Permanent Resident at the Purse Table by Keisha Bass Read Free Book Online Page B

fat.’” She folded her arms. “That sound about right?”
    â€œI said I was sorry. Sometimes you tick me off and I lose control. But I do think we have something to talk about. I love you, Ava, and I can’t let this go.”
    â€œYou don’t have a choice in the matter.” She came up the rest of the steps and maneuvered around him. I should kick him while he’s down.
    He grabbed her hand. “After almost a year together, you can’t stop your feelings for me like that.”
    She jerked her hand back. “This was a long time coming. I just wanted a man and was too selfish to end it.”
    Ava’s pride and self-centered side could have made it another month or two with Xavier. Even though they didn’t go out much, when they did she felt lucky to have him by her side. His build, muscular and solid, looked nice against her stout frame. The strong outline of his jaw told more of his story. He was put together and exuded swag with every step he took.
    Xavier sauntered over to her. She could hear the overly starched crease in his jeans as he moved. “Why does this have to end?”
    â€œBecause I want more.”
    He placed his hand on her shoulder. “Let me be that more for you.”
    â€œYou’ve tried. And I tried, but I can’t do it any longer. I’m tired of the smart comments about my weight.” She backed away from him.
    â€œI thought I was helping you.”
    â€œHelping me?”
    â€œYeah. Like motivating you to want to work out. I don’t know. I sincerely apologize.” His eyes reminded her of a lost puppy’s.
    â€œThanks, but that was only part of it. All the phone conversations you mysteriously had to take in another room and phone numbers in your pockets.” She had several issues with him. These two were just at the top of the list.
    â€œI told you I was holding those numbers for my cousin.”
    â€œThen he’s cheating on his wife?” Ava double pumped her neck. He must’ve mistaken her for a naive teenage girl.
    â€œThat’s his business. I was lookin’ out for him. That’s my boy.”
    She lifted her right eyebrow and grinned. “Well, birds of a feather, right? Plus, I want a man who can lead me in the things of God. Not someone I have to drag.”
    He took hold of her hand. “I can be that, Ava. Please give me another chance.”
    â€œXavier, I’m out of them.”
    He leaned in and kissed her lips. She used both hands to push him back. Nice try. He went in again, this time running his hand through her hair, then resting his hand on her cheek. Shoot! She lingered in this lip lock a bit longer. Ava’s neighbor stepped out to throw away a bag of trash.
    The interruption startled her and she jumped back. “Xavier, stop.”
    â€œThere’s still passion between us, baby. Give me five minutes to plead my case. And if your answer is still no, I’ll leave you alone.”
    She put up the peace sign. “Two minutes.” Ava pushed the door back and held it open enough for him to slither in. When he brushed past her, his cologne left a trail, sending a shock wave through her body. Dang. He knew what scent to put on before he trekked over to her place. In the past, that fragrance had proven to be irresistible to Ava’s womanhood. She dropped her keys and wallet on the breakfast bar, and turned toward him with her hands on her thick hips. “So go ahead. Plead.”
    â€œI know I have my faults, like anyone else, but you make me want to be a better person. In fact, I am a better person when I’m with you.”
    â€œWell, I’m not. I’m a hot mess. Always worried about what you might say when I put on my clothes. Or when I take them off. Constantly thinking you’ll leave me when you find someone smaller. I just—”
    â€œAva. You’re beautiful just the way you are.”
    â€œI don’t feel beautiful with