Her Protector

Chapter 10: Tango

KEN

|What are you doing tonight, beautiful?

Ken’s lack of communication was starting to be less intriguing and slightly annoying. If he wanted to talk, why wouldn’t he just call?

KELIS

|I’ll be home for the night. No plans.

KEN

|That’s good. I’ll make Saturday so special, you’ll forget about tonight. I’m really looking forward to seeing you.

KELIS

|Really? I can’t tell. I haven’t spoken to you since the day we met. Are you always this mysterious?

KEN

|I promise I’ll make up for it tomorrow night. This week has been a little crazy for me and I want to give you all my attention. No distractions. Please forgive me, baby.

KELIS

|I suppose if you’re busy I shouldn’t make you feel bad. I’ll be there Saturday.

…

I got home and decided to start on my hair to prepare for my date. I turned the shower on and hopped in, making sure to give my hair a good wash and condition. Once I was squeaky clean, I got out and put on some sweats and a t-shirt. I got all my hair products and tools from the bathroom and sat in the living room to set up my workstation. Although I was still planning to go on this date, my heart was drawn to Khalil. Another short exchange with Ken left me longing for some real attention. My phone was in my purse and I went to grab it. I figured I could talk to him while I did my hair. I was planning to do a twist-out on my hair so I generously applied the leave-in conditioner and covered my hair in styling mousse. I placed the call and put the phone on speaker so I could be hands free. It rang once and Khalil answered.

“Kelis?”

“Hi Khalil. Are you busy?”

“Give me one second,” he said, “I need to finish something right quick.”

I parted my hair into small section and made two-strand twists. My hair came to the middle of my back when I stretched out my 4C curls. I usually wore a bun to work and only wore it out for special occasions.

“Ok, I’m here. I’m really glad you called.”

It seemed like no matter what he was doing, he would drop it just to talk to me. A huge difference between he and Ken.

“Well, I really enjoy talking to you.”

He had been so sweet to me, I felt like I needed to show my interest more. Maybe I should have just kept it reserved. I was starting not to care about keeping up the façade. I truly enjoyed the time I spent with Khalil, whether over the phone or at the café.

“I’m glad to hear that. I was starting to think you weren’t really feeling me.”

“I have to admit, I’m really good at keeping my guard up. I haven’t really been interested in anyone for a few years.”

“When’s the last time you were in a serious relationship?” he asked.

“About six years ago.”

“What happened? You had to be about eighteen, right?”

I exhaled sharply. I really set that up well.

“Khalil, I think you’re a really charming and sweet guy. I enjoy talking to you and have felt like opening up to you more than I have anyone else in years. This is just something I’m not ready to talk about and I hope you can understand.”

After a moment of silence he replied, “I don’t want to make you do anything you’re not comfortable with. I promise I won’t ask anymore questions about your past. It’s not going to change how I feel about you anyway. I want you to feel safe talking to me, though. I’m ready for anything, but only when you are.”

“Thank you for your understanding. I wouldn’t mind hearing about you, though. How is such a sweetheart out here single? Are you really a psychopath?”

He laughed at my question.

“I don’t think I am. I’ve stayed pretty busy for the last decade. My dad started this business about 20 years ago and I shadowed him when I was a teen and when he passed, I got my degree and took over. I’ve had a couple women in my life, but nothing long term. They always seemed to need me more than I needed them.”

“I see. So, you’re an eligible bachelor?”

“You could say that. I just think women these days aren’t used to a good man that wants to treat them right. They think he’s soft and easy to fool.”

“You don’t seem soft to me.”

“I’m not. A woman doesn’t need to see me as anything but a loving creature unless I’m forced to protect her. I will always be soft for my woman and strong when it’s necessary.”

Khalil was saying all the right things. We talked as I finished up my hair, cracking a few jokes along the way. I really got the sense that he was looking for his queen. I didn’t want to get my hopes up, but I felt like this could be a real possibility for me.

“So, what has you so busy this weekend?” he asked.

“Oh, I promised my best friend to help her move. I figured it would take all weekend so I didn’t want to just squeeze you in.” I said, hoping he would believe me and not question it.

“You must be really good friends.”

“The best. She’s my only friend, actually, and I’m ok with that. I would do anything for her.”

So, the lie was believable. I didn’t feel good lying to him about my plans this weekend but, to be fair, I met Ken first. The date was already planned before Khalil came crashing into my life. I welcomed it, though.

“Will I get to talk to you this weekend?”

“Of course! I can call you.”

“Great! I don’t think I can go too long without hearing your sweet voice.”

I liked that he was letting me have control over how we interacted. It made me feel a lot safer. We wrapped up our conversation and said goodbye. I ended the call, having completed my task, and went to the closet to start meditating over what to wear.