Jay had always lived his life on his own terms, never tied down, always moving from one woman to the next. With his wealth and charm, he knew how to get what he wanted, and for years, that had been his lifestyle. But Bey was different. She wasn’t like anyone else he’d ever met. He had known she was special the moment they met, but he couldn’t quite place why.
Lying in bed on his yacht, cradling her in his arms as they watched a movie, Jay couldn’t help but stare at her. She was elegant, with a grace that came naturally to her. Bey was a true lady. She respected herself in a way that made Jay respect her even more. There was something about the way she moved, the way she spoke—her soft country accent and that infectious laugh that made his heart skip a beat every time he heard it.
And those eyes. Her amber eyes. He could stare into them for hours and never grow tired. They made him nervous, something he wasn’t used to feeling, but it was a good kind of nervous, the kind that made his stomach flutter like a teenager with a crush. Yet, he had been with many women, beautiful women, and he had never felt this before.
Bey shifted slightly in his arms, pulling him from his thoughts. She tilted her head back to look at him, her eyes sparkling even in the dim light. "Jay," she said softly, her voice pulling at his heart, "don't forget, I need you to help me pack in the morning. I have to leave for the next part of the dream girls shoot."
His heart sank. He had almost forgotten. She had told him before, but he had been pushing it to the back of his mind, not wanting to face the reality that she would be leaving him—again. The thought of her going, even just for a few weeks, felt like someone was squeezing his chest.
He had never been like this before. He was always the one who left, the one who never got attached. But now, with Bey, everything was different. He couldn’t stand the thought of her not being with him. His mind raced as he held her tighter, feeling the warmth of her body against his. For the first time in his life, Jay realized that this wasn’t just about attraction. This wasn’t just about the thrill of the chase or the excitement of a fling.
He was in love with her.
The realization hit him like a wave, leaving him breathless. He had fallen in love with Bey. How could this have happened? He was supposed to be the one in control, the one who didn’t get attached, but here he was, heartbroken at the thought of her leaving for a short while.
"Bey," he whispered, his voice more serious than usual.
She looked up at him, her eyes full of curiosity. "Yeah?"
"Don’t go," he said quietly, his heart in his throat. "Stay here. With me. Just for a little longer."
Bey blinked, surprised by his words. She could see the sincerity in his eyes, the vulnerability he rarely showed. She didn’t know what to say. She had her commitments, her work, and she wasn’t used to seeing him like this.
"Jay..." she began, but he cut her off, his voice softer now, almost pleading.
"I’ve never felt this way before," he admitted, his hand gently brushing a strand of hair from her face. "You’re not like anyone else. You make me feel things I’ve never felt. I can’t explain it, but I don’t want you to leave. Not now. Not ever."
Bey’s heart fluttered at his words, her breath catching in her throat. She had always known Jay had a softer side beneath his tough exterior, but hearing him speak like this, so openly, was something she hadn’t expected. She felt her own heart swell with emotion, but she was torn. She had her career, her dreams, and leaving was part of that.
"I don’t know what to say," she whispered, her voice shaky.
"Just stay," Jay repeated, his voice almost a plea. He held her closer, his forehead resting against hers. "I don’t want you to go Mama please stay with me"
Bey stared into his eyes, feeling the weight of his words. She didn’t have an answer yet, but in that moment, she realized just how much she meant to him—and how much he meant to her.
"Baby , Im sorry but I cant stay"
Bey looked into Jay's eyes, feeling torn. She had to leave. There was no way around it, no matter how much she wanted to stay wrapped in his arms, feeling the warmth and safety of his embrace. She took a deep breath and gently stroked his cheek.
"Jay, I have to go," she said softly, her voice filled with regret. "You know I can't stay. I’ve got commitments, and this movie means a lot to me."
Jay sighed heavily, frustration and sadness clouding his features. He shook his head, holding her even tighter, as if he could keep her with him through sheer will. “But I need you here with me. Just stay for a few more days. Please, Bey. I don’t care about anything else right now. I’ve never felt like this before.”
Bey bit her lip, torn by his plea. She loved the way he looked at her, the vulnerability in his eyes, but she couldn’t ignore her responsibilities. “I know, baby. I feel it too,” she said, resting her forehead against his. “But this is my dream, and I need to see it through.”
Jay closed his eyes, taking in her scent, the softness of her skin. His chest tightened at the thought of her being gone. “I get it, but it doesn’t make this any easier. What am I supposed to do without you here?”
Bey smiled sadly and kissed him gently. “You’ll be fine. You’re strong, Jay. And I’ll be back before you know it. Plus you have Nagie and Tyty them” Bey said while Jay sucked his teeth and she laughed.
"Dont nobody care about them" Jay said smiling bit.
For the rest of the night, Jay clung to her like a lifeline. Every moment felt like it was slipping away, and he didn’t want to waste a second. When they joined their friends later on the deck of the yacht, Jay stayed glued to Bey’s side. They were all sitting around, laughing and sharing stories under the stars, but Jay was barely paying attention. His head was resting on Bey’s shoulder, his arm wrapped securely around her waist, as if holding her like that would somehow keep her from leaving.
TyTy, one of Jay's closest friends, noticed and couldn’t resist poking fun. “Man, look at this guy,” TyTy laughed, shaking his head. “Who would’ve thought Jay would turn into a simp? You’re whipped, bro.”
The group chuckled, but Jay didn’t seem to care. He just buried his face deeper into Bey’s neck, not even looking up. “Yeah, yeah, whatever, man,” Jay mumbled, too consumed by the thought of her leaving to even pretend to defend himself.
Angie, who had known Jay for years, smiled warmly. “I think it’s sweet,” she said, nudging TyTy. “Let the man be in love. Not every day you see Jay like this.”
Solange, Bey’s sister, nodded, her smile widening as she looked at the couple. “Exactly. I think it’s cute. Look at him, all cuddled up like a teddy bear.”
Kelly and Michelle, who were sitting across from them, exchanged knowing glances. “I’ve never seen Jay like this,” Kelly said, grinning. “He’s got it bad.”
Michelle laughed, her eyes twinkling. “Bey, girl, you’ve got this man in a chokehold, and I love it.”
Bey giggled, her fingers gently running through Jay’s hair. She kissed his forehead annnd askked "you okay?" He nodded. She could feel his grip on her tighten just a little, like he didn’t want to let go. She loved him too, more than she ever thought possible. But she knew she had to leave in the morning, no matter how much it hurt them both.
Jay stayed like that for the rest of the evening, quiet and lost in his thoughts while their friends chatted and joked around. Normally, he’d be the life of the party, but tonight, all he wanted was to soak in these last few hours with Bey. He clung to her like she was the only thing keeping him grounded, his head still resting against her shoulder, his arm wrapped around her torso.
As the night grew late, and their friends began to head to bed, Jay still hadn’t moved. Bey gently nudged him, her voice soft in his ear. “Come on, let’s go inside,” she whispered.
Jay nodded but didn’t release her as they stood up together, walking back to their room. He held her close, his heart heavy with the knowledge that by morning, she’d be gone. And even though she promised she’d be back soon, Jay knew this wasn’t just about the time apart. He was in too deep now. He was going to miss her badly.
