When You're Mine (MINE #3)(12)

“Maybe.”

Satisfied with my answer, everyone continued to eat, except Mia. “Have you thought about what we discussed?”

I laid my fork down, my appetite vanishing. “You want my answer now?”

Lifting her chin, she squared her shoulders. “Yes.”

“Fine,” I wiped my mouth. “No.”

Mia’s eyes filled with tears. “Barrett, I really want you to be in the wedding, you and Farrah both.”

I didn’t want to be an * to my sister, but the man sitting next to her left me no choice. “No.”

“Are you ever going to accept the fact that we’re together?”

I considered it for a moment. Would I?

“No.”

Mia’s tears dissolved into anger. “We’re getting married. We love each other. You need to get over it.”

“I don’t need to do a damn thing.”

“Alright, that’s enough. Keep in mind there’s a five year old sitting at this table. You two can continue this discussion after dinner.” my father said, laying down the law.

“There’s nothing to discuss. It’s clear his pride is more important than his relationship with me,” Mia bit out in her need to always have the last word.

I let her have it, excusing myself before I said something I would regret. This had nothing to do with pride and everything to do with trust and respect. Brent had shit on both. The man may be my future brother-in-law, but he would never again be my friend.





We fear the thing we want the most.

~ Robert Anthony





Kim, my sister from another mister, worked in the office at school. She was a beautiful, dark-skinned woman with natural curls, full hips and a great personality. She and I had grown close in the time I’d been here. We didn’t have a lot in common, but she made me laugh at least once a day-she was one of the craziest bitches I knew.

Kim stood up, bringing with her the massive arrangement of pink roses sitting on her desk. She placed them in front of me, cocking her head to the side. I loved her facial expressions. She was so animated and no matter my mood, Kim could always make me smile. “Delivery guy was posted up outside when I got here this morning. Said the fella who purchased these paid extra nice just to make sure they were here before we opened. Must be someone very special to go through all that trouble.” Kim bobbed her head, perching her lips, waiting for me to explain. I smiled, plucking the card from the top. I opened the tiny white envelope with my name eloquently scrolled across the front.



I could feel my face stretching beyond measure for the first time in forever. “Wow, I don’t think I have ever seen your grumpy ass smile like that. Did someone finally knock the dust off that *? I know you been trying to steer clear of the cock lately, but that look tells me you have failed miserably bitch.”

“Keep your voice down,” I whispered, shoving the card inside my purse.

“Ain’t nobody here? Well, that old crow Eckhart is here, but you know she can’t hear shit. I want dirt.”

“I’ll tell you everything at lunch.” Thankfully, that satisfied her.

My heart felt light in my chest, and the tingling warmth spreading through my body made me feel like I was flying. I practically floated down the hall towards my classroom. Setting the roses on my desk, I leaned in, inhaling their sweet smell. Flowers must have some kind of mind altering scent that renders women completely stupid. I hardly knew him. He was the last person I should ever want. Yet, here I was, with a big stupid smile on my face, anticipating the moment when I would be near him again. I really liked Barrett and if I were being honest, had feelings for him that were unmatched by any man. Ever. But I couldn’t have him, and I couldn’t keep him. So what was the point?

I typed out a quick text.

Thank you for the flowers. They’re beautiful and completely unnecessary.



I saw the little bubble pop up on my phone immediately, signaling he was typing a response. I squirmed in my seat and bit my lip, anxiously awaiting his reply.

...



You are very necessary.



...



I can’t stop thinking about you.



My heart, which was sprinting moments ago, was now racing.

Towards what?

Disaster.

Think with your head, not your vagina!

I quickly sent back…

I need you to stop this.



Stop what?



I hesitated.

Chasing me.



It showed the message had been read, but the bubble didn’t reappear. I waited a few more minutes, hope deflating like a popped balloon in my chest. What the hell are you hoping for? You did it.

No more Barrett, no more kisses, no more…

...



I just want to get to know you.



...



So I can f*ck you.



...



Then hold you.



OH. MY. GOD.

How do I respond? It was exactly what I wanted too. But I couldn’t tell him that. Unable to think of anything even remotely clever, I ignored the text and prepared for class.

Sitting across from Kim in the cafeteria, I didn’t have to wait long for her to start digging. “So tell me about sir-cocks-a-lot.”