EriqI expected her to push me away or slap me, but she melts into my arms. Her soft lips move against mine, and my heart pounds in my chest. I want her in a way I’ve never wanted anyone. I was afraid to admit that before seeing her tonight—afraid because life never gives me what I want. But the moment I saw her, it didn’t matter that I’m poor or unworthy of her. I knew I had to have her.My hands find her waist, pulling her closer as our kiss deepens. Her hand slides down my chest, over my pecs, to the top of my boxers. No—I can’t do that with her. Not her, not like this. I grab her hand and break the kiss.“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have done that. You kissed me, and I—” she mumbles. She’s adorable when she’s nervous. I take her hand and kiss it.“You have nothing to apologize for. I just want to take you on a date first.”“What?”“Will you go out with me? There’s a place nearby that sells great burgers.” She stares at me without responding. Did I misstep by asking her out? I thought sh
AmiI’m on the couch with a pillow on my stomach, my laptop resting on it as I work on my latest video game design while video chatting with Vector, our other game developer.“V, we should move the launch date. Looking at where we are now, the game should be ready in a month.”“I think we should keep it the same—in case there are bugs we need to fix.”“We can fix them during testing.”“Not if there’s a major problem.”I purse my lips and think for a moment. I want to launch this game as soon as possible. It’s a first-person shooter I designed for women who like guns—they can upload images of their cheating boyfriends and shoot them. You know, vent the anger without jail time. It was inspired by my last cheating ex—and then him, who dumped me without explanation. But I don’t have any pictures of him to use. Come on, Ami, stop thinking about him. I shove him to the back of my mind to focus on work. The game should be ready—I wrote the code—but I trust Vector’s input. He’s one of my best
EriqI hop out of my car and grab the art supplies I just bought. Today’s my only day off from work, and I want to get some painting done. Though lately, I’ve only been painting one person whenever I sit down to create. It’s been three months, and I still can’t get her out of my head. Even after telling her that kiss and asking her out were mistakes, I regret not seeing it through. Her friend’s revelation about her pregnancy shocked me, but I should’ve talked to her—asked what it meant. Instead, I shut down and pushed her away.“What are you thinking about?” I jerk my head up to see my cousin Flavio standing by the door.“Flav, I don’t have time for you today.” He grins as I head up the stairs.“Long time no see.”“Not long enough,” I mutter under my breath, climbing the staircase with him trailing behind.“I heard you’re lining your dick up at a gay club.” I roll my eyes.“I’m a server.”“What are you serving? Your ass?” I stop at my door, slide the key in, and ignore his last comment
Eriq“The apartment he bought was this one,” she trails off, leaving me stunned.“What?” I jump to my feet. “This is that apartment?” She nods.“But you’ve been here before. Didn’t you recognize it?”“I’ve never seen it. I was always too busy to come when we were together, and after we broke up, I didn’t want to see my ex’s love nest.”“Oh,” I mumble. I can’t imagine how she must feel being here, in the apartment he shared with another woman—and worse, finding me, the guy who dumped her, living in it. I glance at her, trying to read her, but she won’t meet my eyes.“Are you okay?” The words slip out before I can stop them. She lifts her gaze to mine, staring for a moment. Her mouth opens as if to speak, but she hesitates and keeps staring.“Ami?” Jaden says, breaking the silence between us.“I’m fine. It’s been over a year.”“Oh.” Over a year since they split. Does that mean the baby isn’t Xoi’s? Then who’s the father? Is he still in the picture?“So, about the apartment,” Jaden says,
AmaijaI glance at him from the corner of my eye. How strange is it to keep running into the man whose baby I’m carrying? I didn’t expect to see him again after that night, yet here he is, in the flesh, right beside me. I knew this place looked familiar when Jaden pulled up, but his being here isn’t that too much of a coincidence? It’s like the universe is shoving us together, but we keep screwing it up. Now I’m evicting the father of my child. I sigh—great, so much for any future we might’ve had. If he didn’t hate me before, he probably does now. Maybe I dodged a bullet. If he bolted when he found out I was pregnant, imagine how he’d react if he knew he was the father.“So, where’s the father?” My eyes widen. Can he read my mind?“Huh?”“The father of your baby.”“Umm…” I bite my lip nervously, unsure of what to say.“You don’t have to answer if you don’t want to. I was just making conversation.”“Ah… It’s not that. The father—he’s not in the picture.” I settled on the absentee father
AmaijaI sneak a peek at him as we climb the steps, still in disbelief that this is happening. Just hours ago, I was trying not to think about him after he ditched me at the club, and now I’m getting the chance to live with him and know the other half of the child I’m carrying. When I started this journey, I never expected this opportunity, so I plan to make the most of it. One day, when you ask who he is, I can tell you all about this time we shared—that Daddy’s a great guy. He was so concerned about a woman he’d only met twice and a baby he didn’t know was his. I wonder how he’d react if he found out. Would he be happy? Would he want to be in the baby’s life? Who am I kidding? If he wanted a wife and child, he’d have them instead of donating his sperm.“Ami… Ami.”“Huh?” I look up at him, confused.“The door,” he says, pointing at my front door.“Oh.” I quickly open it, step inside, and wait for him to follow.“I’ll get you a set of keys.” I head toward the living room, then remember
Ami“So, what would you like to eat?” he asks as we enter the kitchen. He releases my hand, and I immediately feel like something is missing.“Ami?”“Huh?”“What do you want?” he asks as he heads over to the refrigerator and opens it.“I’ve been on a pasta and pizza bender since I got pregnant,” I say, taking a seat at the kitchen island.“Pizza and pasta?” he repeats, poking around in the fridge.“Yeah, I think I’m addicted—or the baby is. I’ve been craving everything with carbs lately. By the time I have this baby, I’ll be seventy pounds heavier.”“Come on, you won’t gain seventy pounds. And even if you do, you’ll still be the most beautiful woman I’ve ever laid eyes on,” he says, closing the refrigerator. I stare at him, stunned, unsure how to respond to a compliment like that. He clears his throat after a couple of minutes of silence has passed.“Most beautiful…” I whisper, just loud enough for him to hear.“Don’t put me on the spot. I’m sure you’ve heard that before,” he says awkw
Eriq “Very single,” I whisper as I lean in closer. My eyes drift to her lips—those lips I keep dreaming about, aching to taste again. They’re right there. All I have to do is lean in a bit more. Just a —just more. I’ve wanted to kiss her all day. Whenever she smiles, I want to pull her into my arms and kiss her senselessly, but logic always stops me. She’s pregnant, with a boyfriend—someone she met after I ditched her. I have no right to want or expect more. I shouldn’t want anything, but one look at her makes me greedy. I want her, and from the way she’s looking at me, I’m starting to think maybe I have a chance.—just one kiss. I inhale and lean closer, our lips almost brushing.*Ding dong.* The doorbell rings. I jump back, startled by the sudden noise as Ami turns her head toward the door. “I should get that,” she says. I want to tell her not to go. I want to pull her into my arms and kiss her, but the confidence I had moments ago vanishes. Why would she want me? I’m just so
EriqI can’t keep myself from smiling as I peel the potatoes. Her mother likes me. I have one ally in my goal to win over Ami.“Mom!” Jaden runs into the kitchen, snatches the potato peeler from me, and glares at me.What’s wrong with him? He’s acting like the first time I met him. “Mom, why didn’t you tell me you need help? Why did you ask him?”He says, his eyes still shooting daggers at me.“I didn’t ask him. He offered to help. You can help if you want to, but he’s already doing the potatoes. Why don’t you make the dough for the fried dumplings?”“Okay, mom.” He throws the peeler down, walks over to her, and kisses her cheeks.I shake my head, confused, before resuming what I was doing. We all work together in mostly silence for a while.“Are you two done?” Mrs.Klein asks after a while.“Almost,” I say as I look down at the potatoes and see only three left. “Do you want anything else done?”“I’m almost done, mom. You can have me do it instead.” Jaden comes running towards us, his h
Eriq I glance back at Ami, and sure enough, she looks worried. Our eyes meet, and I smile to reassure her before her mother pulls me away. Judging by her mother’s attitude toward me, I don’t think it will be as bad as she does, but I know she is worried for my sake. Which means I have some place in her heart even if she doesn’t love me yet. It gives me hope that maybe someday soon, I can tell her I love her. I have been holding back for the last few weeks and feel I’m suffocating without saying those three words. “I bet he’s Asian.” someone says as we draw closer to the family room. “No, this one is white,” Jaden says. “White, that’s new. How old is he?” “I don’t know,” Jaden says. “I bet two hundred and fifty thou he’s twenty-four.” “I’ll take that action,” “No, you’ve already met him. So both you and Zara are excluded.” I chuckle, amused by their banter. They remind me of my family. I guess all families are the same no matter how much money you have. “So 250, who’s in…” “Ah
AmiI pull my pants on, then my shirt, and grab my shoes. We’re getting ready to leave for Jamaica soon. I frown. Two weeks with my , overbearing family is not my idea of a good time. Especially since I’m still a little miffed, that Mom felt the need to blackmail me into going. She can be so annoying, but I can’t be too upset since Eriq is right. The entire family changed their schedules so that I could go. I mean, even if is overbearing, it is sweet.I feel the corner of my belly stretching, pulling me from my thoughts. I smile as I reach down and touch my stomach. Every time I feel them move, it makes me so happy. Our baby.“Daddy and I can’t wait to meet you.” I sigh, my heart feeling troubled as I remember I haven’t told Eriq it’s his baby. I was going to tell him, but his father for sick, and then mom changed the date of the trip, so it didn’t feel like the right time. I can’t drop this news on him and two weeks with my family at the same time. I’ll just wait until we get back fr
Eriq I inhale, trying to calm myself as I stare at the arrogant shit smirking at me. I want to punch in Flavio’s teeth for what he pulled today. However, they outnumber me and are probably all armed. I glance at the three men in the room, one by the door I recognize from the picture and two other men behind him. “Welcome to the family business.” “The family business is an auto shop, Flav. What the fuck was that today?” “This is the new family business. Your little friend will be untouched if you comply.” Anger burns through my body. I clench my jaw, trying to resist the urge to lunge at him. “I already told you I’m not interested in whatever bullshit you have going on. This is not the life I want to live.” “Are you living the life now? I see that pretty little thing you’re with. What will happen when she needs money to do her hair or her nails but her boyfriend is broke?” I chuckle at the thought of Ami needing money from me. “You won’t find it funny when she leaves you for ano
EriqMy heart nearly stops. I sprint out of the room, ignoring Glen’s shouts as I race for the door. What if Flavio kidnaps her? I’ve never seen him physically harm anyone, but he once set my apartment on fire to get what he wanted. What else might he be capable of? I should’ve known better than to bring her here. I should’ve suspected he might be watching Glen. I should’ve moved away to keep her safe, but I stayed because I couldn’t bear to leave her. Now she’s in danger, and it’s all because I couldn’t stay away. If he touches her, I swear… I gritted my teeth as I bounded down the last flight of stairs and burst out of the building. I run to the car—she’s not there. I scan the area, but she’s nowhere in sight. Grabbing my phone, I dial Flavio’s number. He picks up after the second ring.“Where the hell is she?” I demand.“So, she is important to you?” he taunts.“I swear, if you lay a finger on her, I’ll bury you six feet under.” My voice shakes with a mix of anger and fear.“Finally
“She did what? How do you know it’s broken?” Eriq asks, holding the phone to his ear. “Well, I’m in the middle of something. I’ll let you know.” He pulls the phone away as his friend’s voice rises in a frantic scream.“What’s wrong? Is it an emergency? We can cut our date short,” I offer, concerned.“It’s…” He hesitates, then presses the speaker button so I can hear.“Are you seriously going to leave me here?!” Glen shouts through the phone.“Yes, call your parents,” Eriq replies coolly.“I don’t want my parents to see me like this!”“Then call an ambulance. I’m busy. I told you to stop picking up random women.” I furrow my brows, puzzled. What does a random woman have to do with this?“She was hot, and you know our health insurance is terrible. I can’t afford the emergency room fee—especially after getting robbed,” Glen whines.“A woman robbed him?” I ask, stunned.“Yes, and she also, according to him, broke his, um…” Eriq trails off, looking uncomfortable.“Broke what?”“His… his… uh
Finally, Ami and I are going on a date. It’s a bit late considering everything we’ve already shared, but better late than never. I just hope she enjoys it. She’s accustomed to the finest experiences, and I’m certain this won’t measure up to some of the extravagant dates she’s been on. Still, I hope it’s enough because she deserves nothing less than the best. My smart, loving, tough cookie with a heart of gold. My little weirdo. The memory of her crawling into my room on all fours makes me chuckle. I couldn’t believe she was the one sneaking off with my shirts, but knowing my scent comforts her fills me with the greatest joy. It means she’s attached to me. Maybe this thing between us will grow into something more than a fling. For me, it already has, but I can’t quite read her. I know she likes me, yet I’m unsure how deep her feelings run. I want to ask, but I’m afraid of what she might say. I shake my head, pushing away thoughts of the future. I need to focus on the present and make to
Amaija“Ami, I’m going to take a shower!” Eriq calls. “Okay!” I shout from the couch, pretending to read on my iPad as I watch him disappear upstairs.Five minutes later, I drop the device and sneak up to his room. I tiptoe to his door, pressing my ear against it to check if he’s still inside. Hearing nothing, I ease it open and dart across to his closet. I’ve been sneaking in to steal his shirts for the past few days. I know it sounds weird, but it’s not what it seems—his scent calms me. Not in a creepy way, I swear.Early in my pregnancy, I dodged morning sickness and thought I’d escape it entirely. Then, two weeks ago, it hit like a freight train—more like all-day sickness, since it’s not just mornings. It only stops when I’m asleep; otherwise, I’m glued to the toilet. I tried everything—Mom even suggested Jamaican remedies Grandma swore by—but nothing worked. The only relief came when I was with Eriq. Then, two days ago, he left a shirt on the couch after a workout, and I noticed
EriqAfter checking a couple of Ami’s emails, I head downstairs to find them. As I approach, I hear voices. “Come on, tell me. You were having sex with that guy—your new assistant, right?” Katya’s voice carries. Girl talk, huh? I pause. Should I go in? Nah, it’d be awkward right now. I hang back, waiting for a neutral topic so I can enter without blushing. “Shh, he might hear you,” Ami whispers. “So that’s exactly what you were doing. How was it? Spill all the details. You know it’s been four years since I’ve gotten any…” Four years? Damn, that’s a stretch. “Shh! He’s my assistant. And you’re choosing not to have sex—you could have any guy you want,” Ami says. “The dating pool’s got urine in it, girl. You know—cheaters, users, or gay,” Katya replies. Ami lets out that cute little laugh of hers. “There are some good ones left,” Ami says. I smile, hoping she’s thinking of me. “I guess he must be something special for you to have that stupid grin on your face,” Katya tease