Page 42 of His Favorite Felon

“That’s like your eighth time asking, right?” he asked, fake-counting on his fingers.

I smacked his hand down. “Just tell me, pleaseeee.” I poked my lip out, trying to look pitiful. Although I appreciated the gesture, no one else had ever tried to surprise me. I learned that I didn’t like that feeling, not even a little bit.

“This is a surprise, Trouble. Sit back and put your seat belt on. We’ll be there soon.”

I folded my arms and did exactly what he said. I didn’t want to talk to him anymore if he wasn’t going to tell me where we were going. About ten minutes later, I realized we had turned into a garage parking lot. I was so caught up in my head, trying to figure out what the hell was going on, that I forgot to pay attention to my surroundings and look for clues.

He parked in a spot that said reserved. Before he opened his car door, he squeezed my thigh to get my attention.

“You ready for your surprise?” he asked excitedly.

“I… I am. Let’s get this over with so I can get my nerves back in order.”

“Why would your nerves be out of whack with me? Don’t you trust me?”

When I didn’t reply, he took his free hand and turned my head to face him before kissing me.

“Don’t be like that, Baby. I promise you’ll love it.”

I still didn’t reply. He got out of the car, and I almost opened my door to be difficult, but I held back. When he reached the other side, he opened my door and extended his hand to help me out of the truck.

When he noticed I wasn’t going to give him my hand, his whole body went stiff.

“Give me your hand, Trouble.”

I ignored him.

“Justice,” he spoke in a deep, demanding tone.

I rolled my eyes and slipped my hand into his. He dropped a kiss on my forehead and held my hand as we descended through the garage toward the elevator.

The glass had "SCR" written on it. I was racking my brain, trying to figure out where I had seen those letters before. As we entered the building through the garage, Chyanne was waiting for us. She was cheesing so hard that she almost ran me over when she charged at me for a hug.

“I can’t wait to hear you sing!” she said quickly. “When Chance told me…”

I cut her off. “Sing?”

“Yes, girl, sing. Welcome to Sweet Confessions Records.” She waved her arms comically.

“Chyanne, man. Step your ass aside. You act like you work here or some shit,” Chance said.

She rolled her eyes. “I might as well, since I’m always up here with my bestie. Who, without me, wouldn’t be seeing your peanut-head ass,” she said, then grabbed my hand and pulled me behind her while we waited for the elevator.

I could not believe I was in SCR. I would have never imagined walking in their lobby, let alone the garage. Chance really did his big one with that. Yeah, he told me he wanted to see me in someone’s studio, but to be at Sweet Confessions Records, walking the same hallways as some of my favorite artists, was so fucking wild. Imposter syndrome was real!

“Oh, my God. This is too much.” I covered my mouth in shock at the sight of a huge bouquet of white roses. There was a banner on it that read, TROUBLE.

“Nothing is too much for you, Trouble,” he said sweetly, as he wrapped his hands around my waist, pulling my back into his chest. “You ready to sing, baby?”

“Absolutely not! My nerves are shot, but best believe I’ll get ready.” I paused. “I knew you said you’d look out for me and find me a studio, but…” I paused again. “Don’t be mad, but I thought you were lying.”

“You know what? I could never be upset with you. Keep your guard up, baby. I only hope that someday your guard will come down for me.” he placed a kiss on the top of my head.

I turned in his arms and squeezed his lips together before kissing them. “I love you.” I froze at that admission. I had told him that several times when I was incarcerated, but I have yet to whisper those sacred words since we have reconnected.

He was completely unfazed by my reveal, which I could tell from how he kissed me in return. Instead of a quick peck like mine, he kept one hand around my waist and gently cupped my chin with his other hand. He held my face to deepen our kiss, and I swear, every time he kissed me, it felt overwhelming—like oxygen I didn’t know I needed. I had completely fallen in love with this man all over again, and if I’m being honest, I was pulled in deeper than I was before. And surprisingly, I was okay with that, because this version of Chance would be worth it this time.

“I loved you from the first moment I laid eyes on your fine ass. You’re my person. Don’t ever forget that.” He kissed me again, but this time it was quick because Chyanne interjected.