Soul's Desire, page 2
“Well, we gotta get going. We’ll leave you two to catch up,” Myles said, strolling over to Soul, then kissed her on the cheek. “Call me if you want anything else moved. Better yet, get muscle man over there,” he said, pointing at Micah, “to take care of it. I’ll be back later to change out the backdoor lock.”
Once they were gone, Soul said, “So, you’re a cop. What else don’t I know about you?”
“Have dinner with me tonight, and I’ll tell you anything you want to know.”
Chapter Two
Soul burst through the front door of the house, only having forty minutes to get cleaned up and changed before Micah picked her up for dinner.
“Anyone home?” she called out while walking farther into the large four-bedroom, four-bathroom home she shared with her best friends. She glanced in the office, then the dining room before heading to the back of the house.
Jada, who had inherited the home from her grandfather, insisted Soul move in with her and Janice. That idea had been a godsend, giving Soul a chance to save some money and open her dance studio sooner than expected. The three of them living together might’ve been temporary, but she loved having her friends to come home to.
It didn’t hurt that the house was absolutely gorgeous. Bright and airy with floor-to-ceiling windows, thanks to a recent remodel. Jada, an interior designer, had turned the home into a masterpiece. Pearl white covered most of the walls with a few accent walls sprinkled throughout the home. Bold pops of color accents and furniture made the place look like something straight out of House Beautiful magazine.
“Jan? Jada? You guys home?”
Soul hurried down the hall toward the kitchen and practically ran into Jada. “Oh, hey. I was starting to think no one was here.” Based on the fitted T-shirt, yoga pants, and her hair in a loose ponytail on top of her head, it was safe to say Jada had just returned from the gym. She was the only person Soul knew who was always in full makeup wherever she went. Even after a hard workout, the woman still looked fabulous.
“I was finishing up a call with a client.” She looked Soul up and down. “What’s up? You look like you’re about to burst from excitement.”
“You’re never going to believe who came to the studio today,” Soul said, giddiness swirling inside of her as she grabbed a bottle of water from the oversize refrigerator. The state-of-the-art kitchen was a cook’s paradise with stainless steel appliances, stone countertops, and a wall of windows that looked out over the deck and picturesque backyard.
“Who came to the studio today?”
Soul turned at the sound of Janice’s voice as she strolled into the kitchen, carrying an armful of grocery bags. Her long, curly hair was pulled back with a headband, and her face glistened with a light sheen of perspiration. It had been so hot in Atlanta the last few days that Soul had found herself sweating while standing still.
“Sooo, what did I miss?” Janice asked.
“Actually, you’re right on time. I was just getting ready to tell Jada who I saw today.” Soul started unpacking one of the bags, putting carrots and swiss cheese into the refrigerator. She was still reeling at seeing Micah again. “Guess who I was just with?”
“Who?” they both yelled, and Soul laughed.
“Quit messing around and just tell us,” Janice grumbled, storing items in the pantry.
“Micah Olsen.”
“Okay, now you have my attention. When? Where? And how?” Janice asked.
“Forget all of that. How’d he look?” Jada asked. “Does he still wear his hair in braids?”
Soul shook her head. “Girl, nah. Thank God. The man is absolutely beautiful.” She told them about the furniture being moved and how Micah showed up looking absolutely delicious. For the next few minutes they lobbed questions at her, and Soul realized just how much she didn’t know about him.
“Hopefully, I’ll find all of that out when we get together.”
“Was it awkward seeing him again, considering how you guys just suddenly broke up?” Janice studied her, a curious glint radiating in her eyes.
Soul had never told them the real reason why she and Micah parted ways, but she always wondered if they somehow knew. If they did, neither ever said anything.
“No, it wasn’t awkward. I have never been so happy to see someone in my life. You know how I felt about him. All the old feelings from before rushed back and…” she shrugged, not knowing what else to say.
“Are you ever going to tell us what happened between you two?” Jada asked, her voice gentle as if knowing the pain Soul had felt back then had also returned to the forefront.
“I told you. We wanted different things.” Wanting and needing to end the direction that the conversation was going, Soul glanced at the thin watch on her arm. “I need to hurry up. He’ll be here soon.”
Was it awkward seeing him again?
Janice’s words rattled through Soul’s mind as anxiousness clawed through her body while she jogged up the stairs to the second floor. Thankfully, seeing Micah again hadn’t been awkward, but she’d hated the way things ended between them. Neither of them wanted to break up, but it had been for the best.
Soul stood inside her walk-in closet, debating on what to wear to dinner. No matter how cool she’d tried to be when Micah invited her out, she had been caught off guard. It had already been a shock to her system, seeing him after so many years. Now they were planning to share a meal.
“Maybe I should’ve said no,” she mumbled to herself. All the old lustful feelings she’d always felt whenever he was near had bombarded her immediately. It never failed. He stirred something so passionate within her; even now, it was easy to forget that they were just friends. At least they used to be. If his more-than-friends greeting was any indication, there were no hard feelings between them. But how was she going to sit across from him for any length of time without drooling over the man?
She shivered and smiled, recalling how mouthwatering gorgeous he was. She would’ve been a fool to turn down dinner and miss being in his presence, if for nothing more than to stare at his handsome face. Any awkwardness would be worth it.
Soul reached for the white floral sundress that stopped just above her knees and a pair of strappy white sandals. The form-fitting outfit always made her feel feminine, yet bold and in control. If she were a mess inside, at least she’d look cute on the outside.
She hurried and slipped out of her robe and lotioned her body before sliding into a lacy bra and panty set. It had been ages since she’d been on a date.
“Wait. This is not a date,” she reminded herself. They were just two people going to hang out. She hadn’t been out with a man since before Ryan.
A twinge of discomfort pierced her chest. Just thinking about her ex-fiancé sparked a riot of emotions, anger, disappointment, and confusion being amongst them. How could he have broken off their engagement without warning and then disappear?
Ryan had moved out of his apartment, changed his cell phone number, and had taken some of the cash out of their joint account and poof. He was gone. At least he had left enough money to cover all of the wedding debt, as well as enough for her to live on for a couple of months. But it was the way the whole situation played out that confused her.
Soul knew now that she wasn’t in love with Ryan, but at the time, she thought he could provide what she really desired. A loving relationship. Still, he walked away without looking back.
A knock sounded on her door just as she zipped her dress.
“Come in.” Soul sat on the edge of the bed to slip on her sandals.
Jada strolled in with a goofy grin on her face. She had changed into an oversized sleeveless Clark Atlanta University shirt, skinny jeans and a pair of flip-flops. Soul was pretty sure the shirt belonged to Solomon, Jada’s best friend from childhood, but she didn’t say anything.
“Your date is here. And can I just say, your description of him didn’t do him justice. He almost doesn’t look like the same guy from years ago. That’s a grown-ass man down there, girl!”
All Soul could do was smile when her friend started fanning herself. From the moment they all spotted Micah across the pizza joint near Spelman, they’d all agreed that he was a cutie.
“I second that, but that grown-ass man is fifteen minutes early. I barely had enough time to take a shower.”
“Yeah, he said he was a little early and for me to not rush you. So, where’s he taking you?”
Soul hurried into the bathroom to put on mascara and lip gloss. “I’m not sure, but I’m surprised you didn’t give him the third degree.”
Jada stood in the bathroom doorway, that stupid grin back on her face. “I left Janice to handle that. You know how good she is at questioning folks.”
Yes, Soul did know. Their friend really should’ve been a lawyer. Instead, she worked in finance for a hotel chain.
“Are you taking an overnight bag?” Jada wiggled her eyebrows suggestively.
“Uh, no. We’re just going out to catch up on each other’s lives. Nothing else. This isn’t a date or a reunion.” At least that’s what Soul kept telling herself.
“Mmm-hmm. We’ll see. Remember, I was there when you guys fell for each other. Had it been left up to Micah, you two would’ve been married within weeks of meeting.”
True. Even if her friend was right, Soul wasn’t ready to go there. Otherwise, she’d have to come clean about why they broke up in the first place.
“Enough about me,” Soul said after one last look in the mirror. She turned to her friend. It was good to see Jada’s easygoing side shining through. Lately, she’d been a little down, going through a rough patch with her boyfriend. “How are you?”
Jada’s shoulders drooped, and she rubbed the back of her neck. “I’m all right. Just…I just have a lot on my mind. I need to make some serious decisions, and I’m still trying to decide on which direction to take.”
Soul hoped those decisions included Solomon—Jada’s longtime friend who was one of the nicest guys Soul knew. If only Jada could see how much he adored her and not just in a friend kind of way. The man would walk across a shark-infested ocean for the woman.
“Let’s table this conversation for another day,” Jada said. “Try to have fun tonight, and if you do decide to stay out all night, shoot one of us a text, so we’ll know you’re okay.”
Soul nodded. She wanted to ask more questions but instead let it go. Jada would talk when she was ready.
Soul took one last look in the mirror and ran her fingers through her loose curls that hung around her shoulders. Usually, she wore her hair up with a few strands hanging in her face to cover what she felt was a large forehead. Tonight, she had decided to wear it down.
“How do I look?” She slowly turned around in a circle with her arms out so that her friend could give her opinion on the outfit as a whole.
“Like you have to ask. You look as beautiful as usual. Heck, with that body you could make a potato sack look hot. I love the dress, but you better watch yourself. Micah won’t be able to keep his hands off of you in that sexy little number.”
Soul laughed. “Thanks, girl. I’m crazy nervous. I haven’t seen him in so long, and don’t even get me started on how long it’s been since I’ve been on a date.”
“So, it is a date?”
Oh crap.
“No,” Soul said quickly over her friend’s laughter. “It’s not a date. We’re just catching up with each other.”
“Yeah, sure. Tell it to someone who doesn’t know better. More than that, tell it to someone who doesn’t know how much in love you two used to be.”
Instead of responding, Soul grabbed her small handbag, checking to make sure she had her cell phone and house keys. She followed Jada out of the room and to the stairs, trying to tamp down her anxiousness.
It’s only Micah. Nothing to be nervous about.
That thought died when she made it to the bottom step and saw him. Butterflies took flight in her gut, and her mouth went dry. Goodness. The man had a visceral effect on her that Soul couldn’t deny. She still couldn’t get over how huge he was. The light blue polo shirt stretched across his wide, muscular chest, revealing just how fit he was. Her gaze went lower to the dark pants that covered powerful thighs and long legs.
“Hey,” he said, smiling, his gaze taking in her attire before returning to her face. “You look amazing.”
“You do, too,” she said, sounding like a high-schooler heading out on a first date.
“So, where are you kids going?” Jada asked, her arms folded across her chest as she and Janice stood nearby like mother hens.
Micah started to respond, but Soul stopped him with a hand on his arm. “Don’t answer that. They’re just being nosy. Besides, I’m sure Janice has already asked you more than enough questions. Bye, ladies.” Soul ushered him to the door. “Don’t wait up.”
“Amongst other things, I can’t wait to find out how the three of you ended up rooming together again,” Micah said, holding the door open.
“Yeah, I guess we have a lot to discuss.”
*
Micah sat across from Soul. The dim bulb in the light fixture over the table had barely offered sufficient light to read the menu a few minutes ago. Still, it illuminated just enough brightness to accentuate Soul’s loveliness and the gentle smile gracing her pretty lips.
“This is a nice place. I’ve driven by here a few times, and it’s bigger than I thought inside,” she said, her gaze steady on him.
When Micah chose the cozy restaurant, he had mainly selected it because of the diverse menu. He hadn’t necessarily tried to pick a romantic place, but that’s precisely what he’d done. Hushed conversations flowed around them and light contemporary music playing in the background only added to the relaxed atmosphere. But despite the calming environment, Soul was still fidgeting.
“I’m sorry if I keep staring at you,” she said, diverting her eyes as she nervously picked at some imaginary lint on the white tablecloth. “It’s just that it’s a little weird seeing you again.”
Micah reached out and covered her hand with his, and like each other time he had touched her tonight, a jolt of energy shot through him. It had been a long time since a woman affected him like this. “Relax,” he told her, squeezing her hand before slowly releasing it. “I know exactly how you feel. When I stopped by your dance studio, I wasn’t sure how you would respond.”
Deciding to break up in college had been a mutual agreement. At least Micah felt it was mutual since it had been clear they hadn’t wanted the same thing for their future. The last thing he had wanted to do was walk away from what they had, but he’d done it to protect himself. Whether she knew it or not, Soul had owned his heart and had the ability to hurt him like no other. He couldn’t let that happen.
“Sitting across from you like this is surreal. What’s it been, fourteen, fifteen years?” Micah asked.
“Well, I graduated from college fourteen years ago, and you left in my sophomore year. That means it’s been sixteen years since I’ve seen you.”
Micah lowered his gaze to the beer glass, his finger sliding up the side of it, catching some of the condensation. If he had to do his life over again, he’d start with his last few months at Morehouse College. Leaving after his sophomore year to join the Marine Corps had served two purposes—get away from Soul and find another way to pay for college.
Leaving had seemed like a good idea at the time. His and Soul’s desires weren’t aligned, which sparked his initial thoughts about leaving town. As for paying for college, without a scholarship, tuition proved impossible to pay out of pocket. When the meager paychecks he was getting from his part-time house-painting job didn’t put a dent in the cost, he knew he had to go a different route.
“All right, here we go,” the server said. “I have the ginger teriyaki stir-fry for you.” She set the sizeable steaming dish in front of Soul, “And the prime rib, potatoes, and vegetables for you. Can I get either of you anything else?”
“No. This looks great,” Soul said.
“How about you? Would you like another beer?” the server asked, nodding toward Micah’s half-empty beer glass.
He shook his head. “No, thanks, but could I get a glass of water?” He was off duty but had picked up an early morning shift. The last thing he needed to do was indulge in one too many beers.
“Sure, I’ll be right back with that.”
Before he could start digging into his meal, the server returned, setting two glasses of water on the table. As they ate, small talk about the weather, traffic, and Soul’s roommates flowed easily which didn’t surprise Micah. They’d been friends before they officially started dating and had never had a problem communicating.
“Tell me what you’ve been up to since the last time I saw you,” Soul said, now picking at her food. Micah didn’t know how she survived. Even when they were dating, she ate like a bird.
“Well, as you know, I joined the Marine Corps after leaving Morehouse. I did eventually get my degree in criminal justice.”
“That’s great. I wondered if you ever went back to school. I know a few people who took a break from college and never returned. Was it difficult to take classes while serving?”
For the next few minutes, Micah shared stories about his military life. It had been hard juggling serving and taking classes. Some he did online, while other times he attended night school when his schedule allowed. But not getting his degree wasn’t an option. Graduating college had been instilled in him as a kid, especially since his father barely had a high school diploma.
“What was it like for you in the military? Did you have to go overseas?”
Micah nodded. He rarely discussed his time in the military, not wanting to drum up memories that he’d tried to forget. Especially the ones where he’d lost friends, friends who were closer than brothers. Though he had sustained a few non-life-threatening injuries while serving, too many of his brothers in arms couldn’t say the same—some of the things Micah had experienced and witnessed while overseas would forever be burned into his memory.
