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“Because I heard him tell the guys that he was falling for you last night. You were outside with the girls, sipping the second round of wine. I went to the bathroom, and as I was coming around the corner, he looked at you with so much adoration. They were joking, telling him he looked like he was in love, and he openly admitted that he was falling for you. He didn’t even know I was standing there.”
I knew she was telling the truth. He spoke those exact words to me last night.
“This is crazy, Avyn,” I said as I drove into a parking lot to turn around. I briefly stopped the car. “I wasn’t supposed to fall for this man.”
“Maybe not. But sometimes, God puts the people we need right in our path. We don’t have to search for them. Sometimes, it’s just that easy. Wait!... Did you say you were falling for him?”
Tears stung my eyes as I answered. “Yes.”
“Awww, baby. That’s beautiful, Pash. You deserve that.”
“It hasn’t been long enough—”
“My daddy fell for my mama the moment he saw her in those bell bottoms, crop top, and those two Afro puffs. He asked her to marry him a month after they met, and they have been together for thirty-five years. It happens. You met him when you needed more than what the girls or I could give you. Just let him be that for you, and don’t question it, boo.”
I swiped at the tears streaming down my face. I was so afraid to fall for Callum, and he gave me every reason to do so,—no helmet, no safety net required. He was a good man. He was patient, caring, and kind. He was selfless and encouraging. He made me laugh and smile, and, God, did he do wonders for my mind and body. I was the only thing standing in the way of fully embracing what was growing between us.
I sniffled. “You’re right.”
“I know I am. Now, dry your pretty eyes. Put on a smile, and go handle your business. I love you.”
“I love you too.”
I disconnected the call and took a few minutes to gather myself before heading back to Callum’s. When I got there, he was sitting on the bed of his truck, waiting patiently. As I stopped beside the truck, he hopped down and came over to open the door.
“Well,... What do you think?”
“I love it. You’ve kept it up very well. How much do you want for it? I have six thousand left over from selling my ring.”
“Let’s say two, and we call it even.”
I hesitated. That wasn’t much for a whole car in this condition.
“That feels like robbery, Callum.”
“If you would take the car, I would just give it to you, Pasha. I have no use for it. And I honestly don’t want your money. I’m sure there are better things you can do with it. This is me compromising and respecting your wishes to purchase a car for yourself.” He grabbed my hands, gently massaging them with his thumbs. “Please.... Let me help you, baby.”
I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. He was throwing me a lifeline, and I would swallow my pride and accept it.
“Okay,” I whispered, tears streaming down my face. “Okay.”
He pulled me into his arms and held me tightly. All I could do was sob against his chest. He’d been so good to me, and part of me felt like it was so unreal to have him in my life. He didn’t want anything from me. He did nothing with expectations of something in return.
“I’m sorry I’m such a mess!” I wailed.
He chuckled. “You aren’t a mess. And even if you were, I’d still be right here.” He lifted my head and wiped away my tears. When he was done, he kissed my lips. “I see you, Pasha—all of you. You’ve got me, baby. Whatever you need from me, it’s yours. Until you are comfortable accepting it, I’ll work within your limits. You never have to be uncomfortable taking anything from me that I willingly give because it comes from my heart.”
He pressed his forehead to mine. For a moment, we stood there, eyes closed, simply basking in each other. God, I was going to fall head over heels in love with this man. I knew it, I felt it, and I had to accept it.
“Thank you,” I whispered.
“What have I told you about thanking me, woman?”
I couldn’t help but laugh. “If I have to get used to this, you have to get used to me expressing gratitude. I don’t know any other way to be.”
“I understand. Come on. Let’s go take care of this, and then I’m taking my girl out to lunch. I’m sure you’ll want to personalize your car too. Just... none of those big-ass eyelashes, okay?”
I laughed. “What do you have against the lashes?”
