My wish had come true, Sophia finally agreed to come to New Orleans and spend time with me. She had invaded my thoughts, and was the reason I woke up each morning. I checked my phone for her messages before ever crawling out of bed. Messaging and talking no longer satisfied my craving, though.

I needed a good girl in my life, and I wanted somebody I could trust with my secrets and my heart. She hadn’t had many men in her life, unlike the women I’d been involved with in my past, and that made her even more desirable. My judgment had been off for most of my life, but I was finally on the right path. I couldn’t imagine her not in my life at this point. She knew I had feelings for her before she agreed to visit, but not the depth; I understood her weariness.

I worked all day while she drove to New Orleans. I asked to leave work early so I could get home to shower and prepare the apartment. I lived with a couple of guys and they weren’t known for their cleaning skills. I wanted everything to be perfect.

I wanted to get my hands on her—to kiss her. I shaved my head slowly, making sure not to miss a spot. I wanted to feel her hands glide across my skin. I trimmed my facial and body hair. I wanted to look my best for her.

When I was finished, I sat with the boys and waited for her to call.

“Dude, I can’t believe you’re having some girl come here for a weekend and you’ve never even met her before,” Tom said.

I shook my head, “She’s fucking hot, man. She’s unlike any other girl I know.”

“You don’t know her at all, what if she isn’t who you think she is?” Mark asked.

“What?” I asked with my brows furrowed.

“You’ve seen a picture of her?” Tom asked.

“I’ve seen a lot of pictures of her. We have friends in common. She doesn’t have a made up profile picture, if that’s what you’re hinting at, jackass.”

“Never know. I’m just saying, she may not be all that,” Mark said.

“Can we see some pictures?” Tom asked.

I flipped through my tablet to a special folder I had filled with pictures of Sophia. I tapped on a photo of her and turned it in their direction.

“Holy shit,” Mark said.

“Bullshit,” Tom coughed.

I swiped the picture to the side and her face filled the screen. Her large brown eyes lined in blue eye liner and gold shadow always caught my attention, and I knew the guys would be green with envy.

“That girl is coming here?” Mark asked.

“Yes, fucker. She’s staying here with me the entire weekend. Don’t be assholes this weekend. Remember, there will be a lady in the house.”

“You trust us around her?” Tom asked.

“I don’t plan on leaving her side… She’s mine, hands off… eyes too,” I said tapping the picture viewer closed.

“You going to date this chick or just fuck her silly?” Mark asked.

“I’m going to have her. She’s definitely girlfriend material, I’m drawn to her.”

“Jesus, you sound like such a pussy, Kayden.” Mark laughed and slapped the table.

“Fuck off.”

“Wait, what about those other bitches you’ve been fucking?” Tom asked.

“I haven’t seen either of them in a long time, I’m done with them. They don’t compare to Sophia. They were convenient and suited a purpose.” I said.

“Wow, you’re whipped and you haven’t even touched her yet.” John bellowed from the couch.

“I’m far from whipped, dickhead. I know a good thing; I have to do it right with her.” I told them.

My heart began to pound feverishly as my phone began to ring.

“It’s the moment of truth,” Tom said.

“Fuck off, all of you.” I quickly walked out of the room.

I checked myself one last time in the mirror, taking a slug of mouthwash and swished it quickly.

I walked past the guys, ignoring them to make my way outside, not wanting to miss her pulling in the parking lot. I sat in my truck and watched the street. I wanted to get a glimpse of her before she saw me. I thought about hiding, but Sophia didn’t like surprises. I felt like I could barely breathe. She pulled into the drive and up to the gate. She was even more beautiful in person than I had imagined.

Would she still like me when she met me? God, I hoped so.

She looked around and zoomed in on me. Her face instantly broke out into a bright white smile. Thank God, she must not be disappointed. I opened the gate using the remote in my truck and waited for her to pull around. She pulled into the empty parking spot next to mine and turned the car off quickly.

Seeing her now made me realize that I’d been a fool. I’d given up on love and a happy future, but she made me realize that it was still possible and my heart wasn’t dead.

New Orleans