Her Obession

Talking stage

Across the city, Jayson sat on the weight bench in his home gym, a black sports towel slung over his head collecting his sweat as he tried to catch his breath.

With the day to himself and his three-year-old son at school until the afternoon, he took the time to work on himself. Both physically and mentally.

Wait For You by Future blared through his speakers as he removed the Nike fitness gloves from his hands, dropping them to the floor.

For Jayson, it admittedly took him a while to be able to balance being a father, a professional athlete, and whoever else the world required him to be. But he did it. He made sure to carve out time for himself where he could in his sometimes hectic life, but for the most part, his routine stayed the same.

When women came into the picture, he wasn't the best. He didn't have a never-ending revolving door or women, but when it came to females, he had his way with them.

Women of all ages and races flocked to him and rightfully so. At only 24 years of age, he'd managed to solidify his place in the league already and it wasn't an easy feat.

It didn't hurt that he was also a handsome young man, whether or not he cared to admit it. He

knew.

The later the day grew, the closer it got until he saw Tori, and, for a man who otherwise took a laidback approach to women, he felt excited.

She was one of the most stunning women he'd seen in a long time, but there was something else that drew him in.

The entire time they'd spent in her class he'd been watching her, the way she interacted with her students, and how caring she was for them. As a father, it was something he couldn't help to notice and it made him want to know more.

After a light dinner with his son, he began settling him down for bed. Carrying out their nightly routine together, before they said a prayer and tucked him in.

No matter what directions life pulled him in, before anything else, he was a father and that was the way it would always be.

Once Duce was out for the night, he started getting ready for his date with Tori. Keeping his outfit simple, he settled on a hoodie, some jeans, and a pair of exclusive 4's.

He knew he looked good as he checked over his reflection in the mirror, spritzing himself with some aftershave before grabbing his car keys and wallet so he could leave.

Earlier in the day he'd arranged for his mother to pick up a bouquet of roses for Tori, surprising her with a bouquet of her own.

Arriving at the restaurant within 20 minutes, he got out of his car, handing his keys over to the valet before making his way inside.

He didn't want to seem too formal, which is why he'd chosen to take her to a restaurant that offered both good food and jazz musicians. He didn't know much about her at all, but based on the fact she danced, he knew she had to have somewhat of a love for music.

Ordering a soda for himself, Jayson got comfortable as his attention went to the saxophone player on stage, who almost made the instrument sound like someone's voice.

The sound of a soft voice thanking a waitress pulled his attention from the stage, making him stand to his feet when he noticed Tori a few strides away from their table.

Picking up the flowers he'd brought her, he reached for her chair to pull them out before turning to her and almost completely stopping in his tracks.

He needed every little convincing of how gorgeous she was, but outside of the baddy sweater and leggings he'd first met her in, she was something else.

While her frame was petite, her body was still curvaceous and, despite how soft it looked, he could tell she took care of it.

"Hi." She smiled up at him, opening her arms so they could share a short hug before pulling away.

"These are for you." He smirked, handing over the flowers before helping her into her seat.

"Thank you." Tori blushed, hoping that, under the rather low lights of the restaurant, he'd missed it.

Jayson had so much more in common with Tori than he thought he would. The love and dedication she gave to her craft was something he was all too familiar with.

They spoke about their upbringings. Tori was right in assuming he wasn't a Boston native, the accent she picked up on was one from St. Louis.

His phone vibrating to life in the middle of the table grabbed both of their attention, making Tori smile as she noticed a picture of Jayson cuddling the cutest little boy as his screen saver.

"Is he yours?" She asked, praying she wasn't overstepping.

"Yea, that's my little man." Jayson smiled as he picked up his phone to show her a clearer picture of his three-year-old.

"He's gorgeous!" Tori gushed. "What's his name?"

"He's a junior, but we call him Duce." He explained. "Don't let the little smile fool you, he's a handful."

"I bet he is, but it also must be hard not to spoil him."

"You have no idea!" Jayson laughed.

The conversation flowed so freely and veered off into many different topics of discussion, neither of them realized it had passed midnight.

It wasn't until a waitress came over to ask if they were ready for the bill that they'd even taken notice of the fact they'd finished their food and drinks a while back.

Jayson watched with a mixture of confusion and slight offense as he watched Tori reach for her purse.

"What's that for?" He quizzed, as she pulled out her card holder.

"I was going to offer to get the bill," Tori explained, the look of innocence on her face as she spoke almost making Jayson laugh. She was serious.

"Why?"

"It's no bother, honestly." She defended.

"Even if that is the case, I would never invite you to dinner and expect you to pay. Are niggas out here doing that!?" He asked, making Tori fall out laughing.

"I don't know, but I'd still offer anyway." She giggled.

"Well, for future reference, if we end up going on another date. That credit card had better stay in your purse." He warned playfully.

"Noted. What about if I planned our next date? Could I pay then?"

"Still, no." Jayson shook his head laughing, making Tori do the same.