Page 9 of Bruised Hearts

“I’ll believe that when I see it.” Playfully, I rolled my eyes.

“Why you think they call me Breaker?” I looked at him to see if he was serious. When he held my stare, my mouth fell open.

“I thought it was because of your fighting style.”

“Naw, but I can show you how I got it.” This time, his eyes did hold a twinkle in them.

“No, thank you. I’ll stick to the rivers and the lakes that I’m used to.” He shrugged his shoulders as if he didn’t care.

“I figured you swam in lady lakes. Jit be dressing harder than me.” When I looked over and he was scrolling in his phone, I knew he was serious. I could have been offended, but I could see how one would think that.

“You tried it. I’m straight, Landon.” He got a goofy ass smile on his face before leaning in.

“I know, when I was teaching you how to swing, them nipples got hard. You might as well gone and give me some of that lil pussy tonight. I told you I’ll pay for dinner.” I hit him in the arm before smiling hard as hell. Before I could respond, his phone rang and I was happy. If the conversation went any further, I may have given in.

“Yeah, pops.”

“Where you at?

“About to grab something to eat. You good?”

“Yeah, I just wanted to wrap with you about this upcoming fight. Bring me something and come by the house.” I wasn’t trying to listen to their conversation, but he had the phone on speaker.

“I’m not in the area, pops. I’ll swing by tomorrow.”

“I can’t believe you still staying at a hotel, so you can stalk that girl. Take yo ass home.”

“Damn, you snitch ass jit. I’m not by myself.”

“Oh, my bad.” I couldn’t help the laugh that escaped my mouth. Landon shot me a look, but I continued to giggle.

“Bye, man. Damn!” He hung up and looked at me embarrassed.

“Awwww, you’re stalking me. You might get the pussy after all.”

“Oh, you toxic. I knew I was going to love yo ass.”

“You don’t love me, Landon.”

“Not yet.” Looking away from him, I stared out the window. Logically, I know it’s too early for him to love me. Emotionally, I wished someone finally did. I haven’t felt loved since my dad died, and honestly, I don’t think I know what that even looks like anymore I just wanted for once to feel like somebody thought I was worth choosing. “Don’t do that.” Turning, I looked back at Landon confused.

“Do what?”

“Get to overthinking. I know you have layers to you, but I don’t want to have to walk on eggshells. I’m a say what I’m thinking kind of nigga. I thought that was one of the things we had in common.” Not wanting him to know he was right; I played it off.

“I guess you don’t know me like you think you do. Now, can you quit trying to figure me out and feed me. I’m starving.”

“Yeah, okay. The more you deflect, the more I see what you don’t want me to see.” Ignoring him and the smirk his driver was giving me, I looked back out the window.

****

Getting out of the car, I tried my best to hide the smile that tried to creep up my face. Looking back at Landon, I waved and walked in the house. Actually, I damn near skipped. I was on a high, and I had no idea how I allowed this to happen. Since my father, I kept my emotions in check once I learned I was at this alone. I’ve had a few boyfriends, but the moment they got the pussy, they lost interest. I was never feminine enough and they just wanted to be friends. It hurt, but it taught me a valuable lesson. I was never going to be enough. With Landon, it’s like he saw more. He saw me. Putting my key in the door, I walked inside and got ready to climb the stairs.

“Don’t do it.” Hearing Stone’s voice gave me pause. Why the hell was he sitting in the dark?

“Do what? I’m tired and I don’t have time to play guessing games?” Stone finally appeared and after a great night, I really didn’t want to be bothered.

“Fall for him. For Breaker.” My mouth opened in shock, but I had no idea what to say.