Page 146 of The Need to Know

“Hey,” I said as I came to a stop in front of her.

“H-Hey,” she breathed out, her eyes bouncing to her friend and back to me.

“So, what’s going on?” I played dumb and asked.

Nastasia’s eyes enlarged and she nibbled on her lip. “We bought the space next door and are opening another store.”

“Ah,” I said as I feigned interest. “Another store, what are you going to sell in this new store?”

Suddenly, Nastasia became indignant as she lifted her chin and stood straight. “Men’s clothing.”

I almost laughed as I leaned toward her. “And just what are you calling this store?”

Nastasia took off toward the back. “I don’t have to answer to you.”

Paisley was busy discussing the expansion of Shéc and how to keep it slightly separate from Hém.

I went after Nastasia into their backroom where she stood with her hands on her hips in the center of the floor, but lacking true attitude and anger.

“I-I was going to tell you,” she said.

“Uh-huh,” I said as I shut and locked the door behind me.

“I was,” she swore.

“If you were anyone else, I’d find a way to sue,” I said as I stalked closer. “But for you, I’m willin’ to settle out of court.”

Nastasia was cornered, looking to the right and left of her, knowing she had nowhere to go. Just how I wanted her. “I was going to tell you when you got to New York.”

I leaned into her face, wanting to kiss her, but refusing to. “Petty.”

Because she had some dignity, Nastasia stared into my eyes. “It was a good idea, and there are no stores close to us that sell men’s clothing. I’m not going to hide the fact that you inspired me, because you did. No store stays in business long next door, but I just have a feeling about Hém.”

“So you rope in the girlfriends first and then ease in the male clientele to head next door while their girls shop,” I theorized. “Smart.”

Nastasia pushed a hand through her hair. “Look, I⁠—”

Having lost my patience, I went and took her into my arms. Our first fight left us not speaking for a week and I couldn’t deal. At this point, I didn’t care who was wrong or who was right. “I want you,” I declared.

“Good,” she responded, trying to hold out.

There was a desk, a table, and a couch in this backroom. So many options to lay down how I really felt, but words were most important.

Before I could speak, Nastasia raised her hand and pressed two fingers to my lips. “I’m sorry. I know I look selfish, but I am really happy for you, Zeke. PVWN is going to be amazing because BLVCKJVCK is amazing. I’m happy you’re achieving your dream, and you have my full support.”

“Damn, all them movies you be watching and you couldn’t race to the airport before I left and tell me this?” I pretended to scold her.

Nastasia managed to snort. “Get over yourself.”

“I’m not over you,” I let it be known. I wasn’t giving up that easily on us. She selfishly wanted me to stay, and at a time, I’d selfishly want to just focus on my career.

Because I felt what I felt for her, here I was, man enough to compromise.

“I’m not moving to New York,” I told her loud and clear as I looked into her eyes.

Nastasia frowned and took a step back. “Ezekiel…”

I held my ground on this decision, making it more than just for my relationship, not that it didn’t play a large part.