Page 18 of Sun Kissed Moments

“How do you stay out of sight in Colorado. What is there even to do out there?”

“Plenty to do,” I replied, “but I wouldn’t truly know because I rarely leave home when I’m there. I have hundreds of acres, cattle, horses, and chickens to keep me company.”

Her eyes widened like saucers.

“Here you go, being surprised again,” I poked.

She tittered. “I’m sorry. It’s just that you don’t really give…ranch life.”

Grinning, I asked, “What do I give?”

“A fleet of Box Chevys, each with twenty-eight-inch rims, top-notch sound, tinted windows, a Glock in the passenger seat, and a flamethrower in the backseat. One of the observations I’ve made over the years is that you’re to yourself because it’s better for you that way. The only time I’ve ever seen you lose it was when some guy got in your face at one of the clubs you were at. I still remember how many people it took to get you off him. That’s not counting every other incident that was scrubbed from the internet.” Amused, she chuckled and shook her head. “So, in essence, I think you’re every bit of the gangsta you rap about. I have no doubts.”

By the time Justina wrapped up her take of me, I was laughing so hard that she joined me.

“See, Justina,” I sobered and said, “you can’t tell me we ain’t made for each other. I got a fleet of Chevys in L.A. and Atlanta. Substitute the flamethrowers with AR-15s and AKs. And I may or may not need to keep to myself because I have a temper that only flares up around fuck niggas.”

She scoffed, then busted out laughing. “I knew it!”

As she laughed, all I could do was stare and hope Justina gave me the chance to prove to her that I could be everything she wanted in a man.

Her gasp of shock caught my attention. We arrived at the place where I wanted to take her.

“Welcome to my other house, baby.”

Her eyes widened even more as I maneuvered the Ghost through the wrought iron gate bearing my initials. I drove up the winding driveway and parked the Ghost near the front door. Justina threw her door open and bolted out of the car.

Chuckling, I put the car in PARK, cut the engine, then joined her as she bolted towards the side of the house. I already knew where she was going.

“Oh, my goodness!” she exclaimed loudly as she ran through the extensive garden my mama had planted years before her untimely death. This was part of my property that I hired the best gardener for, to keep my mama’s shit nice and beautiful year-round. Justina twirled in a circle, the chain around her neck sparkled brightly, but it couldn’t compare to the smile on her face.

She twirled a few more times and giggled uncontrollably when leaves and petals tickled her legs.

“This is amazing!” she gushed.

I walked up to her, catching her in one of her twirls. Placing a hand on either side of her waist, I picked her up and twirled her around. She giggled harder, threw her arms out, and pretended as if she was flying. I swear, the sun was trying to kidnap my girl from me. As brilliant as it was, it couldn’t have the woman I wanted to be with for the rest of my life.

After a tour of his property and house, Dane and I got back inside his car and headed to the city. He took me by the old neighborhood where he grew up and showed me some of the places he used to hang out at. I found myself staring at the side of his face, marveling at the strength of his jaw, drooling at the cut of his thick lips, and the way with which his tongue always darted out to lick them. Then there were his long locs, lying against his chest the way I wanted to.

At some point, his hand made it to rest on my thigh, and I did nothing to move it. In fact, the weight of his hand brought a level of security I’d never felt with anyone before. We’d been riding around all morning and well into the afternoon. However, not once did I think about anyone attempting to harm us. Sure, I recognized security following us, but I still felt safe and comfortable right here with Dane.

It could have something to do with the gun tucked at his back.

I’d noticed it after he twirled me around in that beautiful garden. I had my arms around his back and felt the weapon tucked comfortably there. While I wasn’t surprised, I did chuckle a little on the inside.

The entire time we were together, his phone only rang a few times. Once was a call from his sister. The other call came from his homeboy, Angelo, who he owned the resort with. I liked that, although Dane was a billionaire, his personal life was as laid-back as I assumed it was. If anything won me over, it was that Dane was just a regular dude who happened to be a billionaire superstar.

The sun was setting by the time we returned to Onyx Cove Resort. Dane escorted me to my suite, and I invited him inside for a drink.

“Would you like something strong, tea, water, or a soda?” I asked.

He frowned comically. “Tea? That shit is nasty. I’ll take a water.”

I laughed and shooed him out of the kitchen. “For your information, I make great tea. You probably just haven’t tried the right flavor,” I said as I grabbed a bottle of water and handed it to him. I took a bottle of water from the fridge for myself too.

“I’ve been all over the world and have tried several teas. Shit is still nasty,” he countered.

I rolled my eyes and shrugged. “I love it. Give me a lemon, ginger, and berry fused tea any day of the week, and I’ll devour it.”