by Nia Arthurs
I did the whole paranoid-girlfriend song and dance with Keanu. I followed his every move on social media, tracking his likes when he was too friendly with some hot model online. I spied on him when he said he was at work to make sure he wasn’t lying to me.
Running around was demeaning. Chipped off my self-esteem like nothing else could.
I know Wilson has a weakness for Violet and in the back of my mind, I’m prepared to acknowledge them if that’s what he wakes up one morning and decides. But so far, Wilson has given me no reason to distrust him and I want to believe him when he says he loves me.
No better way to test that than to watch him react to the woman he chased his whole life.
“I’m not here for Wilson,” Violet says.
My eyebrows hike. “You’re not?”
“Wait… I am. Sort of.” She gives me a sheepish smile and even that expression does nothing to detract from her insane beauty.
Some people in this world are just blessed with superior genetics and Violet is one of them. It’s not because she’s white or has long hair. Her facial features are just so freaking perfect. She’s an airbrushed photograph come to life.
It’s oddly entrancing to be near something so flawless.
“Okay.” I point to my sofa because I’m somewhat intrigued. In the past, Violet and I never spoke one-on-one. We just didn’t click for some reason, and she always kept her distance.
“I understand that you and Wilson have a child,” Violet says.
I tilt my head, mentally debating whether I should inform her of our recent loss, but I decide against it. Violet is not a family member or a friend. I am not obligated to inform her of one of my deepest hurts.
She continues, completely oblivious to the truth. “And I get why Wilson wants to try and make things work with you.”
“You do?” I fold my arms over my chest.
“Yes. He’s always been the type of guy who stood up for the disadvantaged.” Her eyes fall over my body in distaste. “Even if that person is trying to use or manipulate him.”
This girl is crazy…
“Are you saying I’m using Wilson?”
“Hey,” Violet places a delicate hand on her chest, “I’m not here to judge. I came to help.”
“What do you want, Violet?”
“I don’t want anything. I’m here with an offer. Half a million dollars.”
My jaw drops. “What?”
“I’ll give you half a million dollars if you break up with Wilson right now.”
Chapter Twenty-Five
Wilson
Sunlight dances through the window. I turn on my side and inhale deeply. I haven’t changed the sheets since Zora slept on my bed and I can still catch a whiff of her perfume on the cloth. I clutch the pillow close and press a kiss to it.
Then I stop.
Sit up.
Why am I giving love to this inanimate object when there is a gorgeous, stunning, amazing human being available to me?
I scramble out of bed and grab my cell phone. As I grapple for my toothbrush, I listen to the line ring.
At last, Zora picks up. “Hey, I was just about to call you.”
“Your shift should be done now. I’ll come pick you up.”
“Don’t bother. I’m already home.”
I pause. “You’re home?”
“Yeah, I came back last night.”
I spit out the suds and grab my phone more firmly with my shoulder. “You should have told me. I’d have come for you.”
“It’s fine, but I need to see you now.”
“Sure.”
“I’m right outside,” Zora says.
Excitement zips through me, but I try to act cool when I tell her, “Oh, you couldn’t wait to see me?”
“Just open the door, Wilson.”
Something in her voice makes me frown. “Zora…” I bound to the door barely getting my head through the hole for my T-shirt. “What’s going on?” My hand’s on the knob. I open up and let my gaze linger on Zora’s face. “Hey.”
She hangs up and lets her arm drop. “Hey.”
“What are you—?”
“Let’s break up,” she says in a deadpan voice. No hint of brevity in her beautiful brown eyes. No playfulness. Just three words delivered in the most detached way a woman possibly can.
I stop short. “What?”
“I’m breaking up with you.”
“Why?”
“Because I am.” She bends her back and glances over her shoulder. “Did you hear that? I broke up with him! I’ll text you my account number, so keep your word!”
“Zora…” My eyes narrow. “What’s going on?”
She tilts her head. “Violet offered me a half a million dollars to break up with you.”
“Violet?” Has she gone crazy.
“Hi, Wilson.” My ex slinks to Zora’s doorway and stands awkwardly like she’s trying to hide behind it.
I stare at her in shock. “What are you doing here in Belize?”
“Giving me an offer I couldn’t refuse.”
My gaze flits between the two women. I frown at Zora. “You really broke up with me over money?” I start on Violet next. “And you came all the way here just to sabotage my relationship?”
“Will, it’s not like that!” Violet shrieks.
“Of course, I did it. It’s half a million US dollars. That’s one million Belize dollars.” Zora shrugs cooly. “And she didn’t say we had to stay broken up. I was going to seduce you the moment she left town.”
“What? You were planning to trick me?” Violet shrieks.
Zora snorts. “I never wanted your money, Violet. If I did, I wouldn’t have unveiled my master plan right to your face.”
“But—” Her cheeks redden. “You said he was annoying and overprotective. You said he got on your nerves and you sometimes wondered why you put up with him.”
“Hey!” I protest.
“He is and I do.” Zora turns to me and gives me a sweet smile. “But I love him anyway.”
My heart shouldn’t respond to that half-baked compliment, but it does. This woman has me wrapped around her little finger and she has no idea.
I’m right in front of Violet. She actively tried to get me back, but I’m not tempted at all.
In fact, I’m more amused than anything. Zora played her, which is something that reminds me of the old Zora that both attracted and irritated me back when we first met.
I’m not sure whether to scold that minx or kiss her.
“I wasn’t trying to sabotage anyone.” Violet throws her raven hair over her shoulder. “I was just trying to test her. See if she really loved you or if she was just after your money.”
“Wait, so you never intended to give me anything?”
“Of course not. I don’t have half a million dollars and even if I did, I wouldn’t waste it on some tramp Wilson made a mistake with.”
“Violet—” I step forward to put her in her place, but Zora stops me.
“No, it’s fine. She can call me whatever she wants. I don’t care.”
“Does this make any sense?” Violet pleads with me. “You came to Belize for Kent. Not to fall in love with some local. Wake up, Wilson. This isn’t like you. You like women…” She gives Zora a look, “classier than this.”
Zora might not care, but I can’t listen to Violet tear my girl down. “What the hell is that supposed to mean?”
“Wilson…” Zora puts a hand to my chest.
I shake my head. “Violet, I have always treated you with respect. We were friends long before we were anything else. If you can’t support me, you will respect the people I love.”
“Just a few weeks ago, I was someone you loved.”
I rub the bridge of my nose. “I’m sure there are plenty of guys eager to give you all the attention you want, but I’m busy. Don’t come back to Belize and bother Zora again, understand?”
Violet stares at the floor and nods.
I turn and lock my door and then ta
ke Zora’s hand to lead her into her apartment. Violet steps into the hallway as we brush past her, moving out of our way.
“Wilson…”
I frown at Zora and set my hand on the doorknob. “Since you found your way here, I’ll assume you can get back on your own. Have a safe flight.”
“No—” Violet steps forward but I don’t give her the chance to touch me and close the door.
Zora throws a hand over her mouth, her eyes wide. “Did you just leave her hanging?”
“You.” I point a finger. “Don’t think you can flutter your eyelashes and get out of this.”
“Get out of what?” she simpers.
I frown. “You didn’t just accept Violet’s proposal to break up with me. You were bad-mouthing me too.”
“Babe,” she says with a half-laugh, “I had to make it seem legit.”
“I don’t believe you.”
Zora approaches, her bottom lip pushed out. “Wilson. Will.”
I resist her cute face.
She thrusts her hands around my waist and looks up at me, making the face that cat from Shrek made in the movie. “Please don’t be mad.” She rises and gives me a kiss. “I’m sorry.”
All attempts at irritation fade and I deepen the kiss, drawing her to my chest. My heartbeat quickens, thudding against my ribcage. Zora’s gotten beneath my skin, into my system. She’s wiggled her way into my heart.
Holding her is heaven to me.
She breaks off first, though I would happily kiss her until she’s breathless. Her dark eyes sparkle. She looks a hundred times better than she did a few days ago when all she could do was stay at home and cry.
I press a kiss to her forehead. “I love you.”
“Love you too, but I’m hungry.”
“So am I,” I growl, bending over to kiss her again.
She allows me to but pushes me back when I try to press her up against the couch so she doesn’t have to crane her neck to reach me. I remember Zora complaining about our height difference before and I don’t want anything getting in the way of our kissing.
Unfortunately, she pulls back. “Will, I’m serious.”
“Okay, okay. Scrambled eggs?”
“What do you think?”
I study her mischievous expression, resisting the urge to kiss her again. The only person I’m hungry for is Zora. I force myself to move away and head to the kitchen.
“You’re very demanding.”
“I know.” She follows me into the kitchen and watches while I get the eggs.
I stop and glance over my shoulder at her. “Aren’t you going to help me?”
“Nope.”
“Wow.” I finish gathering everything I need and turn the stove on, waiting for the pot to warm up. A moment later, Zora comes up to me and winds her hands around my waist, folding them against my stomach. The warmth in my chest stirs as she places her head on my back.
“Thank you,” she breathes out.
“For what? The eggs?”
“For choosing me.”
I turn around and capture her jaw in my hands. “Zora…”
“You knew Violet longer. You loved her longer. If you have any doubts—”
I rub my thumb over her perfect lips to get her to shut up. “I choose you. And even if you break up with me for a stupid reason like money—”
“That is not a stupid reason.”
I shush her with a look. “I’ll still choose you. I’ll choose you every day for the rest of my life. And I will make it my mission to kiss away all your heartache,” I rub my thumb over her cheek, “so you never have to hurt alone.”
She rises on her tiptoes and I sway her from side to side, savoring her presence. After a while, Zora steps back. “Something’s burning.”
I whirl around and throw the oven switch off.
Zora laughs at me, but I don’t pay her any mind. When the pan cools, I set it back on the open flame and make her the best scrambled eggs in the world—though Zora will never admit to it.
My thoughts are on Little Bean while I eat. If not for the baby, I would have never gotten an opportunity to get to know Zora the way I have now. Although it wasn’t the best path or one I would have chosen on my own, I’m grateful I made that mistake because I think I’ve grown exponentially.
“Why are you so quiet?”
“Zo?”
“Yeah?” She chews slowly.
“What do you think about having a funeral?”
She stiffens.
“Remember the hospital said they could arrange a small funeral. I know we weren’t in a place to talk about it back then, but—if you’re up to it—we can have a service. Something simple.”
“Okay,” Zora says softly.
“Yeah?” I duck my head so I can see her eyes. “Are you sure? You don’t have to.”
“No, I want to.” She meets my gaze. They’re swimming in tears.
“Okay.” I take her hand and squeeze it. “Let’s do it.”
Things move quickly. Zora calls the hospital who assure her that they’ll take care of everything. I can sense her relief and smile when I think of how much her connections at work have been rallying around her.
We get ready for the service, inviting Kent and Amaya to come. To my surprise, Thomas and Diandra show up too.
“I called them,” Zora says when we all meet in the parking lot. The two are dressed in their work uniforms, but I figure their presence means more than their appearance.
The hospital chaplain shows up to say a few words while I stare at the tiny casket that looks more like a toy than a real resting place for our baby’s body.
Amaya sings a moving song that leaves Zora in tears. Even I have to fight back a wave of emotion. Her voice is crystal clear and full of sincerity. It’s no wonder she’s done so well for herself in the music industry. The woman’s got a gift.
After the song, we lay flowers at the grave and then cover the small hole up. As much as it hurts to say goodbye, there’s a sense of healing and hope when we all walk away from the mound.
The small marker sticking out of the dirt is etched with his name, ‘Noah’.
I hug Zora close to me and kiss her hair, muttering assurances in her ear until she calms down. Kent, Amaya, Thomas and Diandra give us space but are close enough to offer their sober support.
When Zora’s exhausted all her tears, she glances up at me. There’s a small, tired smile on her face. “Let’s go home.”
I nod and brush her hair away from her face. “Let’s go home.”
EPILOGUE: ONE YEAR LATER
Zora
“Are you kidding me?” I scream at Wilson as he gets on his knees. “What are you doing? Get up! Get up!”
He grins and uncaps a ring box where a sparkling diamond ring rests between two thick black cushions. “Zora Elizabeth King—”
“Wilson, don’t you dare…”
“You are the light of my life—”
“…You better shut your face.”
“I want to spend every morning waking up to you—”
“I swear I’m gonna kill you, Will…”
“Every night, I want to sleep with you in my arms—”
“That’s it! You’re dead!”
Wilson jumps to his feet and skates around the kitchen table. “Could you do me the honor…”
“Will!” I sprint toward him as he flies toward the living room.
“Of being my wife!” he yells.
I leap on his back, monkey-style. We both go down. Wilson rolls over so I land on him instead of the rug. I glare at his stupidly handsome face and swipe the ring from his hand. “Not yet.”
“I can’t wait.”
“It’s one more year. Just wait one more year.”
“That’s why I bought the ring now. You can start planning for the wedding. I want to marry you exactly on the day your ban is up.”
“You’re crazy. I look even uglier now than I did the day you originally proposed. You could have given me a warn
ing.”
“No way.” He wraps his arms around me and stares into my eyes. “You’re stunning.”
“Liar.”
“Is that a yes?”
“I’ll think about it. Did you ask Thomas’s blessing?”
He tilts his head. “Sort of.”
“Sort of?”
“Since Diandra still won’t admit that they’re dating, he’s not too happy. I don’t think he likes us very much.”
“Why? Because we can love each other openly?”
“Because he doesn’t want you to get married before he does.”
“So what did he say?”
Wilson runs a hand through his hair. “Do I really need your brother’s blessing?”
I sit up, but Wilson keeps his hands on my waist so I can’t get off him. “Yes!” I frown. “You do.”
“Okay.” A sneaky grin climbs his face.
“Wait…” I blink. “Did you get it?”
“Yeah. Thomas gave me the old ‘if you hurt her, I break your neck’ shtick, but he gave in eventually.”
“What about your mom?” I ask. Katrina was less than pleased that we hadn’t told her about the baby when it first occurred. She made me promise that I would keep her informed of any major decisions.
“My mom’s ecstatic. She wants to plan a huge party in the States. I told her you wouldn’t be into that but—”
“Heck yeah, I want a huge shebang. I want everyone to know that you belong to me.”
His eyes get that sexy smolder that drives me absolutely crazy. “Shall we get matching forehead tattoos?”
I laugh so hard I fall off Wilson’s body and tumble to the floor. “You’re crazy.”
“Crazy for you.” He props himself up on his elbow. “I wish I had my camera.”
I roll my eyes. Apparently, Wilson’s an amateur photographer. If I just breathe, he cracks that camera out and snaps a photo. Amaya told me he deleted all the pictures of Violet and bought even more hard drives to fill with memories of our life together.
I was touched.
Slightly creeped out.
But touched.
“How is it?” He glances at my chest. “Any heartache I need to kiss away?”
I shake my head. “Nope, this heart is overflowing with love.”
