Page 20 of Fallynn West

The mention of Demetria’s abandonment made me click my tongue. It wasn’t something I enjoyed talking about, especially not when Kehlani was close by. She hadn’t asked about her mother in a while, and I didn’t want her to start back up.

“So, you basically feel sorry for us?”

Colony jerked her head back. “Did you not just hear anything I said, Keondra? No, that’s not what this is. Rather you believe it or not, I love Kehlani. She’s such a sweet girl who has easily stolen my heart. And you’re just . . .”

“Just what?”

“Forget it.” Colony spun back toward the sink. “I’ll do these dishes for you and leave.”

Not the one to go back and forth with anyone, I didn’t bother responding to Colony. If she wanted to leave, I couldn’t stop her. Did I want her to? No. I was enjoying her company, but I was still iffy. She was doing everything right without me asking, and that scared me.

Just as that thought entered my head, my father’s words took over.

Swallowing my pride, I apologized. “I’m sorry, Colony. I wasn’t trying to upset you or accuse you of anything. If you can’t tell, I’m not too trusting when it comes to people. You’re the first person I’ve let get this close in a long time, and it’s scary.”

“It’s fine, Keondra. I understand, but I also don’t like being painted as someone I’m not. The more you get to know me, the more you’ll see my heart is in the right place.”

I nodded. “I hear you. Once again, I’m sorry.”

“Like I said, it’s fine.”

“You intrigue me too,” I admitted while we were in the heat of the conversation, and I still had some confidence. “That’s one reason I’m scared too.”

I walked up behind her, pressing my body against her back. Colony froze, but I could feel her lean into me. “You’re pretty as hell, Colony, and I can tell it comes from the inside out. The way you treat my daughter makes you far more attractive than any woman I’ve ever dealt with. I want to get to know you, but I’ll keep it real and let you know I’m guarded. Any wrong move, and I’m liable to cut anyone off. It’s something I’m working on.”

“I’m guarded too, Keondra. I’ve been through some shit that’s scarred me as well, but I’m open.” She paused and sighed. “If we’re going to have this conversation, I’m going to need you to remove yourself from me. I haven’t been touched like this in a long time, Keondra, and there are thoughts going through my mind that’s distracting me.”

“What kind of thoughts?”

“Thoughts like how it would feel for you to have me bent over this sink.”

Colony’s straightforwardness caught me off guard. Most women were shy when it came to sexual talk, so for her to say what was truly on her mind had me bricking up. I had to stepback before she felt my member against her ass, and I ended up making her thoughts a reality.

Clearing my throat, I pushed my glasses up and said, “My bad. I wasn’t trying to distract you, but damn . . . Now you have me distracted.”

“Do I need to leave?”

“No, you’re good. I can control myself.”

Colony was quiet for a moment before saying, “But what if I can’t control myself?”

Once again, she had me stunned. There I was, trying to be respectful, and she was telling me what she desired. I’d be a fool to turn the other cheek. Colony and I didn’t know one another well, but we were grown as hell. Just like it’d been a long time for her, it’d been one for me too.

Stepping up behind her again, I snaked my arms around her waist and rested one hand on her lower stomach. Colony leaned her head back onto my chest. I loved how she was on the taller side for a woman, standing at about five feet eight, but she was still short compared to my six-foot-two frame. The way she felt in my arms was indescribable. It was as if she’d been crafted to fit perfectly into my embrace. Things with Colony felt different, and I had to coach myself to embrace it.

Colony placed her hand on top of mine and slipped it through the waistband of her leggings. Not only was she straightforward, but she was also bold. I stood back and followed her lead, allowing her to direct me to exactly where she wanted me to go.

My middle finger eased down her slick slit, finding her swollen bud that was damn near throbbing from anticipation. Sliding my other hand up to her neck, I gently squeezed and asked, “Are you sure about this, Colony?”

Gradually, I started circling my finger against her bud as I waited for her to answer.

“Yes,” she assured me in a breathy tone.

I moved my thumb and kissed an exposed part of her neck.

“The gentleman you see before you becomes a whole different man in the bedroom.”

“Show him to me.”