Total pages in book: 19
Estimated words: 17830 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 89(@200wpm)___ 71(@250wpm)___ 59(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 17830 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 89(@200wpm)___ 71(@250wpm)___ 59(@300wpm)
“I’m sorry that you’re going through this, but I’m glad your dad retired when he did too; now he can enjoy the break he earned without having to worry about income.” I nodded, appreciating that Cedric cared about my dad’s welfare even though he didn’t know him.
“I’ve been looking for work since I was let go, but I don’t have any experience or qualifications outside of sanitation work. Plus, the job market isn’t the greatest right now.” Cedric looked so sad at my words and I realized that I was dragging down the conversation. “But enough about me. Tell me about your folks.”
That certainly didn’t cheer him up; his expression melted into one of sadness and pain, and I kicked myself for the topic change. “My family kicked me out when I turned eighteen and now refuse to have anything to do with me.”
“Shit, I’m so sorry. It’s none of my business, but can I ask why?” I couldn’t imagine why anyone would turn their backs on someone so sweet.
“You can ask anything about me,” Cedric replied seriously. “I want to tell you everything.” My heart beat a little faster at his words. I couldn’t explain it, but I somehow knew that this thing between us wasn’t a fling or superficial. I wanted to get as close to him as quickly as possible. I’d never felt this way about anyone, but I didn’t want to fight it.
He sighed and answered, “I’m…different from the others in my family. I’m not as strong or as fast. I like to cook and clean rather than hunt or fight. I want to serve my spouse and raise children with him. My family saw my characteristics and interests as being ‘too feminine’ and ‘against nature’, so they disowned me once I became of age. I’m not welcome back.”
“Cedric, I’m so sorry,” I offered again, unsure what else to say. I wished that I was smarter, wiser to know what words to give him to offer comfort. As I tried to conjure the right thing to say, questions bloomed and burned in my stomach. I couldn’t fight them and needed to know, “Are you okay? Do you have a place to stay? Do you have anyone to talk to or lean on?”
A toothy smile slowly stretched Cedric’s plush lips and my cheeks heated. I was being so pushy and personal for a first date. But I cared about this man and couldn’t help but show it.
“At first, I was a wreck,” he admitted. “I lost my whole family and everything I’d ever known. But I found a group of guys who took me in; wonderful friends who have become family. We encourage, support, protect and love each other. We built a home together in the forest where we live and thrive.”
“I’m glad you have them,” I told him honestly. I kept to myself, however, my jealousy over the fact that he lived with and loved a group of other men. I didn’t want to seem too crazy. I shoved that away and changed the subject with, “What kind of work do you do?”
“My friends and I own a nightclub together. It’s called Pride Place; have you ever heard of it?”
“I have,” I told him with wide eyes. “I used to visit almost every Friday after my shift to relax; it’s a great bar and it plays the best music.”
“I don’t visit too often,” Cedric replied with a shrug. “I’m more of a homebody. But now I wish I had visited more Friday nights; I could have met you sooner.”
Unable to wrap my mind around his words, I blurted out the heaviest question burning in my brain. “Why are you here?” Cedric blinked sad eyes and I hurried to explain, “You are so gorgeous and you have a successful career. You could have anyone you want. Why are you wasting your time with someone like me?”
Cedric’s gaze only grew sadder as he trapped my hand in both of his. “Someone like you is exactly who I want to be with. When I saw you in the grocery store, I couldn’t look away. I was drawn to you and had to come talk to you. Do you feel the pull between us?”
“I do. I know we’ve just met, but it feels like I’ve known you for so long. I don’t understand it but I can’t fight it.” I also didn’t understand how I was speaking about this so easily with Cedric. But everything felt natural with him; like we really were meant to be there together.
“And when I called you gorgeous, I meant it,” Cedric added. “I wish you weren’t so hard on yourself, because your body is amazing. I love how thick and strong you are. Just by being near you and looking at you, I know you can give me what I need.”