Attentiveness XIX

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This new chapter of my life was exciting but scary at the same time. I was now venturing onto new things and I was more grateful than ever for all of my blessings. I decided to finally move out of my apartment and go with the townhouse that I found. I was disappointed that it wouldn't be available until the end of the month since my landlord declined a temporary extension of my lease. So for now, I moved out and found a temporary place to stay.

So if you're wondering where I ended up, for the time being, you probably already guessed. I was temporarily staying with my boss and the man of my dreams. I decided to take him up on his offer since all of my friends had their partners staying with them and I didn't want to intrude. I was confident about my choice, although Geia and my family were wary about this arrangement. I knew that they were just looking out for me, but I was going to take it slow with Bryson and this wasn't permanent.

I was currently laying on his bare chest while he softly rubbed my back in a soothing motion. I admit that I was falling for him hard and it scared me that I couldn't go back without having feelings now. I lifted my head up so I could admire his handsome face, he stopped flipping through the channels so he could pause to look down at me. He gave me a wink, then lifted me up so I was resting my head on his shoulder. Bryson led in and gave me a swift peck before he returned to scavenging for a good movie to watch.

I felt my cheeks heat up and I burrowed my face into the side of his neck so I was hiding my face. He smelled so good and I couldn't help but think some dirty thoughts right now. I heard him chuckle as he wrapped both of his arms around me tightly.

"Courtney you don't have to hide, I know that I affect you in many ways," Bryson said with a hint of amusement in his voice.

I smiled then I shook my head in agreement, this man definitely had a strong effect on me. The workday was long and exhausting so I was glad that we could unwind and relax with each other. After we were intimate after the party, we were both avoiding intimacy so we could connect in other ways. I admit that it was hard because Bryson touched me like no one ever had before, but I wanted more than just a physical connection.

"Hmm, I've been thinking love. I want to know everything about you. I know that you've been hurt, but what happened?" Bryson asked while carefully examining me."

I tensed up from his question then I thought back to my toxic relationship with Khalil. I've honestly healed enough to talk about it, but it still wasn't a pleasant experience to reflect upon. I was scared to share my past with Bryson because I didn't want him to turn into Khalil and mistreat me. I snapped out of my thoughts when Bryson softly pecked my cheek and held onto me tightly.

"It's ok if you aren't ready to talk about it love. The past doesn't matter to me. I just want to understand you so I can be a better man for you." Bryson said in a serious tone.

"No I want to open up to you, it's just scary. I'm honestly still insecure about myself in many ways. I'm scared that one day you'll turn into a bad guy and all this is for nothing." I said while I felt a warm tear slip down my cheek.

I heard Bryson sigh then he shook his head no. I know that no one was perfect, but my mind was still conflicted after being cheated on. I was scared that Bryson would eventually betray me as Khalil did.

"Courtney I'm going to tell you something that I absolutely hate talking about. I was once in love too and I got heartbroken. It was years ago, but it still affects me whenever I think about being vulnerable again." Bryson replied while holding onto me tighter.

"If you don't mind me asking, what happened? You always appear so strong and you inspire me to open up more and be free." I curiously asked.

"Long story short, I fell in love with my childhood best friend. As soon as I started to make a name for myself, she returned back to her old drug habits. I couldn't take it anymore after she was unfaithful and slept with my cousin. After I broke it off with her, she got worse and she eventually overdosed and passed away." Bryson solemnly said with a slight voice cracked.

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