Page 19 of Love’s Decree

“This whole thing has forced me to think about my future. Before I met Aasim, everything about my job felt safe. I chose the safe firm and worked cases I knew I could win. Being with him has made me want to change that. I don’t want to worry about my livelihood because of who I choose to date. I’m just having so many thoughts. Have you ever thought about leaving the firm?” I asked.

“Yeah. I’ve thought about it. I’ve wanted to make partner for so long, but it gets exhausting playing the corporate game. Sometimes, I want to see what it would be like if there was a firm for our people. Our clients find us, but there’re many more we don’t get to help. What you got in mind?”

“Aasim said something to me about helping the community when we first met. Ever since that conversation, I haven’t stopped thinking about starting my own firm. You know I take care of my mom. If I left, how would I take care of her?”

“Is that the only thing stopping you? If this has been on your mind since Aasim mentioned it, maybe you need to make it happen. I’ll come with you. Back in law school, changing the justice system was something we talked about. That will never change, so why don’t we step out on faith and try to bring change to the inner city?”

I didn’t answer her. Instead, I put a tea bag in my favorite mug and poured the hot water over it. It was a lot to think about, more than I could handle right at this moment, but a conversation I would need to revisit. Ava wanting to join me gave me a little push that I needed. I walked over to the couch, and Ava followed me. We sat around for the next couple of hours binge watching Beauty in Black.

During the afternoon, my phone buzzed with a text from Aasim.

Aasim: I hear your homegirl was ready to put Dobbs on his ass.

Me: Ava doesn’t play about me. I told Dobbs she was harmless.

Aasim: I’m glad you’re protected. Do you think she would mind if I stole you away from her for the evening?

Me: Just say the word and I’m all yours.

Aasim: Dobbs and Curry are going to drive you to my place. Be here by eight. I have a lot planned for you tonight. **Winking emoji**

Me: I can’t wait. **kissing emoji**

“What’s got you smiling so hard? Let me guess; it’s Aasim,” Ava teased.

“He invited me over tonight. OMG! What am I going to wear?” I asked aloud.

“Come on, girl. Let’s find you something sexy to wear for your boo.”

We got off the couch and headed to the closet in my bedroom.

Hours later, after feeling like I went through every piece of clothing in my closet, I found something to wear. I pulled my hair into a sleek bun on top of my head. Ava gave me a full glam look for my makeup. I settled on an orange halter dress that reached my ankles. The slit in the dress came up to my thigh and showed off my toned legs. I grabbed a pair of gold, strappy sandals and a gold clutch to match.

“Alright, friend, you’re looking good for biker bae,” Ava teased.

“Thanks for coming by and staying with me all day. I’ll be back in the office tomorrow, so you won’t have to hunt me down.”

“If you’re not, I know where to find you.”

We walked out of my place together. Dobbs and Curry were at the door waiting for us. Once outside the building, we waited until Ava got into her cab. Dobbs opened the back door to a black truck that was in front of my building. I climbed in, got comfortable, and enjoyed the ride to Aasim’s place.

The traffic was crazy, so it took us an hour to get to the other side of the city. Anticipation filled my belly as we got closer to his home. I thought about the kiss we shared last night at the club all the way here. As badly as I wanted him to make me cum until I passed out, I couldn’t pretend it didn’t make me feel warm and fuzzy when he told me he wanted our first time together to be special.

The car stopped as we pulled in front of Aasim’s brownstone. He opened the door with a smile on his face as he walked toward the car. Dobbs rolled down his window as they spoke. When he finished greeting Curry, he opened the back door.

“Hey, sweetheart.” He greeted me with a smile. Aasim held out his hand as I got out of the car. “You look beautiful,” he whispered in my ear.

My cheeks hurt from blushing. “Thank you. What do you have planned for me tonight?”

“You gotta wait and see.”

We walked up the stairs, into this place. This was my first time coming to his place. It was a beautiful two-story townhome. As we made our way inside, I took in the open-floor concept.

“I love how you decorated. Most men have a bunch of random pieces of furniture thrown about. Everything in this space feels intentional. The accent wall matching the rug is a nice touch.”

“Thanks. Come on. I made you dinner.”

I looked at him with a surprised expression. “You’re holding out on me. I didn’t know you could cook. What’s on the menu?”