Then Came You ; Written with Love

by Kianna Alexander

  “Too bad he’s working. Seeing you with that fine-ass Dr. Culpepper would have really done the trick,” Cold-shoulder-giver number one said.

  Dr. Culpepper? No way. It couldn’t be the same doctor who’d treated Ava. She sneered. The one who’d made goo-goo eyes at her the entire time. Bastard. She knew something had felt off about him. Talk about a small world.

  Zahra tried to steal a peek through the slit in the door for the identity of the third woman, but she couldn’t see a dang thing. At least, without giving herself away. Obviously, the women had no idea anyone was there, because they spoke openly.

  “It’s obvious he still loves you or he wouldn’t be trying to make you jealous. I mean, look at her. She doesn’t hold a candle to you. And a man like Gregor doesn’t date down. It’s all a ploy.”

  Zahra’s breath seized in her lungs. Gregor? Had she just said Gregor’s name? Her Gregor? Zahra’s head was fuzzy, so she wasn’t sure who was speaking now.

  “He loves you, girl. He’s just pissed right now. And you have to admit he has a right to be. That was some real shady shit you did to him, Selene.”

  Selene. The raging woman was Gregor’s ex. Zahra pressed a hand to her midsection, feeling sick to her stomach.

  “I did what I had to do. I gave him two great years, and he thought he could just kick me aside like that.”

  “Well, he did catch you screwing another man, sooo...” one of the women said.

  “I had a moment of weakness. Anyway, forget Gregor. I’m on to bigger and better things. He can have that off-the-shelf cheap imitation of me. It’s not like it’s going to last. Gregor’s not built for long-term. I know the only reason he was with me was because I was so damn good in the bedroom. I turned him out.”

  All three women laughed, and Zahra could hear them high-fiving each other.

  “She can have my leftovers.”

  Zahra’s hand rose to the door lock. She’d show that heffa off-the-shelf and set the record straight that she was no one’s damn pawn in some type of game or—She froze, something occurring to her. What if she was?

  What if they’d been right? Gregor had to know his ex would be here. Why hadn’t he mentioned it? And why hadn’t he told her Janay was his ex’s cousin? Her stomach knotted. What if they were right?

  The catty women chatted a while longer, assuring Selene how Zahra would never be a part of their clique. When they left the restroom, Zahra fell against the stall wall, the icy chill feeling good to her scorching flesh. Her mind worked overtime to filter all she’d just heard. The air in the room grew thick. Almost too thick to breathe.

  Angry tears rolled down her face, and she slapped them away. She had to get out of this building.

  * * *

  Gregor glanced up just in time to see Zahra rushing toward the exit. Where was she going? He didn’t bother excusing himself from the group, he simply took off across the crowded room. On his way through the door, he caught a glimpse of Selene. When had she arrived? A sinking feeling washed over him. Was she why Zahra had fled the ballroom? His jaw tightened. If so, what in the hell had Selene said to her?

  “Zahra,” Gregor called to no avail. He ignored the handful of people mingling in the hallway, despite their obvious interest in him. “Zahra, stop!”

  This time, she swung around to face him. His chest tightened at the sight of her red eyes. Had she been crying? “Baby, what’s wrong?”

  “How could you not tell me Janay was your ex’s cousin? Or that there was a chance your ex would be here. I overheard her and her minions in the bathroom going on and on about me being just a tool for you. And that the only reason I’m here is to make her jealous. And how you’re still in love with her. Are you, Gregor? Are you still in love with her?”

  Zahra’s voice cracked, and tears spilled down her cheeks. He reached for her, but she quickly backed away, then took off again. When Gregor reached her this time, he scooped her into his arms, headed through the first open door he saw, then kicked it closed with his foot, causing a loud thud.

  Zahra’s reaction was delayed—she was probably stunned by his actions. A millisecond later, she squirmed like an agitated fish trying to avoid hot grease.

  “Let me down,” she said.

  He did as she demanded, and hoped she wouldn’t try to go before hearing him out.

  “Please leave me alone,” she said, her eyes welling with tears. “I just want to go home.”

  “Not until we talk.” At the moment, he didn’t care how much of an asshole he was being. He just needed to straighten this mess out.

  Zahra folded her arms across her chest and rolled her eyes. A single tear escaped down her cheek. To Gregor’s surprise, she allowed him to wipe it away. “Let’s sit and talk.” She didn’t pull back when he rested his hand on the small of her back and led her to a tiny round table. He took it as a good sign. Once she’d eased down into her chair, he positioned his directly in front of her, rested his elbows on his thighs and took both her hands into his. “Baby, I messed up. I should have been open and honest with you.”

  “Why weren’t you?”

  He lowered his head briefly. “I don’t know.”

  “Was the invitation merely for show? When you invited me to come here with you, had you hoped I’d say no?”

  God, where was she getting all of this? If there was one thing he disliked about relationships, arguing was it. He was no good at it. Typically, he fled the scene for hours, then came back with some extravagant gift that would smooth things over. With Zahra, he hadn’t had that urge. He wanted to talk things out with her, desperately needed to get them right. He couldn’t lose her. “No, Zahra. No. I invited you here because I wanted you here with me.”

  “Were they right, Gregor? Am I only here to make your ex jealous?”

  “Zahra, do you really believe that?” He regretted how snappy he’d sounded, but this was ridiculous. And it annoyed him that she would even make such an assumption in the first place. But in her defense, he understood.

  “Honestly, I don’t know what to believe.” Zahra sighed, her tone softening. “I just need you to be honest with me, Gregor. Does any part of you still love her? I can’t compete with the history you two share, and I won’t try.”

  “Zahra, baby, I need you to believe in me. Not all the noise around us, but me. There are no pieces of me left to love her, Zahra, because every piece of me is too damn busy loving you.”

  Zahra gasped, her eyes wide with surprise. “Wh-what did you just say?”

  This was definitely not how he’d imagined this moment, in a dusty conference room and fresh off an argument. Truthfully, he hadn’t imagined any version of him being the first to confess his love. He knew he loved her, had known for a while. But like most men, he’d expected her to say the words first. Yet, here he was, hoping and praying that his love was something she wanted.

  “I said I love you, Zahra Antoinette Hart. I’m in love with you.”

  A single sob escaped, and Zahra slapped her hand over her mouth.

  “I don’t want to lose you. Especially over this. Not over anything.” He kissed her hands several times. “Zahra, I’d like you to accompany me to a birthday celebration. It’s for my ex’s cousin. My ex will probably be there, but that doesn’t matter to me. Because, in a room filled with a thousand women, you’re the only one I see, because I love you. I love you like I’ve never loved anyone. And I need you. Please don’t leave me.”

  Never in a million years would he ever have imagined caring for one person enough to swallow both his ego and pride in the same gulp, and with no regret.

  “You should have told me.”

  Guilt gnawed at him, but she was right. He should have told her. Guiding her from her chair and into his lap, he said, “I know. Forgive me?”

  Zahra’s eyes glistened with unshed tears, and her lips curved into a stiff smile. A second l
ater, she cradled his face and kissed him gently. “I’m in love with you, too.”

  Chapter 19

  Apparently, Gregor had mentioned to Abrim—a Thoroughbreds wide receiver and Janay’s fiancé—what had happened at the birthday party. He’d obviously mentioned it to Janay, because a week later, Janay had called Zahra and profusely apologized. As if it were her fault her cousin was a wicked witch.

  A couple of days after that, Janay had called to invite her to lunch. Initially, Zahra held a suspicion that Gregor had put her up to it. But as it turned out, Gregor had known nothing about the invitation. It had been all Janay.

  Still, Janay was Selene’s cousin, so Zahra had been apprehensive about coming. But, for whatever reason, she’d agreed. Maybe because of the conversation she’d overheard in the restroom the night of the party. Janay and Selene didn’t appear to be all that close. At least, not anymore.

  Zahra checked her watch. She’d arrived at the downtown bistro several minutes early to make sure they got a table before the lunchtime rush. Janay arrived a short time later. The generic T-shirt and jeans she wore surprised Zahra. She’d expected the woman to be draped in something designer from head to toe. Even the small shoulder bag she carried appeared off-the-shelf. Zahra grimaced at the same phrase Selene had used to label her.

  With her flawless dark brown skin, height and thin, shapely figure, Janay could have easily been a model. The visibly excited woman crossed the semicrowded restaurant, arms outstretched, fingers splayed and wiggling. When she was close enough, they embraced like old friends.

  After the episode at the party, Gregor had wanted to leave, but Zahra had insisted they stay. She refused to allow his bitter ex to ruin their night any more than she already had. Selfishly, Zahra had wanted the spiteful woman to get a good dose of her and Gregor together.

  Zahra was glad they’d stayed because twenty minutes before the function ended, Abrim had gotten down on one knee and asked Janay to marry him. She had tackled him to the floor with a resounding yes. It had been one of the most beautiful and most hilarious proposals she’d ever witnessed. Not that she’d witnessed that many. The stunt Braswell had pulled at her studio flowed like dirty water into her head, causing a bad taste in her mouth.

  Parting, they both slid into the booth. Janay gave her drink order to the young, freckled-faced blonde, choosing the same thing Zahra had ordered when she’d first arrived. When she moved away, Janay squealed, startling Zahra. “I’m so excited we’re doing lunch,” she said. “The first of many, I hope.”

  Janay flashed a hopeful expression, prompting Zahra to say, “Definitely. I’m glad you invited me.”

  “Can I be honest?” Janay asked.

  “Absolutely.” Zahra braced herself for whatever was to follow.

  “I debated calling. I thought you might say no. You know, because of what happened at my party.”

  “Janay, what happened that night wasn’t your fault. In fact, I hate Gregor even said anything about it at all.”

  “No, I’m glad he did. It needed addressing. I don’t think I’ve ever seen Gregor so angry. I gave Selene a piece of my mind. As always, she played the victim.” Janay sighed. “Anyway. We’re not here to talk about her, are we?”

  “No,” Zahra said. But why exactly are we here, she wanted to ask but sipped her blackberry lemonade instead.

  “I’m glad we met, Zahra. We clicked at my party.” Janay flashed a hesitant expression. “At least, I think we did.”

  “So do I,” Zahra said, garnering a beaming smile from her lunch companion.

  “You seem down-to-earth and genuine. Most of the football wives and girlfriends walk around with their noses in the air like their shit doesn’t stink,” Janay said.

  Zahra laughed hard, apparently prompting Janay to do the same.

  Before either woman realized it, two hours had passed and neither of them seemed pressed to leave. They’d talked about a multitude of things, including Janay’s wedding. It didn’t surprise Zahra that Janay wanted a winter wonderland theme, falling snowflakes and all. And she had no doubt Abrim would make sure she had it.

  “Gregor’s different since you two have been together,” Janay said out the blue.

  “Really? How so?”

  “He seems...more at peace. If that makes sense. Abrim noticed it, too. Since I’ve known Gregor, he’s always been so tightly wound. Not anymore. Are you making him meditate or something? If so, where can I sign Abrim up?”

  Zahra recalled what Selene had said in the restroom about her being the reason Janay was no longer scrubbing pots and pans. “Did Selene introduce you and Abrim?”

  Janay barked a laugh. “That’s what she’d have everyone believe. She invited me to Charlotte for a weekend. I nearly didn’t come because I knew she was only inviting me to show off. We went to a nightspot where a lot of the players hung out. Abrim was there.” A delicate smile touched Janay’s lips. “The second our eyes met I felt this instant and insane connection to him. But I ignored it.”

  “Why?”

  “He was a professional athlete. I didn’t have time for games. But he was relentless in his pursuit. The rest, as they say, is history.” Janay shrugged. “I guess Selene does deserve a little credit. If it hadn’t been for her, I never would have come to Charlotte.”

  “It was the total opposite for Gregor and me.”

  Zahra attempted to give Janay the rundown of how she and Gregor met. To her surprise, Gregor had already given both her and Abrim the condensed version. To know that he’d shared their story with them warmed her heart.

  “I wanted to strangle him,” Zahra continued. “He was so obnoxious.”

  Janay snickered. “He said the same thing about you.”

  Zahra narrowed her eyes in a playful manner. “Oh, he did, did he?”

  Janay slapped a hand over her mouth. Allowing it to fall, she said, “Don’t tell him I told you that.”

  “I won’t.”

  After another half hour of chatting, both women agreed it was time to go.

  “Can I be honest?” Zahra said, flipping the script.

  Obviously, Janay got the reference, because she grinned. “Absolutely.”

  “I almost canceled. You’re Selene’s cousin. I thought this would be an hour of you trying to milk me for information to carry back to her.”

  “I get it,” Janay said. “But I’m definitely not a carrier pigeon for Selene. We’re family, but we’ve never really been all that close. I hope you and I will be.”

  Zahra had a feeling they would.

  * * *

  Gregor wasn’t sure which he should be more worried about, meeting Zahra’s parents for the first time or her driving. For now, he settled on the driving because he wasn’t sure they were going to make it to her parents’ place in Lexington. He should have known the terror he was in for when she’d asked to drive, slid behind the wheel of the Mustang and tore out of the parking garage, leaving a cloud of white smoke behind.

  If he clinched his butt cheeks any harder, he’d pull the red leather right off the seats. This wasn’t the first time he’d ridden with her. However, this was the first time she’d displayed speed demon tendencies. And while he prayed every second since leaving his condo, there was no other place in the world he would rather have been than right here risking his life with her. That said a lot.

  He’d finally found the one thing—person—who outweighed football for him. If he could, he would spend every waking moment with Zahra, with the only goal of trying to make her the happiest woman alive. Actually, the past couples of weeks kind of felt like they’d spent every waking moment together. With July quickly approaching—signaling the start of training camp—he’d wanted to spend as much time with her as he could since his availability would be drastically reduced and pretty much nonexistent in August.

  “Babe, I can take over if you’re tired.”
Gregor raised his voice over the whip of the wind.

  “We’re almost there. I’m good,” she said.

  “O-okay.”

  Gregor was sure I-85 still had lines, but they were buzzing down the interstate so fast, the white stripes blended with the road. “Babe, you should probably—” Before he could add “slow down,” the chirp of sirens and flash of blue lights came from behind them.

  “Uh-oh,” Zahra said, signaling and pulling onto the shoulder.

  While he didn’t rejoice in the fact that she was probably about to get one hell of a ticket, he was thankful for the fact that she’d more than likely want him to drive the remainder of the way.

  “Dang, dang, dang. I thought if you were only doing up to nine miles over the speed limit, they wouldn’t pull you,” she said.

  Nine? Gregor stared openmouthed at her. Clearly, she hadn’t paid attention to the speedometer. When he’d casually glanced at it, she’d been doing at least fifteen over the speed limit.

  “Do you think he’s going to ticket me?”

  “Yep.”

  “Gregor! You were supposed to say no to make me feel better.”

  “Sorry. I’ll pay the ticket for you. How’s that?”

  Zahra gave him an air kiss. “That’s not necessary.”

  When the trooper exited his vehicle and moved toward them, Zahra plastered both hands to the steering wheel and sat ramrod straight.

  “Act normal,” she said, checking the rearview mirror.

  Gregor reached for the glove box.

  “What are you doing? Don’t do that,” she said out the corner of her mouth. “Do you want to get us shot?”

  Damn. She had a point. He withdrew his hand and relaxed back against the seat, now feeling as tense as she looked.

  “Afternoon, ma’am, sir,” the trooper said, tipping his hat.

  “Hello,” Zahra said.

  Gregor nodded.