Page 21 of The Love She Needs
Changing the subject, Aspen asked, “Why is this villa so big if it’s only the two of us?”
“Well.”
As if they had heard Aspen, Justin and Lavender appeared at the front door. Aspen couldn’t even be upset. Seeing her best friend instantly lifted her spirits. She released Lance’s hand andwobbled as fast as she could to get to Lavender, who met her halfway. Lavender wrapped her arms around Aspen, giving her a tight squeeze before grabbing her hands and looking her over.
“Damn, baby mama. You look so good.”
“That’s all you with your sneaky ass.” Aspen swatted at Lavender. “Your ass played like you didn’t know a thing.”
“I know, I know. It was hard as hell, but I didn’t want to give the surprise away.”
“And you!” Aspen jabbed her finger in Justin’s chest as he made his way over with his arms outstretched. “You could’ve given me a head’s up too.”
Justin chuckled and pulled Aspen into him, kissing the top of her head. “Nah, I couldn’t have. Hell, this was as big of a surprise to us as it is you. Lance hit me up last minute, but you know I wasn’t about to turn down a free trip.”
“Hell, me either.” Lavender agreed.
“Are you the only two here?” Aspen inquired, looking around.
The way Lavender twisted her lips, and Justin ran his hand down his face let Aspen know they weren’t alone. Seconds later, someone behind them caught her view. If Aspen could have withered away in the slight breeze, she would have. Salty, sour saliva filled her mouth upon seeing Mahari waltz out the house with Dynasty right behind him. When Aspen glared at Lavender, Lavender mouthed ‘I’m sorry’ before gripping Aspen’s wrist and pulling her off to the side.
“Imagine my fuckin’ surprise when I saw her here with him,” Lavender started and ran her hands through her blonde knotless braids. “I swear, I would’ve told you if Lance didn’t make us all promise to keep it a secret.”
Aspen couldn’t speak right away. Her words were caught in the lump lodged in her throat. The only way it would come out was if she released the contents of her stomach, which wererushing their way up. Hurriedly, Aspen searched for the nearest garbage can. She found it just in time for her to run over and hurl, with Lavender right behind her, holding her loose hair back.
“Are you going to be okay, Aspen?”
In between dry heaves, Aspen bobbed her head. She wasn’t sure if it was the jet lag or her emotions, but Aspen was going downhill and quick. All she desired to do was lie down and have a moment to herself. It wasn’t the way she envisioned the trip starting, but it was her reality.
A gentle hand rested on her shoulder. Wiping her mouth with the back of her hand, Aspen glanced over it to see Lance staring at her with concern. The urge to knock his hand off her shoulder was strong, but instead, she wrapped her arms around his waist with her head on his chest.
Slowly, Lance ran his hands up and down her back. “You okay, mamas?”
“I will be. I need to lie down for a little while.”
“Come on. Let’s get you inside then.”
With her hand resting in Lance’s, Aspen followed him inside. She couldn’t even enjoy how spacious and pretty the place was from feeling so bad. Another wave of nausea overcame her, and she ran to the nearest bathroom to relieve herself. At first, she thought the onset of sickness was from her nerves and emotions, but she was beginning to think it was something else. She thought back to everything she’d consumed that she usually didn’t, and the only thing out of the ordinary was the sparkling juice.
To Aspen’s surprise, Lance was being sweet and attentive. He helped her get situated in their master bedroom and tucked her in.
“You need me to stay with you?” Lance asked, and Aspen shook her head.
“I’m good. I’ll probably try to sleep it off, so you go enjoy yourself. If I’m feeling better when I wake up, I’ll call you.”
“Are you sure?”
“I’m positive.”
Lance leaned down and kissed Aspen’s temple and left. Immediately, Aspen’s hand went to her belly. She rubbed it in a circular motion to try and settle the twins who were playing soccer. The motion was soothing to Aspen. She continued to rub until her lids grew heavy.
Just as she was falling asleep, a light tap on the door interrupted her. The door didn’t need to be open for her to know who it was. She could feel his commanding presence engulfing hers.
“Come in!” she called out.
The door opened, revealing Mahari carrying a golden tray with a bowl and glass on it. “Sit up for me.”
Inwardly groaning, Aspen did as he told her to. Even though she wanted to sleep, she knew whatever Mahari had brought her would help settle her stomach. He set the tray down, and Aspen was grateful for the chicken noodle soup, ginger ale, and crackers.
