Page 30 of The Way Love Heals

“Stop bouncing your leg.” Nyle chuckled, reaching over and hovering his hand over it.

I placed mine on top of his, allowing our skin to connect. He was doing better about not asking, but he was still hesitant at times. I chalked it up to him overthinking. It was something he’d become accustomed to, and I didn’t mind being patient with him and giving him the reassurance he needed.

“I can’t help it.” I released an exasperated sigh and looked out the window. “I haven’t been intertwined with anyone’s family since Asher.”

“Well, you better get ready to be intertwined with mine. I haven’t introduced them to anyone in years, so they’re already invested. Naheem has been invested since day one.”

“Your siblings seem cool, but I think your grandmother is hesitant about me. She talked to me at the game, but nothing like your siblings.”

Nyle rubbed his beard and bobbed his head. “When it comes to me, she’s a little more protective.”

“I can understand that, but she must know I’m not here to hurt you. I was here to be your friend, but you’ve made it very clear a friendship isn’t going to work for us.”

“Damn right. Friends don’t look at me how you do. Friends don’t kiss me how you do. Friends don’t fuck me how you do.” Nyle squeezed my thigh and slowly traveled his hand up toward my center. “You can’t tell me you thought we would only be friends with the way we get lost in one another, Brittish.”

“Can’t a girl dream?” I playfully flitted my eyes upward and slapped his hand away. It was a good thing I had on jean shorts, or he would’ve felt how wet he had me.

“You better dream big when it comes to me. I have every intention of making them all come true.”

“I hear you.”

“But do you believe me?”

We stopped at a red light, and Nyle stared at me. How good he looked almost distracted me from the question at hand. The sun shining down on him gave his smooth, lush melanin a beautiful glow. His hair was styled differently, braided into two pigtails that rested on his chest. I loved it. It gave the perfect view of his handsome face. Between his freshly trimmed and oiled beard and the gold jewelry, Nyle had me in a trance. His lips were moving, but I wasn’t processing anything he said until someone honked behind us.

“You didn’t hear a word I said, did you?” Nyle asked, amusement in his tone as he rested one hand on the steering wheel and the one tugging at his goatee. I should’ve been ashamed of myself for finding every little thing he did sexy, but it was almost impossible not to.

“You had me distracted.” I snickered. “What was the question again?”

“How did I have you distracted, Pretty Lady?”

“Nope. We’re not going there again. What was the question, sir?”

“Do you believe me when I say I want to make all your dreams come true? I want to be everything you want and need in a man, Brittish. I’m not holding back, so I hope you don’t either.”

I bit my bottom lip and rested my head against the headrest. “Is it crazy that I do?”

“Why would it be crazy?”

“Because it’s been what? A little over two months since we had what was supposed to be a one-night stand. I have no reason to trust you like I do, but here I am, placing my heart to you on a silver platter, piece by piece. Does that not sound crazy to you?”

“Nah.” Nyle chuckled, and our eyes met. “It sounds like inevitable love to me.”

Love.

He’d been using that word more often, and it had me wondering if his feelings for me were deeper than what he let on. Only time would tell.

Minutes later, we were pulling up at the restaurant, and I could’ve sworn my heart was going to beat out of my chest. When Nyle got out the truck to come get me, I briefly closed my eyes and controlled my rapid breathing. Even though I’d been around his family, it was about to be different in a more intimate setting.

Nyle kissed my cheek and led me inside the restaurant. Before the host could greet us, I saw someone walking up to me out the corner of my eyes. When I realized who it was, I palmed my face and inwardly groaned.

Diamond and Dionte walked up with their arms folded, glaring at me. Immediately, Nyle stepped in front of me and sized them up. He clasped his hands together in front of him, and I could see his jaw tighten. Diamond trailed his tongue over his teeth and tapped Dionte’s chest with the back of his hand.

“Look at him walking up on us without even knowing who we are.” Diamond chuckled before his gaze fell on me. He nodded toward Nyle and instructed, “Let him know, Brittish.”

“How about you let me know? All I see are two men walking up on my girl like they have some animosity, and I’m not with that shit.” Nyle stepped closer to Diamond. “If it’s a problem, handle it through me.”

If I didn’t fear for his life, I would’ve taken him to the truck and had my way with him. The way he didn’t hesitate to protect me was such a turn on. Just as I was about to open my mouth to speak, Diamond held his hand up to silence me. I crossed my arms and huffed. Our parents would be receiving a call as soon as we left here.