“Is it? I fell asleep looking over quarterly reports. What time is it?” I assumed she was turning to look at the clock. “Wow...it is early. I must be tired...or bored.”
Damn. Suddenly, I feel that it’s my fault.
“How was your day?”
“I’ve been up since five this morning, training with Ty. Then work. Church. Nothing much to speak of.”
“So we’re shortening his name now?” I scolded her about my personal trainer, Tyler, that I’d contracted for her a few weeks ago, per her request—or expressed interest, Rayna never asked for anything from me.
Rayna said there were parts of her magnificent body that needed perfecting—something I didn’t agree with. Her body was sculpted perfectly, made just for me. However, it was my responsibility to give her the world and if that meant a couple of hours with my efficient trainer, it was nothing to expend. Tyler took her on. She was content. End of story.
“Oh, Mr. Jacobs, please. He is not interested in me. He has enough eligible women swooning over him. Besides, I’ve got it bad for a man who works around the clock…and the world. When I’m training, I’m building my stamina for you,” she advised convincingly.
Damn!
I dipped my head backwards before pressing my forehead against a nearby wall. With eyes clenched, I vowed, “I got your video message. I’ll be home soon.”
“I know...I know you’re busy, Azmir,” she murmured on an exhale. “I’m not trying to change who you are. I don’t expect you to end your career now that we’re...now that I’m living here.”
She didn’t know how to label our relationship. Neither did I. I knew what I wanted it to be, but didn’t want to scare her away. I knew I had to handle Rayna with delicate hands.
“What are you wearing?” I whispered, though I could give a fuck if I could be heard by passing patrons.
She giggled softly. “You know what I’m wearing. I thought you got my message. I’m wearing you...and your favorite panties.”
“Cheekies?” I quizzed.
“In black...lace.”
Fuck.
I swallowed hard and in despair, murmured on an exasperated breath, “I’ll be home sooner than scheduled.” I was panicking inwardly. I had to fix this shit. I felt her slipping away. “Let’s go away in a week or so. Just me and you.” This was something I’d been thinking about since our return from New York. Now felt like the appropriate time to broach the subject.
“I’d like that,” she sighed. “Just get here. I want to be where ever you are. Home just isn’t the same.”
I take her words in. They torture me as much as pleasure me. I wasn’t used to that type of connection with a woman—hell…a person. I had to make this right.
“I’m gonna do better, Brimm. I’m working on it. Be patient with me,” I pleaded through clenched teeth, suddenly feeling angry with myself. Attempting a relationship for anyone is difficult, but trying to walk a fine line considering my increasingly growing feelings for Rayna made the task that much more daunting.
There’s a pause. A long pause. I wasn’t surprised by it; verbally expressing herself wasn't Rayna’s strong suit.
“I better go. Hopefully, they’re wrapping the meeting up as we speak.”
Abruptly, she called out, “Azmir?”
“Yeah,” I quickly responded, previously resolved to ending the conversation.
“I love you.”
What the hell did she just say?
Another pause, but this one was brief.