Page 28 of Sun Kissed Moments

He texted me every other hour, telling me just how much he missed me. Although my phone remained on DND, I kept it close only for him. Everyone else’s calls and messages weren’t even a thought. Including my mother’s calls and messages.

She was so damn overbearing. I couldn’t breathe without her wondering if the pressure of my breath was consistent with the pressure she thought it should wield. I understood that she wanted me to be who she wished she had been at my age, but I was tired of being boggled down by her unnecessary constraints.

Especially when it came to being in love. As I sat by the shore, I glanced up at the sky, blocking the sun with my hand. A flock of seagulls raced over my head, squawking loudly as they looked for their next meal.

Before he left, Dane brought DJ back to me, thankfully so. DJ played at the edge of the water, acting as if the waves were another dog that he had to fight for supremacy. As soon as the water touched his paw, he barked and ran away, only to run back as soon as the water receded.

I chuckled at him. He was such a playful little ball and already loved me. No matter where I was, he looked for me and was sure to remain close to me. As funny as it was, DJ really did seem like he was an extension of Dane and me. Whenever DJ cuddled with me, I thought about Dane. He knew what he was doing by getting me that damn dog.

If Dane was here right now, he’d have me tucked against his body. I missed his strong arms and masculine scent. We’d only spent a few days together, but they were the most memorable days I’d had with anyone…ever.

As beautiful and luxurious as Onyx Cove Resort was, without Dane here, I was ready to go back home. The man I so easily and quickly fell in love with wasn’t here with me. Moments under the sun just didn’t seem the same without him sharing them with me.

A few days later…

“So, tell me about your vacation,” Nooki said as she plopped across my bed, scaring DJ. He sniffed her arm for a few seconds before falling back to sleep.

Aggravated, I glanced at my cousin and sighed heavily. Her head leaned back on her shoulders.

“That bad, huh? Okay, then,” she replied. “I’ll leave it alone.”

That was just it. My vacation wasn’t bad. However, I couldn’t tell her that I was hot over missing my man. We hadn’t seen each other since Dane left Onyx Cove Resort. Our phone conversations weren’t enough for me. I understood why Dane wasn’t willing to have a long-distance relationship with me. Life was torture without him. Although we agreed to keep our relationship private for now, he continued to spoil me daily. My latest gifts were dozens of bouquets of roses. Each bouquet came with a different love note attached. Of course, my mama's nose was all in my business, but I was keeping my business close to the vest.

Keeping my business close to the vest was a thorn in my side at the moment. Dane was in the city tonight, and I couldn’t even see him. He was at Kar Tell’s listening party, and I was sure every bitch in the place was all over my man. I scowled, thinking about some bitch smiling in my man’s face.

My Husband: I miss you like crazy, baby.

My heart leaped at the text. Dane told me he missed me often, so it wasn’t a surprise. Still, he was out enjoying his artists and crew. Being on his mind in the midst of all the chaos made me smile.

My Husband: Keeping us a secret is killing me.

It was killing me too.

“Your brain is somewhere besides here, Cousin. Mind you, I’m only in town for the weekend. What’s going on?” Nooki asked.

Relaxing my face, I chuckled to get her off my back. “Nothing’s wrong.”

“Oh, when did we start lying to each other? Let me know so I can start lying about my life too,” she responded.

Perturbed, I rolled my eyes just as another message came through.

My Husband: I need to see you. You know where I’m at. Pull up on me.

Dane was only in the city for a few hours. After the party, he had to hop his jet to London to hopefully secure the deal with UMR. I chewed my bottom lip, heavily considering pulling up on Dane. All I needed was to be in his arms. Reminiscing about our time at Onyx Cove Resort wasn’t tiding me over anymore. I wanted to see my man.

On the other hand, meeting Dane at the club was going to cause a windstorm of shit. My name was still in heavy rotation, with people still offering their two cents on my ex-relationship with Shy T. If I showed up tonight, there was no more hiding what Dane and I shared. There was no more of me enjoying Dane without the media picking apart reasons why he and I were together, how long we’d been together, or any of that shit. Speculation would be heavy. Some would crucify me for moving on so quickly. Others would crucify me for being with Dane.

And how could I forget about my mama? She was going to have a stroke.

However, if I sat back and continued to allow the opinions of others to dictate the way I moved, I’d miss out on a good man. So, decision made, I texted Dane back.

Me: I miss you too. Be there soon.

My Husband: Bet. I’ll be at the door waiting for you.

“Ya know… Last time I checked, you were the one who wanted to watch this movie anyway.”

Glancing up from my phone, I glanced at Nooki and said, “You’re right. I’m sorry, Cousin, but I’m about to get dressed and go out. Wanna ride?”