would enjoy karaoke, but now I wouldn’t mind going again. It was a lot of fun. I also loved my experience with you astride Ida.” Journee’s words almost get lost in translation when she yawns again.

“It was the most fun I’ve had in far too long, so I’m glad you enjoyed it. Will you entertain me on a second date?”

“Of course, I will.” Stars flicker in the corner of her eyes, and it causes my heart rate to increase as I move closer to her.

My mind spins as my heart thumps wildly in my chest when Journee’s eyes flash before they turn dark with desire. That desire fuels me to act as I pull her into my body and wait a second to see if she will dispute my intentions. Journee must be on the same page as she leans further into me and angles her head. I don’t need any further acceptance as I lift her chin and kiss her lips. Dual moans sound at the connection as I grip her tighter against me.

The sharp need that enters my body the longer we kiss arouses me. I break the kiss and bite her bottom lip as I attempt to gather my wits. My dick pushes against my zipper like my pants are two sizes too small, and the pressure forces me to release Journee. I refuse to ruin our date with sex, so I need to walk away.

“I-I should go.” Journee’s voice is breathy as her chest rises and falls heavily.

Her lips are swollen from our kiss, and the desire to connect with her a second time takes root in my mind. For countless seconds, we simply stare at each other with Journee making no attempt to move. It’s like we’re both in a trance; neither of us is in a rush to snap out of it. Journee breaks first as she turns, unlocks her door, and enters her apartment.

“Good night, Sincere.”

Those two words snap me back to reality just as Journee waves weakly and closes the door. I’m glad she had enough willpower to walk away because, a second longer, and I might have asked her to come in so I could explore her other set of lips. On shaky legs, I walk away in a daze as my mind revisits the entire day. The short kiss was the climax that will have me struggling to sleep tonight. It’s crazy because while it wasn’t long, it also wasn’t ordinary.