“Don’t I know it, baby.” He sighed and rubbed the back of his neck. “I’m sorry for what I did to you.”
“That’s nice, but it doesn’t change a thing. It didn’t even change that everything is still the same now.” I strode back to the bed and carried another armload of clothes back to the dresser.
“It’s not like that. We weren’t even living on the same floor when you and I were dating. I couldn’t file separation papers because she wouldn’t move out.” He held his head in both hands and I felt somewhat guilty for upsetting him, until I remembered how much he’d hurt me. “Now, she’s gone and I’m going to go file for custody this week. I have no idea where she’s living, so I’m filing in absentia. I’m trying, Tegyn. I’m doing my best to make everything right.” He sighed loudly. “You’ve surprised me too.”
“How’s that? Being a stickler for marriage before kids? I’m sure lots of women are like that.” I shrugged.
D closed the distance between us and rested his hands on my hips. “No, by saying you wouldn’t mind if we had a kid together.”
I frowned. “Why would it be a big deal?”
His eyes widened. “You really don’t see color do you?”
My head tilted. “Not like you think. I see it, but I don’t care. I was raised in the north. There’s no stigma for interracial dating or marriage. Is it a problem here?”
He sucked in his bottom lip and I wanted to nibble on it. I wanted to feel his lips on mine once more. And I’m pretty sure he knew based on the way he was studying me. “Some places.”
“With your family?” I guessed.
His shoulders sank. “What makes you say that?”
“Your sister was less than friendly at class and I passed them coming in here. She refused to acknowledge me and Necie looked positively miserable.” I sank down on the bed. Watching him hurt. He made me think our relationship would never be accepted by his family. And that would end us before we even began.
“There was an incident. My family…” D threw his hands up in the air, either unwilling or unable to explain. “Yeah. They were not happy to hear you were moving in.”
I eyed him carefully, soaking in every subtle nuance of our discussion. “And that’s why they moved out? You mentioned they were living here…”
“They were. Now they’re not.”
“Because of me,” I grumbled.
“Because my sister is a straight up bitch, that’s why.” He huffed.
“Here’s something else you should know about me,” I began sadly. “I’m not about creating strife in families. We’re not even dating and they have decided they hate me and want nothing to do with you.” I gnawed on my cheek.
D knelt on the floor beside me. “Yet,” he murmured as he lifted my hand to his lips. “We’re not dating yet.”
“Oh, you think we’re going to date? You mean…if you ever get divorced, if the family ever approves, and maybe if the damn planets suddenly align?” I looked away as burning hot tears filled my eyes.
“It will all be worth it. Don’t give up on us yet, Tegyn,” he whispered in my ear while pressing his forehead to the side of my head. “I don’t plan to just date you. I’m going to marry you. We’ll give Keyon a baby sister or brother one day.”
“We’ll see,” I responded vaguely. “What if you give me some space to unpack?” I couldn’t meet his questioning eyes. If I did, he’d see how upset I was with one look at my face.
“Okay, Tegyn. I’ll let you be, for now.” Slowly, he stood and made his way from the room.
Almost an hour later, I’d finally pulled myself together and unpacked. Then I’d tiptoed into Keyon’s room to watch him sleep and make sure he was okay. With no more excuses and rather curious what DeSean was doing in this painfully silent house, I wandered down the stairs and paused at the main floor.
In another room, he was talking on the phone. “Paxton, just checking in. Wanted to see if there was any time frame on the LA trip yet?”
Apparently, the phone was on speaker because a moment later, I heard a deep voice responding. “Looking like another week, maybe week and a half. Sorry. They are organizing things. You still set to offer your services?”
“Absolutely. Either me, or one of the guys from my team will be there for you,” D responded confidently.
“Well, I’d prefer you, but if you can’t do it and you have someone as qualified, I’m sure that will work as well.” The man cleared his throat. “I need to go for now. Practice. The season may be over, but I gotta keep working it.”
“I get it Mr. Gentry.” D laughed.
“Paxton, or Pax, please.” The man groaned.