She exhaled deeply before saying, “I went to a counseling session with Pastor Edmondson tonight…interesting session.” She let a small wry chuckle escape. “Remember your question to me in Vegas a few days ago, about being in love?” I thought a minute, immediately recalling our exchange about how does one know they’re in love. She didn’t wait for me to answer before she continued, “I know I told you I was in love with you in The Bahamas. And that was true. But now I know that I love you...not just the way you make me feel, but who you are—your generous heart, your gentleness, your patience, your tenacity, your independence, your mind, even your solitude,” she informed, as her voice began to sound strained.
This was all hard for her to share—that I did know. But I’d be damned if my body wasn’t reacting to the context of her message. She went on. “I love that you want to be with me...in my brokenness. I love you outside of what you do, and are able to do for me materialistically. I love you for more than what you can make my body do.” She snorted at that and my dick twitched in response. “I’m in love with you and...man, I love you.” She exhaled long and deep.
I was speechless.
Suddenly, she ended with, “I need you to know this. There’s a difference between the two. I’ll love you even if this doesn’t work out...because who you are is who you are and...I love who you are. The true essence of Azmir Divine Jacobs.”
Another pregnant pause.
I was shocked beyond words. Perhaps this counseling shit was working after all. I couldn’t believe what my mind was attempting to process. I almost thought I was dreaming…or deep in another Rayna Brimm fantasy. Did she just say that she loved me and was in love with me? Rayna was the most frustrating and complex woman I’ve ever encountered. I’d had the most challenging days trying crack the treasure code, desperately trying to decipher her encryption. And in a matter of words—mere seconds, she exposed her treasure. Her heart. Suddenly, all things concerning our future was made clear. There was no need for further delay. I knew she was mine from our first date, but starting today, I will initiate plans to make her mine officially. Heart, body, mind, and fucking soul. She was mine.
“Goodnight,” she sounded winded.
A wide smile eclipsed my face. “That just exhausted you?”
“In your infamous word: Indeed,” I snickered silently, split face, full on smile. “But it sure is liberating.”
Rayna was forthcoming, but I could swear there was something more behind her decrees. I wouldn’t ruin the moment to ask what it was. I just wanted to revel in her candor.
“Aye...” I called sternly, trying to command her attention. “I’ll be home—soon,” I declared.
“Okay,” she murmured softly, with emotion behind her word.
After my conversation with Rayna, I immediately called my assistant, Brett.
“Yes, Mr. Jacobs, sir,” he answered somnolently.
“Brett, I know it’s late, but I need a flight out of here as soon as possible tomorrow. I don’t care the expense. Hell—if you must charter a plane, do it. I need to be home in eighteen hours. Understood?”
“Yes, sir. Uploading flight schedules now. I will forward you the arrangements as soon as they're made,” Brett, who is as efficient as they come, assures.
“Another thing, I need an appointment with a jeweler when my schedule permits next week, but before Friday. See if Schwartz...Lorraine is available.”
“Anything in particular, sir...so that I can explain the time you’ll need,” Brett inquired.
I smiled to myself, suddenly caught in a moment of clarity. “Engagement ring. I’m in the market for an engagement ring.” I couldn’t believe those words left my mouth. I felt proud.
“Shit!—excuse my French. I mean...congratulations, sir!” Brett bade, unsuccessfully masking his surprise.
“Thanks, Brett.” Taking a break from my authoritative role to absorb what this all meant, I smiled to myself. He had every right to be caught off guard. “Lastly, I need a vacation scheduled within the next two weeks. Somewhere where there’s lots of a water and privacy...an island. Sharon from Smith, Katz & Adams Sports Medicine Center can send you dates of availability for Ms. Brimm that should be matched against mine. Feel free to initiate the communication for her schedule.”
“Yes, sir. How long are you thinking...the duration of this vacation?” he asked.
“Minimally three days, but as long as our schedules can handle. That’ll be all, Brett. But eighteen hours—tops. I need to get home,” I urged.