Page 21 of The Way Love Heals

Asher chuckled and ran his hand over his smooth face. “You know how we do. He seems like a good man, for real. I love how he is with the boys. Just be careful.”

That was Asher’s way of telling me he still cared about me, and I respected that because the feeling was mutual. We both understood our life choices could affect AJ, and we simply wanted what was best for him.

“Oh, trust me. I am, which is why we’re only friends.”

“So, what y’all do when you left with him?”

I waved Asher off and started walking away. “Bye, Asher.”

“Just wait until I tell Zaina about this!”

His words hit my back as I headed back toward the field. Usually, I would go straight to my car, but since I hadn’t seen Nyle in person in a few days, I wanted to check in with him. Imagine my surprise when I found him leaned against the dugout, talking to one of the moms, Chyna, who had shown up to practice in what I assumed was the tightest clothing she had. I mean, for it to be a kids’ practice, she left little to the imagination.

As quickly as I rounded the corner, I was faster turning on my heels. Nyle hadn’t seen me since his back was turned to me, but Chyna did.

“Hey, Britt! Did you need to talk to Coach?” she called out before I could even take my first step.

Nyle turned around and flashed me a smile as he walked away from her and stood in front of me with his hands in his pockets. “Hey, Pretty Lady. I was going to call you once I left.”

“Seems like you were occupied.”

He held his hand up and asked, “Can I?” I nodded, and he held my chin between his fingers. “I was simply doing what coaches do. Nothing more, nothing less.”

“You don’t owe me an explanation, Nyle.”

“It seems that way.” He squeezed my chin and released me. “What are you about to get into?”

“Well, I was coming to check on you and see if you wanted to come over for dinner.”

“I’d love nothing more. Send me the time and address, and I’ll be there.”

“I will.”

“Do you need me to bring anything?”

I hunched my shoulders. “Just yourself. I can handle everything else.”

“So, you’ll be able to handle me when I get there?”

Leave it to Nyle to say something sexual. I rolled my eyes as I attempted to hide my smile and wagged my finger at him. “No. I didn’t say all that, Nyle. I meant food wise. I can handle that.”

“Mmm. I hear you. Just let me know if you change your mind, and I do need to bring something other than myself. I don’t mind at all.”

“I will. See you later.”

Briefly, I glanced over at Chyna whose expression had turned sour. She glared at me, and when I waved at her, she smacked her lips. If Nyle were my man, I would’ve tongued him down in front of her. I almost did just to spite her, but I wasn’t even on that type of time. All I was worried about was making sure Nyle was good.

At seven on the dot, Nyle arrived at my house. Anxiously, I’d been watching the cameras for his arrival while I cooked. In an attempt to calm my nerves, I texted Pilar and let her know what was going on. That was a mistake because she started insinuating things she had no business speaking on. I had to stop texting her back and work on regulating my nerves again.

Before I went to open the door for Nyle, I went to my bathroom to look myself over. I’d showered and changed from earlier. My goal was to be comfortable but look cute, so I wore a matching set that was all black. The shorts clung to my thighs, but they were long enough to not look inappropriate. I paired it with my favorite fuzzy slippers and a matching silver earrings and necklace set that AJ had gotten me for Mother’s Day.

After I gave my golden curls a good fluff, I applied a thin layer of lip gloss just as the doorbell rang. I left out the bathroom and went to let Nyle in. When I opened the door, his scent wafted in, and I discreetly took a deep breath. A man who smelled just as good as he looked was alright with me. Nyle fit that description perfectly.

“Hey, Pretty Lady. Thanks for having me.”

Pretty Lady.

The nickname was cute and old school, showing off the hidden old soul I believed Nyle was. With him being raised by his grandmother, it didn’t surprise me.