The Chauffeur [Complete]

Chapter 26

I showered and went to bed shortly after Rade excused himself to answer his phone. I don't know who was on the other end, but he didn't seem happy.

Yawning, I closed the book I was reading and set it down on my nightstand. I dunk down into the comfort of my sheets and blanket before rolling over to check my phone.

I kept it on the charger as I read over the text Andi had sent me.

Andi: In the mood to party. Want to go?

I glanced at the time on my screen. It was only 9:30. I was a little tired and definitely would have gone to sleep had Andi not texted me. But honestly, I could use a night out. And it's not like I have anything else to do besides serving Sam with divorce papers.

Me: Sure. Pick me up?

Three dots appeared before being replaced with another text from Andi.

Andi: I got you, boo.

I sent her the address before turning off my phone. Then I got out of bed and took off my pajamas. I had the rest of my clothes, and things shipped over to Rade's house. Most of it is in boxes, but what I did unpack, I put in drawers and hung up in the closet.

I probably should have kept them in the box, though. It's not like I'm staying here permanently. Even though I've quickly grown to love the place. Or maybe I just love that I get to see Rade in his own environment.

After looking through my options, I ended up going with a flowy, short-sleeved white dress. I paired the dress with sandals and kept my hair in the ponytail I had it in.

I didn't feel like putting on makeup, so I didn't even bother with that. Then I headed downstairs. Rade was nowhere in sight. He either went to bed or he's in the gym working out again.

The doorbell rang, and I couldn't believe how fast Andi got here. I'd sent her the address, not even twenty minutes ago.

When I opened the door, she slipped past me, looking around the home. "Damn, this house is nice."

That explains why she got here so fast.

When she realized Rade wasn't anywhere near us like she hoped, she finally turned her attention to me. She glared at me. "Boo, we're going to the club. Not church."

I dropped my gaze, my eyes fixated on the dress. "What? I thought it was cute." I looked back up at her.

"It is cute. Which is why I brought you one of my dresses."

I didn't even realize she had a dress in her hand until she held it up. It was a short dark green criss-cross cut out with thin sleeved straps and a ruched bottom.

"Put this on." She tossed me the dress and motioned me to go change.

I went back upstairs to change in my room. Now that I'd gotten a look at Andi's dress, a simple black bodycon with the back cut out, I really did look like I was going to church.

I sighed, taking the old dress off and putting on the new one. It's been a while since I've gone out clubbing. Guess I forgot how to dress for one.

What a shame. Twenty-five years old, and I dress and act like I'm way older than that. Marriage aged me.

Tonight, we change that.

As I was going back downstairs, I overheard Andi talking. I thought maybe she was on the phone with someone until I saw Rade. He looked like he had just gotten out of the shower. I could smell his bodywash from here, his hair slightly damp, and his muscled form clad in a white tee and shorts.

By the time I reached the last step, Rade's eyes were on me. He looked like he wanted to say something, but Andi beat him to it.

"Damn, Mami. Now that's more like it." She turned and started for the door. "Ready to go?"

"Yeah, just let me grab my purse."

"I'll be in the car," she said before going outside.

I eyed my purse and phone on the kitchen counter, having left it there after Andi had me go change. I looked back at Rade, who was still staring at me.

"So, what were you and Andi talking about?"

"We didn't talk. She talked, and I was forced to listen." I chuckled, noticing the annoyed expression on his face. "Well, what did she talk about?"

He shrugged. "I don't know. Wasn't listening."

I rolled my eyes, a smile on my lips. That smile turned into a breathy gasp when Rade stepped closer, closing the short gap between us.

I bit my lip, and his gray eyes immediately dropped to my mouth. My breath caught some more.

"Ómorfi(Beautiful)," he'd said lowly, reaching for his tie in my hair. He tugged, freeing my hair. The curls spilled onto my shoulders and down my back, Rade's eyes drifting to my neck.

"Thank you," I whispered.

His eyes were back on me, and I was reminded how beautiful they were. Like a cluster of dark clouds. "Leave it down," he finished, rolling the hair tie back onto my wrist before walking away.

I grabbed my belongings and scurried out of the house, needing air. I couldn't breathe. The tension between us was suffocating.

When I got in Andi's car, I turned the air up. She looked at me, confusion marking her flawless features. "What's wrong with you?"

"Nothing. Just... hot."

A knowing smile appeared. "Rade like your outfit?"

I looked at her, catching the scheming glint behind her eyes. "You knew he'd like it. That's the real reason you made me change."

"Partly. You really did look like you were about to go to church." I glared at her as she continued. "I'm such a genius. No man can resist that fine ass body of yours."

Well, one can, I thought, referring to Sam. I pushed the negative thought deep in the back of my mind. I'm not supposed to be thinking about him. Tonight is about me. And I plan to dance and drink until I forget all about the shit that's happened.