Chapter 18

Cheyanne

"I'm justglad you're done acting like you don't like that man. You damn near pulled my arm out its socket trying to stop me from shaking his hand."

I laughed at Selena's dramatics as I thought back to when they met at The Tipsy Grill. I really didn't plan to shove their hands down so hard, but it pissed me off just thinking she was about to try and push up on him. Over the course of my time working with Chandler, I couldn't recall him being in a serious relationship, and I didn't want that to change—especially with my cousin. Selena was the kind of woman whose personality made men go crazy over her, so I knew, if nothing else, Chandler would enjoy her company. That wasn't something I wanted to risk.

"You are so dramatic, Selena. I did not do it that hard."

She sucked her teeth before returning her attention to the braid she was finishing up. We were on FaceTime as I got ready for my date with Chandler, and she was finishing up her last client of the day. Having a cousin who did hair was a true flex. She kept my sew-ins on point. When I wanted to let my natural hair breathe, I went to her for trims while I maintained it myself.

"Whatever you have to tell yourself," she said with a smile.

"I'm gonna let you go, though. I know you're ready to get done so you can get home and rest those hands."

"All right, boo. Have fun tonight, and make me a little cousin too!"

"Now you know that's not happening any time soon."

"Mhm, we'll see. From the way you said y'all was going at it, it's probably already happened."

"No, ma'am. I'm on birth control."

"Booo, I want a baby."

"Then have one!" I yelled through my laugh.

"I want you to have a baby for me so I can give them back to you when I want to."

We continued to laugh and talk for a few minutes before making plans to go out with Amy and Selena's best friend, then we ended the call. The timing was perfect, too, because I had about fifteen minutes left before Chandler was set to arrive. I used that window to unpin my hair, apply my perfume, and switch out my purses. As I slipped into my heels, the doorman called to let me know Chandler was in the lobby.

I told him that he could let Chandler up as my nerves started to rattle, which didn't make sense. I'd just spent almost two weeks with the man. I guessed since this was our first date at home, it made things feel really official. Plus, I was still thinking about what Papa said. Were we really in a relationship, or were we dating and letting sex blind us? I guess I'd have to ask him for my own validation.

The knocking on my door led me to it. As soon as I opened it and saw Chandler standing behind it, my heart plummeted to my feet in the best way. He"d always been so attractive to me, but knowing he was mine further increased his appeal. That muscular build, that smooth Nutella brown skin, his fine ass face—God. I couldn't get enough of this man. And don't even get me started on his character, aura, swag, and the way he carried himself. God had truly taken His time when He crafted Chandler Jones.

"How'd I get so lucky," he said so low I could barely hear him as he looked at me.

I looked down at myself absently, pleased that he liked my outfit for the evening. Though I didn't know where we were going this evening, he told me I could dress for a cocktail hour. I chose a red silk dress that clung to my curves perfectly. Chandler's tan and burgundy shirt and slacks beautifully accented his skin. If there was one thing the man could do, it was dress. I was grateful for his stylist and tailor every day I saw him.

"Hi," I spoke, using his chin to get his eyes on me.

He chuckled as he pulled me close. "You look stunning, Chy."

"Thank you. You look handsome as always."

"I'm going to have the prettiest woman on my arm in every room we step in tonight."

"Can I finally know what we're doing?"

"Yes." He agreed, accepting my key to lock the door behind me. "I'm taking you to the grand opening of Divine, and then we're going to JDs for dinner and dancing."

Excitement surged through me. Divine was the new Black-owned gallery that opened in the arts district. I hadn't met Saveth, the owner, personally, but I'd heard some great things about her.

"Yay, this is the perfect date. I wanted to go to the opening but forgot when it was, and I love JDs."

"I'm glad you're pleased. Since this is our first date at home, I wanted to make sure we both enjoyed it."

"Speaking of that…" I nibbled my cheek as we stepped onto the elevator. I wanted to be direct with Chandler, but I wondered how his answer would make me feel before our date. Should I have waited until it was over to broach the subject of our exclusivity? "I told Papa a little about us. He asked if we were in a relationship or just dating. Well, I told him I wasn't sure if we were in an exclusive relationship or just dating. We were having a lot of sex, and that can sometimes blur some lines. Now that we've spent a night apart, can we talk about what we are?"

He chuckled. "There's nothing to talk about. When I told you you were mine, I meant that. All of you, and I'm yours. I don't share, and neither will you. We're exclusive, and there will be space for no one else in our relationship. Does that clear things up?"

"Things are like crystal now," I replied with a smile as he pulled me into his arms for a kiss that lasted until the elevator opened.

Now that we had that out of the way, I was ready to enjoy our date.

The gallery openinghad been wonderful. We were able to see pieces from some well-known and newer artists. Chandler took it upon himself to introduce me to Saveth and let her know I was an art buyer, though I hadn't officially started my business yet. I told her that I was currently buying for myself and those close to me, but Chandler wouldn't let me downplay my abilities. By the end of the evening, Saveth and I were exchanging information to discuss me accruing art for her gallery.

"Hey," I said, gaining Chandler's attention. We'd drifted apart to talk to people we knew and had finally made our way back to each other.

"Yes, baby?" he replied, handing me a flute of champagne.

"Thank you."

"For what?"

"Being a true partner and supporting me. Seeing things in me and believing in me."

"That's my job, Chy. You're my crown. I'm going to always cultivate you and lift you up."

I gave him a tender kiss. "You feel like the first real relationship I've ever had. The first time I've been with a real man who sees me as his equal. I love that for me."

Chandler's smile was sexy as he gave me another quick kiss. "I love you for me. You complete me. You're the reason I feel like I finally know what a helpmate and rib is supposed to be. I know we're still really early with the development of our new relationship, but I want you to be my wife, Chy. I want to spend the rest of my life with you."

His words brought tears to my eyes. Before I could respond, we were given the surprise of his parents approaching us. I'd met them both before, but this time was different because Chandler introduced me as his woman. It felt surreal and like I wasn't truly present as we engaged, because I was still processing his words. By the time we left for dinner, I was on a cloud that I didn't think anything would pull me down from.