He yawned. “Why would you think I wouldn’t be nice to her?”
“Because I know how you are. You can be very mean, and I don't want you to chase off that sweet girl. Did you know she’s a famous ballet dancer? I think that is so cute that you're married to a ballerina.”
Lo knew everything about Bria. He had done research so thorough that he knew what she ordered at her favorite restaurant.
“Yeah, I knew that.” He glanced over his shoulder as the shower turned on.
“Well, I think you two make a lovely couple. Remember to treat her with care, Lo. Don't shut her out like you do the rest of the world.”
“How am I supposed to do that?”
That was a genuine question because Lo didn’t let anyone into his personal space. His thoughts were his and he didn’t believe in sharing them. His past was behind him. He couldn’t fathom forming the words to tell Bria how damaged he was. Letting someone in was like telling Lo to stick his hand into a burning fireplace. It hurt too badly to do it.
“Let down your guard. You’ve had it up since you were thirteen years old. When she proves to be a safe space for you, share your true feelings. Love on her and allow her to love on you.”
All of that sounded like torture to Lo but he said, “Okay.”
“Well, I’m going to get out of this dress. Call me tomorrow, alright?”
“Yep.”
“Bye, boy.”
Lo ended the call and answered some text messages he had missed. Thirty minutes passed by before Bria exited the bathroom. Lo looked over his shoulder and noticed her dressed in a short, silk nightgown. Her muscular thighs flexed as she climbed on the bed.
“Do you wanna have sex?”
He resumed responding to text messages. “If I did, that would’ve turned me off.”
“Why?”
“Because asking it like that makes it too formal. There was nothing sexy about it.”
She snickered. “I mean, I wasn’t sure if we were or not. Are we?”
“No.” He placed his phone on the nightstand. “I ain't ready.”
“You're not ready?” She was stunned. “Why not? You don't like me?”
Laying back on the bed, Lo rested one hand behind his head and the other on his abdomen.
“It has nothing to do with that.”
“Then, why you don't wanna have sex?”
He turned his head toward her. “You sure you're a virgin?”
She nodded. “Yes.”
He looked forward. “I just wanna get to know you a little better before we take it there. Is that gonna be an issue with you?”
“…No.”
“Cool.” He turned over and closed his eyes, hoping she wouldn’t press the issue any further.
2004
Lo walked into the house right behind Devyn and Meco and threw his book bag on the ground. It was the last day of school, and the Crown brothers were ready for the summer. Rushing to the kitchen, he went straight for the fridge and grabbed a bottle of water. He guzzled it down before throwing the bottle in the trash.
