Page 30 of Lyric Squared

“I’ve been enjoying our time together. You’ve made me the happiest I’ve been in years, but simultaneously, you’re the first person I’ve dated in ten years. Aside from random hookups and a few first dates in which I only had one intention, you’re the first real thing. I’ve fucked up before, Collin. And before I agree to something so altering – for me – I want to make sure that I’m making the best decision. This has nothing to do with you but everything to do with my baggage. I’m asking that you give us a little more time before I make the decision,” sadly, I expressed.

Had it been a day prior, I would’ve agreed at the drop of a dime, but with Keanu’s fresh cut, heavily melanated skin, and perfect smile sitting at the top of my brain, there wasn’t room left to think of anyone at the moment. Not even Collin.

“This thing isn’t one-sided and will never be. If you’re not ready then it means we’re not ready, and I’m not doing a goodenough job gauging that. I thought I was onto something, but I was wrong.”

But you weren’t, I admitted.It’s him.It’s always him.

“I’ll get there,” I assured Collin while trying to convince myself, too.

“You will and I’ll be right there when you do. Until then, we keep rocking.” He smiled.

“I like that.”

I did. I really admired Collin, his efforts, and his patience. He understood that our pace wouldn’t be dictated by society’s norms, but on our own terms. And tonight, there had been a wrench thrown in our path. Once I was able to step over it, we could continue. I didn’t want to go into something knowing that my thoughts were preoccupied with something or someone else. It wasn’t fair to Collin. It wasn’t fair to me.

“Me, too.”

The short drive to my home seemed to have shortened as I noticed we’d made it to my gate. Before exiting Collin’s vehicle, I leaned over, pulled his face in my direction, and rested my lips on his. Their softness was rewarding, causing my cheeks to peak as I pulled back.

“What you smiling about?” he asked.

“What the future holds for us,” I revealed.

“Oh yeah?”

“Ummm. Hmmmm.”

“I can hardly wait.”

“Me either.”

“Get inside,” he instructed, watching as I slid out of the passenger seat.

“Yes, sir.”

The walk to my front door after I’d entered the gate went on for far too long. When I turned back, I found Collin still posted and waiting for me to open the door. I shoved my key in thedoor as Laike entered my thoughts. He had been promising to upgrade my lock to the same as he and Luca’s but had been slow about doing so.

Asshole, I fussed, finally making it inside and closing the door behind me. I opened my threads and sent one to our sibling group message that included the three of us so that I could kill two birds with one stone.

Home, I shared along with a picture of my foyer.

Upgrade my lock! Asshole!I typed with precision and speed. I didn’t have to specify my message. We all knew who it was for.

Fuck that lock.

Who is that lame ass nigga?He followed with, but I ignored.

That’s why I’m Dad’s favorite.

Fuck Dad, too.

And, Mom’s favorite.

You’re taking it too fucking far.

I’d agree,Luca replied.

Have a good night. I enjoyed seeing you.