Free This Can't be Life by Shakara Cannon

man drives, especially if they look anything like Malachi. He could be on a BMX bike talking about, “get on the handle bars,” and I would hop on. With skin the color of caramel that looked as smooth as a baby’s bottom, he could be on a damned skateboard for all I cared. I’d hop right on his back and ride like that shit was normal.
    Malachi stood about six foot one with an average build. His jet-black hair was cut very low to his head. His goatee accentuated his beautiful, full lips, beautiful teeth, and dimpled smile. The small cut right above his left eyebrow added to his sexiness. He looked good enough to eat raw. He was beautiful and I was surprised that I hadn’t really paid much attention to him before now.
    “You all right?” Malachi asked, after hopping in the driver’s seat.
    “Yes, I’m fine thanks. How about you? Did you have a long day?”
    “Yeah, every day is long, but I like long days. It’s the short ones that I don’t like.”
    “Why do you say that?” I asked, not understanding his logic.
    “Well, I cherish every moment that I have on earth. As an emergency room doctor, I see people die almost on a daily basis, so I cherish every hour that I have. Plus, you age as every second goes by, so why would I want to rush that?” he asked, smiling.
    “That’s a good way to live life. I wish I could feel the same. There are some days that just don’t seem to end.”
    “Yeah, well, for me, it’s all about remembering things to be grateful for. When I was in med school, I wanted every day to be a short day.” There was a moment of silence and I could feel him staring at me. I looked at him and his gaze didn’t waiver though I was now staring back at him.
    “Why are you looking at me like that?” If I were any lighter, my face would be crimson. I knew I was blushing. My cheeks were too warm for me not to be. Malachi had that type of effect on me and it was all so sudden and surprising, to say the least.
    “I’m sorry…no, I’m not. Well, I am if I made you feel awkward,” he said, smiling that beautiful smile of his, “but, you’re breathtaking.”
    “Wow, breathtaking?” I asked, blushing.
    “Nothing but. No one’s ever told you that before?”
    “No, and I probably wouldn’t have believed them anyway.”
    “So you don’t believe me?” he asked, seriously.
    “To be honest, I don’t know you well enough to know if you’re just trying to flatter me or if you are being honest.”
    “There’s no need to try to flatter you. It doesn’t look like you’re lacking any confidence, and I can only keep it real. But I’m sure you know that you’re beautiful.”
    “That doesn’t really matter to me. I’ve never spent too much time worrying about how I look,” I replied honestly, looking at my watch. “Can I use your phone to call Simone? I know she’s worried to death right about now. I left my phone in the car…along with my keys.”
    “Sure.” He handed me the phone and I dialed Simone’s hospital room number. I’d come to remember it over the last few days.
    “Where are you?” Simone asked automatically, assuming it was me.
    “How’d you know it was me?”
    “Because everybody else knows that I should be home by now,” she laughed.
    “I locked my keys in the car. I’m in the hospital parking garage. Dr. Edmonds called Triple A for me, so we’re waiting for them to come and unlock the door,” I explained.
    “Oooh, we’re waiting? So that means you’re with fine ass Dr. Edmonds right now?”
    “Yeah the tow truck should be here in another 20 minutes, so I’ll be up there soon. Are you ready?” I asked, trying to change the subject.
    “Girl, yeah, I was born ready,” she said, laughing. “I’m watching the Maury Povich show right now anyway, and it’s funny as hell. I don’t know why anyone would go on a TV show to get a paternity test for millions of people to watch.”
    “I know, that show is full of drama. There’s the tow truck. I’ll be up