Chapter Twenty-Seven

Pasha

The bright morning sun beat down on the side of my face. I slowly opened my eyes and quickly realized I was not in my own bed. A quick glance around told me that I was in a man's bed. Not just any man, though. Callum Ellis. Panic might have set in any other time, but today, I simply relaxed into the comfort of this king-size mattress and stared at the ceiling with a smile.

Last night had been everything.

Hehad been everything. The way my body responded to him was insane. After years of feeling like a cum rag because I was having sex when I didn't have the desire, it felt so good to have my needs taken care of for once. He was intentional. He was gentle. He was simply... perfect.

The sound of my phone ringing broke my thoughts. Callum must have plugged it up last night because I don't remember ever leaving his bedroom once we got in here. Sitting up, I grabbed the phone from the charger. Not so much to my surprise, it was Avyn.

"Hello?"

"Um... Miss Ma'am? Where are you?"

"What do you mean?"

"Well, I'm standing in your apartment, and you are nowhere to be found."

"Well..."

"Oop! Bitch!... Did you not come home last night?"

"Well—"

She screamed in my ear. "I knew it!"

I giggled. "What do you know because you haven't let me answer, Avyn?"

"Answer this video call. I need to look at your face."

She didn't allow me to protest before the video call came through. I answered after two rings.

"Yes?"

She squinted at me, moving her head around like she was looking at something. When a smile spread across her face, I prepared myself for her foolishness.

"You got some," she stated. "And don't act slow. You know precisely what I'm talking about. You let that man have his way with you, didn't you?"

I couldn't hide the redness in my face from blushing so hard.

"Would you be surprised if I said I initiated it?"

"No, I wouldn't. That's what he wanted, for you to come to him when you were ready. I need details—every single, intricate, nasty detail."

"It wasn't nasty, Avyn. It was beautiful... so damn beautiful."

"Aww, pooh! I love that for you. I really do. You two look so good together. I watched the way he looked at you and loved on you yesterday. That man is smitten."

"He told me he wants to love me, and because of that, he could never hurt me."

"Girl, you're gonna make me cry. When you two get married, just remember, I look good in nude colors."

I shook my head. "I'm two weeks shy of being divorced. I'm not thinking about being a wife again so soon."

"Maybe not yet. But you will. You talked about being somebody's wife our entire lives."

"I know. But circumstances have changed. I don't want to be just a wife. I'm a woman. I want something of my own. I want my own accomplishments, and I want to keep making my own money. I like that. It feels too good to make my own money to ever return to anything else."

"I hear that. I wouldn't mind a little sugar daddy that doesn't want any sugar, though."

I kissed my teeth. "You need to go on and give Malcolm the chance he deserves. I've watched you with that man, Avyn. He adores you. I'd even go as far as saying that he loves you."

She huffed. "I'm gonna talk to him."

"When?"

"Soon."

"Before game night."

She huffed. "Okay, fine."

"Don't sound like that. Stop playing hard to get and claim your man. That's what you would tell me."

She rolled her eyes. "You know, sometimes, I hate that you know me so well."

"To know you is to love you."

The door to the bedroom opened, and Callum stepped in dressed in nothing but his boxers and carrying a tray of food in his hands. A smile spread across my face as he approached me and set the tray across my lap.

"Good morning, baby," he said, leaning in.

"Good morning."

I forgot all about Avyn being on the phone when he leaned in and captured my lips. The kiss he gave me was soft and sweet but still laced with so much lust.

"Well, damn!" Avyn exclaimed. "Are y'all trying to entice me?"

Callum and I looked at the phone and grinned.

"My bad," he said, wiping my lip with his thumb.

"Don't mind me. I'm gonna let you two go. Let me know how the car search goes, Pash. If you get one, you better roll by and let me see it."

I giggled. "I will. Love you."

"I love you too. Bye, Callum."

"Bye, Avyn."

I disconnected the call and set the phone back on the dresser. My mouth watered as I looked down at the spread of sausage omelets, toast, fresh fruit, apple juice, and coffee. My stomach was definitely empty right now.

"This looks so good. Thank you."

"You're welcome."

He unrolled the silverware and proceeded to feed me. There was something so intimate about a gesture like this. This man had a way of giving me all types of butterflies.

"How did you sleep?" he asked.

"Very peacefully. I'm well rested for today."

"Do you know what kind of car you're looking for?"

"Something good on gas, not too many miles, no accidents or body damage. I'm okay with a midsized car or small SUV. Honestly, I just want to get from point A to point B."

He chuckled. "I get it. If you want, I can take you to the dealership where I purchase the cars for my car service. We have a good relationship."

"Okay. We definitely have to stop by my place first. I wasn't anticipating sleeping over last night."

"I know. I don't regret it, though."

"Me either." I blushed as I avoided his eyes. "Last night was amazing. The second time around... Whew!"

The second round had me acting out of character. Round one was sweet and sensual lovemaking. Round two brought out the rough, nasty version of him. He took me from behind with my face in the mattress and my ass in the air. I was sure his nearest neighbor could hear me screaming in the wee hours of the morning.

Callum chuckled. "Well, I'm glad I could be of service. Eat up, and I can serve you in the shower before we leave."

I blushed as he held a piece of the omelet to my lips. Part of me wanted to say forget the food and take me now. But I didn't say that. Instead, I continued to allow him to feed me, all while imagining this shower session in my head.

That round in the shower almost made me want to stay in today.

However, I was determined to get this car. So, after we got out, Callum gave me one of his shirts and a pair of sweats to wear so I didn't have to do the walk of shame back into my apartment. It didn't matter because we ran into Kelli as we stepped off the elevator. She looked between us and smiled.

"Well, at least I didn't have to hear you through the wall last night,"she said. When Callum frowned in confusion, she added, "Don't worry, she was alone."

I was mortified. Callum thought it was hilarious. When we got into my apartment, he insisted I show him what had me cumming and crying loud enough for my neighbor to hear it. I wasn't doing that. I made him wait in the living room while I got dressed. I felt terrible because I still hadn't gotten a couch yet. Well, I'd purchased one, but it was on back order.

He sat patiently while I found something to put on. Thirty minutes later, we pulled up to Platinum City Car Sales. His guy met us at the door and introduced himself as Ryan. He took us straight to the lot to look around. He asked me the typical questions like what I was looking for, how much I was hoping to pay a month, and what kind of down payment I had. I would have loved to find something I could pay cash for, but looking around this lot, I knew I wouldn't find it here.

"What's wrong?" Callum asked, noticing the look on my face.

I sighed. "I don't think this will be the place. Everything here is nice, but I'm sure it will be more than I can afford. Can we look somewhere else?"

He was quiet for a moment, seemingly thinking about his next words.

"What is it?" I asked.

"What if I just bought you the car?"

"No. This has to be something I do on my own. And we don't know each other well enough for me to agree to that, Callum. Thank you, but no."

"I knew you'd say no, but it was worth a shot." Again, he was quiet, and then a smile spread across his face. "Can I take you somewhere?" he asked. "I wanna show you something."

"What is it?"

"Just trust me, okay?"

I sighed again. "Okay."

He thanked Ryan for his help before taking my hand and leading me back to his truck. I sat in the passenger seat, quietly watching the scenery as he drove. We ended up back at his house. When we pulled into the driveway, my brows furrowed in confusion.

"Why are we here?" I asked.

"This."

He pressed the button for the garage, and it opened. Sitting inside was a black SUV.

"What's this?" I asked curiously.

"This was the first car I bought myself when the business started picking up. I've kept up the maintenance on it. All the tires are good. I drive it once a week to keep it up. It's paid for. The taxes are up to date, and the title is clean."

"Are you... Are you offering to sell me your car?"

"Yes." He opened the glove compartment and pulled out a set of keys. "Sit in it. Take a look around, take it for a test drive, and let me know what you think."

I hesitated for a moment before taking the keys from his hand. Getting out of the car, I walked into the garage and looked over the vehicle. It was in perfect condition. The tires looked almost brand new. It was shiny, like it had recently been washed and waxed. When I opened the door, I was greeted with that fresh car scent. It was free of dirt or debris and looked like it had been thoroughly detailed.

There was a touch screen panel, a sunroof, and leather seats. When I switched it on, it ran so smoothly. I turned on the air and was immediately greeted by a cool breeze. I put it in reverse and carefully backed out of the garage. Callum stood behind his truck, hands shoved in his pocket. He nodded, motioning for me to take the car for a spin. Carefully, I backed out of the driveway and onto the road. As soon as I was far enough away from the house, I called Avyn and placed the phone in the cup holder.

"Hey, pooh," she answered. "How's the car search going?"

"The dealership we visited was expensive, so that was a no. Avyn.... This man offered to buy me a car."

"Aww, shit, now! You must have put that thing on him heavy, girl!"

I shook my head. "I said no. I want to buy this car myself."

"I know, I know. You want your independence."

"He brought me back to his house. The man wants to sell me his car."

"The one he drives?"

"No. It was one in his garage. He said it was the first one he bought when business took off."

"Well, what's wrong with that? Is it a nice car?"

"It is. It's perfect."

"I'm not seeing the problem then, Pash."

I sighed. "What if he changes his mind about me? What if he decides he really doesn't want to be with me and wants it back?"

"Pasha, don't do this to yourself. That man cares for you. I see it in his eyes, baby. He's not Raymond. Just from being around him a few times, I can see he's good people. I'm positive that he only wants to help you. Go through the legal channels today and take the car. He said he would sell it, not give it to you. You're still doing this yourself. He's just offering you an option."

"I'm afraid of this relationship, Avyn. He asked me to be his last night. Granted, he was inside me when he asked, but I think he meant it."

"I know he did."

"How?"

"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?"

"On people? Nothing. I take that back. I feel the same way about lashes on cars as I do about excessive lashes on people. They look silly."

"I agree with you there." I looked back at the car. "I probably won't do too much to it."

"Well, it's yours."

"It's not mine until I hand over the funds and you hand over the title and bill of sale."

"Let's get to it then."

He went into the glove compartment and grabbed the title and registration. After that, we climbed into the truck, headed to the bank, and then the DMV. I was sure we would be there for a while, but I would have officially bought my first car once we walked out!