Page 8 of The Way Love Heals

“Okayyy!” Maya agreed, and they slapped hands. “I was the same way, but all it takes is that one to calm you down and have you in the house.”

“No, seriously. With Asher and AJ is where I always yearn to be, but when I get a moment to myself, better believe I’m going to enjoy it.” Zaina’s attention was back on me. “So, enjoy it, girl. You’re safe with us, and I know Pilar has you too.”

Maybe, just maybe, they had a point. Being a boss and mother was what consumed me. I hadn’t had sex in over a month, and that was only because I had someone I could hit up whenever I needed an itch scratched.

Seeing how Asher was with Zaina made me happy for them but sad all at once. There was a time I desired for him to be like that with me. I wanted him to settle down and be a happy family with me and AJ, but it wasn’t in the cards for us. Secretly, I missed being in a relationship and having someone to call my own. I’d dated two people since Asher and I broke up, but when I realized things wouldn’t go anywhere, I stepped back. I only kept one around because the sex was so damn good, and he’d break me off whenever I asked.

Still, I wanted something solid and everlasting.

Ten minutes and three shots later, we arrived at the club. Immediately, I spotted Pilar standing to the side, talking to the bouncer. I recognized him from school, so I knew we wouldn’t have to stand in line.

“Oh, yes! Y’all better come through looking good as ever.” Pilar greeted us with a smile. “Happy birthday, Zaina.”

“Thanks, Pilar. You know you look good, girl. If I wasn’t a married woman, I’d be on you.”

“Don’t hype me up like that.” Pilar did a little spin and winked at Zaina before her eyes landed on me. She reached out and gripped my breasts. “Damn, Britt. Your boobs always look good, but it’s something about them tonight.”

“Oh, your ass is already feeling nice.” I slapped Pilar’s hands and took one in mine. “I am, too, so come on. Let’s get in here and get another drink to get the party started.”

As expected, we were let in ahead of everyone. The music was extremely loud, pumping through the speakers so hard that it felt like my body was rattling. Lance’s new track had everyone on the dance floor, but we headed to the section Zaina had reserved.

Bottle girls surrounded us with signs for Zaina. We cheered her on as they poured alcohol in her mouth before coming around and doing the same to us. The vibes were immaculate, and I was happy I decided to come out. We were all dancing and passing shots around. There were a few people who tried coming into the section, but Zaina turned them all away until she saw someone who lit up her entire face.

“Nyle! Is that you?” Zaina shrieked over the music.

All our heads whipped around to see who she was talking about, and everything around me instantly slowed down.

Never, and I mean never, had I laid eyes on a man so damn fine and divine. He waltzed into the section like he owned it, and I couldn’t pry my eyes from him.

Skin the color of espresso.

Hair long and curly like Jesus.

Dark, downturned brown eyes surrounded by curly eyelashes.

The neatest goatee connecting to an even more beautiful full beard.

Whoever the hell Nyle was, I wanted to know more about him.

My gawking session was interrupted by Pilar nudging me with her elbow. When I turned to look at her, she tilted her head to the side and gave me a knowing stare. I had to pick up my drink and gulp it down to calm myself. The way my body felt like a furnace from his presence was a shame. There was no reason that man should’ve had me contemplating going to the private restroom and DJing myself to visions of his face.

I knew that was the liquor talking, but I was sober enough to agree with it.

“Girl, that man is fine as hell,” Pilar whispered to me. “Imagine having that hair and chain hanging in your face while he whispers sweet nothings in your ear.”

Pilar needed to hush. I was already turned on, and she was making my pussy wetter from talking about him in such a manner. Needing a moment to get myself together, I told her I was about to go to the restroom. Of course, she wanted to come with me, and I didn’t protest. Between my thoughts and the liquor, it was best I go relieve myself and calm the hell down.

“Brittish, wait! Where are you going?” Zaina called out when I took my first, room-spinning step.

I turned around to answer, but she grabbed Nyle’s muscular, tattooed arm and brought him over to me.

Why did she do that?

He smelled too good. If I could take a bite out of him to satisfy my sudden craving for him, I would have. Instead, I looked at Zaina and smiled.

“I’m going to the restroom,” I informed her.

Nyle’s eyes were on me. From my peripheral, I could see them slowly taking me in from head to toe. His tongue wet his nude lips, and I had to stay focused on Zaina to keep my thoughts from running wilder than they already were. If he asked to take me to the bathroom and bend me over without even introducing himself, I would’ve agreed.