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“Can I finally know what we’re doing?”
“Yes.” He agreed, accepting my key to lock the door behind me. “I’m taking you to the grand opening of Divine, and then we’re going to JDs for dinner and dancing.”
Excitement surged through me. Divine was the new Black-owned gallery that opened in the arts district. I hadn’t met Saveth, the owner, personally, but I’d heard some great things about her.
“Yay, this is the perfect date. I wanted to go to the opening but forgot when it was, and I love JDs.”
“I’m glad you’re pleased. Since this is our first date at home, I wanted to make sure we both enjoyed it.”
“Speaking of that…” I nibbled my cheek as we stepped onto the elevator. I wanted to be direct with Chandler, but I wondered how his answer would make me feel before our date. Should I have waited until it was over to broach the subject of our exclusivity? “I told Papa a little about us. He asked if we were in a relationship or just dating. Well, I told him I wasn’t sure if we were in an exclusive relationship or just dating. We were having a lot of sex, and that can sometimes blur some lines. Now that we’ve spent a night apart, can we talk about what we are?”
He chuckled. “There’s nothing to talk about. When I told you you were mine, I meant that. All of you, and I’m yours. I don’t share, and neither will you. We’re exclusive, and there will be space for no one else in our relationship. Does that clear things up?”
“Things are like crystal now,” I replied with a smile as he pulled me into his arms for a kiss that lasted until the elevator opened.
Now that we had that out of the way, I was ready to enjoy our date.
The gallery opening had been wonderful. We were able to see pieces from some well-known and newer artists. Chandler took it upon himself to introduce me to Saveth and let her know I was an art buyer, though I hadn’t officially started my business yet. I told her that I was currently buying for myself and those close to me, but Chandler wouldn’t let me downplay my abilities. By the end of the evening, Saveth and I were exchanging information to discuss me accruing art for her gallery.
“Hey,” I said, gaining Chandler’s attention. We’d drifted apart to talk to people we knew and had finally made our way back to each other.
“Yes, baby?” he replied, handing me a flute of champagne.
“Thank you.”
“For what?”
“Being a true partner and supporting me. Seeing things in me and believing in me.”
“That’s my job, Chy. You’re my crown. I’m going to always cultivate you and lift you up.”
I gave him a tender kiss. “You feel like the first real relationship I’ve ever had. The first time I’ve been with a real man who sees me as his equal. I love that for me.”
Chandler’s smile was sexy as he gave me another quick kiss. “I love you for me. You complete me. You’re the reason I feel like I finally know what a helpmate and rib is supposed to be. I know we’re still really early with the development of our new relationship, but I want you to be my wife, Chy. I want to spend the rest of my life with you.”
His words brought tears to my eyes. Before I could respond, we were given the surprise of his parents approaching us. I’d met them both before, but this time was different because Chandler introduced me as his woman. It felt surreal and like I wasn’t truly present as we engaged, because I was still processing his words. By the time we left for dinner, I was on a cloud that I didn’t think anything would pull me down from.
19
Chandler
“Whew.” Cheyanne released a vocal breath as we returned to our seats. We’d been at JDs long enough to have a few drinks and dance to a couple of songs. “I’m having so much fun.”
I didn’t realize I was staring at her until she laughed lightly and bashfully looked away.
“What’s on your mind?” she asked before sipping her wine.
“You. How beautiful you are. How good you feel in my arms.”
“Ever the smooth talker,” she cooed.
“Only to you.”
Now that we were back in our seats, our waitress came to take our food orders. I opted for steak with two sides, and Cheyanne got lobster. If she could, this woman would eat seafood and street food all day, every day.
“Did you make up your mind about school?” I asked, remembering she’d mentioned getting a fourth degree in art history.
“Still thinking about it. I have so many options, and I want to make sure I don’t stretch myself too thin. I feel like linking with Saveth tonight was confirmation that I’m going down the right path with getting that degree, though.”
