Free Running Away From Love by Jessica Tamara Page B

felt like I had told him too much, but he listening quietly and intently. I couldn’t help but feel a little bit vulnerable. I didn’t want him to think I was just another typical bitter black woman because that definitely is not who I am. Right now I’m just super cautious with my heart. The only thing I left out was about me being pregnant by Trey. I felt like it was too early to discuss that with him. I didn’t know how he would react to that, or if he would judge me. Hell I still judge myself when it comes to that pregnancy.
    Q held my hand up and kissed it lightly as if he could still see the pain that still lingered within me.
    He said “Well, I know how it feels to have your heart broken by someone you love and trust. It definitely isn’t easy to deal with. I know being a professional athlete makes finding that one person hard as hell. You don’t know who you can really trust. You can never be too sure if they like you for you, or if they just like you for your status and money. The relationships I have been in trust is the hardest part. With my last girlfriend she kept thinking I was cheating on her, because of the traveling and the groupies. I mean yes groupies are a known part of the game. They will always be there, but if you can’t trust me then it won’t work at the end of the day. And just in case you’re wondering I never cheated on her. Was there temptation around me hell yeah it was everywhere. But I had love for her, and I practiced self-control. I guess everything happens for a reason you learn, grow, and move forward.”
    I listened to everything he said. He kept talking, “But can I be honest with you?”
    I nodded an okay for him to go on.
    “He really sounds like he was a little boy who wasn’t ready for you. He didn’t know what to do with you when he had you. Yes it is true you both were young and he may not have been ready for a serious relationship back then. But you seem like the kind of woman who will compliment, and make her man better. Chicks who don’t feel the need to rely on her man for everything only come along once in a blue. I’m not happy he broke your heart, but I am glad that he let you go so I could find you. I really do like you, Jasmine, and I know it sounds crazy being we haven’t known each other but only for a day. It’s just something about you that has my undivided attention. I can’t get you off of my mind. Your scent seems to be forever imprinted in my mind, and I can’t stop myself from thinking about you. One man’s loss is another man’s gain if you ask me. I can see in just this little bit of time I have gotten to spend with you, that you are very special. I hope I can get to know you a lot more, and really see how special you can really be.”
                  I looked at him and just smiled. It felt like I could tell him all of my secrets and dreams. I could actually trust him with them all. He seemed like he saw all of me without me having to even show him. I liked where our relationship was going. We were building a friendship first, and leaving the possibility of it growing into something more open. I like that it wasn’t any pressure. We are genuinely enjoyed each other’s company.
    As I gazed into his eyes, I said “I really appreciate you just listening to me. I never had a conversation with a man where he actually listened to what I say. I feel like I can talk to you about anything. I would love it if we got to spend more time with each other.”
    He smiled as he said, “I’m a real man and I am not afraid of a real woman when she is sitting right in front of my face. I have been looking to meet a woman like you for a very long time now. It’s crazy that you seem to be so perfect.”
    I smiled and said “I am not perfect at all, Q, trust me. I definitely have issues with men and trust right now. But what you said was cute though.”
    He pulled me in closer to his body, and kissed me on the forehead as I cuddled up next to