Hey, book bae!
Tomorrow is the day… Love’s Battleground goes live! Here’s one final sneak peek. Let me know in a comment if you’re ready!
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Amalia
Amalia valued communication and quality time. She couldn’t possibly marry a man who didn’t feel the same. For her first date with Montrell, he was proving they didn’t have those same values. He’d spent the first thirty minutes of their time together constantly scrolling on his phone. And even though he’d asked her to tell him about herself, he wasn’t really paying her any attention.
She thought, as a musician, he’d understand her love for poetry and music, but that hadn’t been the case. He did give her his undivided attention when they talked about his dreams and goals, though.
Though she hated being on her phone during a date, she’d rather be on it than look like a damn fool, staring into space while he was on his. With a sigh, Amalia pulled her phone out of her purse. Kawan had been on her mind like crazy. She didn’t like how things ended between them two days ago. It wasn’t her intention to come off as judgmental, but looking back on her reaction, Amalia could understand if Kawan felt that she was.
Unable to resist, she opened their text thread and sent, You still trying to get rid of me? 🙂
Not expecting Kawan to reply right away, or at all, she opened her Instagram app and uploaded the picture she’d taken of herself before she left home. Before she could finish her caption, her phone was vibrating with Kawan’s response. Exiting the app, Amalia held her breath as she read, I wasn’t expecting to hear from you again.
Amalia: Well… I started not to text you, but I wanted to let you know that I just needed some time to process what had happened the other day.
Amalia: I would still like to work with you.
Kawan: You sure? I ain’t no square ass church boy, Amalia.
Amalia’s eyes lifted to Montrell, who was still deep into whatever he was looking at on his phone.
Amalia: I never thought you were or expected you to be. I like you as you are.
She watched her phone intently as his iPhone dots danced around the screen, then stopped. He obviously had something to say but had changed his mind.
Amalia: Are you going to help me record or not?
Kawan: A’ight. Where you at?
Amalia: On a HORRIBLE date. He’s been on his phone the whole time, which makes me feel like he’s disinterested in me 🙄
Kawan: Damn. Where y’all at?
Amalia: Firebirds.
Kawan: In Cordova?
Amalia: Yeah. He said it’s his favorite spot, but I don’t too much care for it.
Amalia waited for Kawan to respond, but he didn’t. She alternated between texting Regan and scrolling Facebook while Montrell randomly asked questions that didn’t lead to full conversations. About fifteen minutes had passed before Amalia thought she was seeing things. Her eyes widened at the sight of Kawan. His hand lifted briefly as the hostess greeted him, eyes remaining locked on Amalia. He looked so damn good in his simple attire—crisp white T-shirt, dark-colored jeans, white shoes, and a black fitted snapback.
Lowering her head, she grinned. Not once did it cross her mind that Kawan would show up after asking her where she was.
“You ready to go?” he asked, not even bothering to address Montrell, who finally set his phone down.
“Huh?”
Without asking a second time, Kawan pulled a hundred-dollar bill from his wallet and placed it on the table.
“This should cover her meal and your time. ’Preciate you getting her out the house, my guy.” Kawan took Amalia’s hand into his, helping her stand. “You look beautiful, Molly,” he complimented, making her blush as she grabbed her purse off the back of her chair.
“Who is this, Amalia?” Montrell asked, sitting up in his seat.
“Oh. Um. Kawan,” was all she offered. “I think I have to go.”
Kawan’s half-grin as he wrapped his arm around her waist had Amalia’s nipples hardening.
“Did you eat any of your pasta?” he asked casually, leading her out of the restaurant.
“Are you seriously stealing me from my date?”
“Yeah. So did you eat?”
She chuckled as they exited the restaurant. “No. I just had a few bites of the lobster dip, but that’s all.”
“Cool. What kind of food do you like?” For a few seconds, all Amalia could do was stare at the side of his face. He looked at her, laughing at the sight of her partially opened mouth. “What?”
“You are something else.” She had to resist the urge to kiss his dimple when he licked his lips and smiled. “I missed you, Kawan.”
“I missed you, too,” Kawan agreed, opening the door of a purple Challenger.
“This is yours?” she asked, to which he nodded. “I take it purple is your favorite color.”
“For cars, yes. Black is my favorite color in general.”
Amalia inhaled a sharp breath when Kawan leaned down and buckled her seat belt. Their eyes remained locked for a few seconds before he removed a fallen eyelash from under her eye. Before he could discard of it, Amalia grabbed his wrist and whispered, “I have to make a wish.”
He smiled softly and nodded. Closing her eyes, Amalia inhaled a deep breath and made her wish. When she opened them, she blew the lash from his fingers into the blowing wind.
“What did you wish for?”
“If I tell you, it won’t come true.”
“Or you can tell me, and I can make it come true.”
Amalia chuckled as he stood upright. “What? Like God?”
“No. Like a man who has the power to give his woman whatever the fuck she wants…”
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Tomorrow!