Aaaannndd SHE'S BACK ladies and gentlemen! Back with another chapter! I hope I fulfill some of you alls wishes with this one!

FOREWARNING!: There is some disturbing imagery and conversations on white supremacy. I DO NOT PARTAKE IN RACIAL DEBATES! THIS STORYLINE IS COMPLETELY FICTIONAL! If you are uncomfortable with these type of discussions, READ NO FURTHER! Absolutely NO negative comments will be tolerated!

Otherwise! Please be sure to review after reading for quicker updates on future chapters!

Jazmine attached the last wire to her Dell, touchscreen, desktop PC and turned it on. She adjusted the Bluetooth to connect to the keyboard and mouse and placed them on the desk. She took a couple steps back and looked at her office, which used to be her old bedroom.

She had two bookshelves with stacked up books, files, some pictures of her, her and her family and friends from college, and little Knick knacks distributed everywhere. There was a large, white rug under the glass and metal desk and black, roller chair and a comfortable arm chair on the wall. She also had her NYU Bachelor's degree framed and hanging up on the wall behind her desk, along with large print copies of Vogue magazine cover spreads distributed on the other walls. She had office supplies set up on the desk as well, along with the singular picture she first unpacked when she arrived.

It looked exactly how she envisioned it. She was thankful that she now had the luxury of working from home, to be away from the strenuous and stressful workplace environment, away from rude, bothersome, and gossiping co-workers. She was on her own time, and got to work at her own pace, but she still never slacked off.

She liked to be ahead of the game and finish projects before their due date, which was why her boss completely trusted her with her relocating and still working from home.

She heard her front door opening and closing but already knew who it was. She had texted Trisha to let her know she unlocked the door and to let herself in.

"Helloooo?" Trisha called out as she hung up her coat and scarf. Jazmine came out of her office and waved at her from the top of the stairs. "Ready to start your first day's work in your new home?...well…old home?" Trisha made her way up the stairs.

'Yes! I just finished up in here, wanna see?' Jazmine signed leading her to the office.

Trisha looked around impressed with her friend's new office. It was definitely a different room than when she saw it a few days ago. It looked like she had been working there almost her whole life. She was so happy to see her friend adapting so well.

"Wow! This looks great, J!" Trisha complimented. "Very nice!"

Jazmine signed thank you and walked to her desk, sitting down in her chair. 'It's going to be just the same as when we were in New York, minus all the distractions and annoying colleagues. We can be much more laid back here. But you'll be interpreting my phone calls and FaceTimes for me per usual.' Jazmine explained.

"Sounds like a plan to me!" Trisha said sitting down in the arm chair.

A few hours passed and Jazmine was well into her work. Trisha kept an itinerary and wrote down side notes and due dates along with her. Even though she wasn't paid for helping Jazmine with her line of work, she was happy to do it. She was no fashionista like Jazmine, but she found her career captivating and was pleased to assist her.

Trisha's pager vibrated on her hip and she pulled it out, looking at the number.

"I think this is Mr. Sullivan, from Miami?" Trisha said as she showed Jazmine it as well. Jazmine nodded and handed her her phone.

Trisha took it and dialed the number back and put it on speaker. The man picked it up on the second ring.

"Hello?" Mr. Sullivan answered.

"Hello, this is Trisha Romano, interpreting for Jazmine Dubois." Trisha stated in her professional voice.

"Yes, hello Ms. Dubois," Mr. Sullivan answered. "I am calling in regards to the Invictus conference in Miami. We would like Vogue to write a press release to increase attraction to our clothes-conscious public for the the new year." Mr. Sullivan stated.

" 'Yes, Mr. Sullivan, I have received and read over your proposal and I'm happy to inform you that Invictus will actually be our first conference to publicize in the new year. Just one moment please…' " Jazmine did some clicking and typing on the computer. " 'There seems to be a vacancy in representatives. If my publisher does not find someone by December, then...' "

"We actually would prefer you to be here for the conference, Ms. Dubois. We loved the publicity you put out for our partners and it would be our pleasure to invite you to portray our public image!" Mr. Sullivan said. Trisha and Jazmine both gave shocked looks.

" 'That actually sounds wonderful Mr. Sullivan! Of course, I would need my interpreter to accompany me as well.' " Trisha silently mouthed and signed 'Better act like you know!' Jazmine silently hushed her as she giggled.

"Of course Ms. Dubois! I'm sure you would need your interpreter for work as you do now. We would be happy have you both. The conference pays for the plane tickets and hotel rooms."

The girls did a silent celebratory dance.

"...Hello?" Mr. Sullivan waited for her response.

" 'Oh!.Umm, Yes! Thank you very much Mr. Sullivan.' " The two quickly remembered they were still on the phone. " 'I will have the invocation ready by the end of the month and my publisher will have it out to you.' "

"Very good, Ms. Dubois. Pleasure doing business with you."

" 'Likewise, Mr. Sullivan. You have a good day.' "

"You too. Goodbye," Mr. Sullivan hung up.

"Figlio di puttana!" Trisha said in Italian. "Three days in Miami? Madonne!"

'All expenses paid no less? Girl we better start doin' some shopping!' Jazmine compressed her right fingers and looped them in a circle from her left palm.

"Shopping?! Girl you got enough clothes to wear for 3 more years without repeating!" Trisha finished writing some last minute notes before pulling out her phone for the the hundredth time. She giggled and began texting back.

'You and Riley sure seem to be hitting it off' Jazmine leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms with a knowing look on her face.

"And how do you know I'm texting Riley?" Trisha squinted her eyes.

'Please, Trish, you two were on each other like white on rice last night. If I know him like I remember and I know YOU like I know I do, ya'll wouldn't waste any time.'

"Yeah, yeah, whatever," Trisha waved her hand. "We're just texting is all….In all honesty, the guy is fuckin' bonehead," she laughed and Jazmine smiled.

'Sounds about right,' Jazmine signed standing up and walking around to the front of the desk. 'But if it's one thing I remember about Riley is that he is very headstrong. He knows what he wants and he can even act irrationally to get it. But deep down, he's sincere and loving. He would go to war for those close to him.' Jazmine informed her.

"Wow…" Trisha exhaled. "I think I'm starting to see that soft center of is already." Trisha winked.

Jazmine felt her phone vibrate and saw it was a text message from an unknown number. She opened it where it read: Hey, this is Huey.

Jazmine grinned and texted back immediately. Hi Huey! How are you doing?

Huey texted back with the same timing: Alright I guess…teaching privileged, entitled kids about the hardships of our ancestors that their ancestors suppressed for centuries…peachy king

Jazmine mutely giggled as she typed away. Now it was Trisha's turn to notice her sudden change of mood. She watched as Jazmine smiled and…bit her bottom lip? Okay…now that she's never seen her do.

"I see I'm not the only one infatuated with a said, Freeman," Trisha hinted as she slinked out of the office with Jazmine in tow. "Look at us. Giggling and smiling like some teenagers who just got asked to prom."

'I gotta say it does feel,' Jazmine paused and simply smiled. 'Nice.' Trisha smiled back at her.

'Yeah?' Trisha signed back as she looked intrigued.

'I like how…he sustains the silence with me..you know?' Jazmine signed. Trisha nodded intently. 'Normally others feel so pressured to converse with me, like they think because I can't talk they have to talk for both of us. But the fact he's actually taking time out to sign? Says a lot…'

"Mamma Mia," Trisha kept her intrigued look. "So what did he text you about hmm?"

'He just wants to hit the city. Take a trip down memory lane type of thing. He says a lot has changed in Woodcrest so he wanted to show me around and stuff,' Jazmine tried hiding a smile as she looked at the ground.

'And what did you say?' Trisha signed excitedly.

'I haven't replied yet,' Jazmine signed nervously. Trisha sucked her teeth.

"Aaaghhh madonn! What you waiting for?! The man is trying to court you girl! Sounds like a potential date to me!" Trisha said as she made her way down the stairs. She grabbed her coat and scarf and began to put them on. "Remember what I said about living for yourself, hon'. Just enjoy his company. See what comes of it." Trisha winked at her again.

Jazmine rolled her eyes but nodded and hugged her. She always knew exactly what to say. She was always encouraging and positive. She could be crude sometimes, but she always gave her the reality.

'So, Wednesday?' Trisha made a 'W' in sign and made a circle. Jazmine nodded and opened the door for her. 'Okay, take care girlie.' Jazmine waved bye and watched her until she got to her car before closing the door.

She took her phone out of her pocket and finally replied back to Huey's text: I would love to! I just finished work, so just let me know when to be ready!

Huey closed his briefcase and headed out of his office. His last class was at 11:00 am, but his office hours required him to stay until 2:00. He had finished three appointments with students for tutoring and exam reviews. He was more than excited to get out of there for the day.

He made his way out of his building and to the parking garage, where the infamous, Freeman automobile, Dorothy, was parked in a reserved spot. He was the day-to-day driver of the Lincoln Continental because he had more places to be. Plus, he kept the car looking brand new, with how classic of a car it was, he made sure the maintenance and repairs were up to par. So, basically it was more or less his.

Before he got to the car, he was stopped by one of his co-workers Blake. He was a hefty, brown-skinned man with a neatly lined fade and facial hair going around his whole face. He and Huey were the only two colored professors on campus, so they automatically hit it off.

"Yo, Huey! You done for the day bro?" Blake asked as he loosened his tie.

"Yeah, man. Been a rough ass Monday," Huey took out his keys and hit the unlock button.

"I hear that! I'm 'bout to head down the street to Henry's Bar & Grill for a beer. You tryna tag along?" Blake offered.

"Nah, thanks, but I got plans for today," Huey declined. "Meeting up with an old friend."

Blake rose his eyebrows at him. Huey rolled his eyes at his expression.

"An old friend huh? Mr. 'I'm Done with Females' 'I'm Not Dating Anymore'?! Shittt I was beginning to lose hope for a brotha!" Blake joked with a hearty laugh. Huey just gave him his stale glare. "Man, I'm just fuckin' wit' you! You have a good time though!"

"Appreciate it homie," Huey said as they clapped and dapped. "See you tomorrow."

"Aight, bro," Blake waved as he went to his car.

As Huey sat down in the drivers seat, he got the text message from Jazmine, saying that she would like to see the city with him. He smirked as he typed a reply and then pulled out of the parking garage and off of campus.

Meanwhile, Blake sat in his car and watched as Huey pulled off. He picked up his phone and dialed a number, putting it up to his ear.

"Yeah, it's me….He said he's going out with an old friend, I couldn't get a name, but they are going out tonight though…aite." Blake hung up and started his car as well.

Jazmine's phone buzzed and she immediately stopped what she was doing and looked at the text: Great. I'm leaving work now as well. I'll pick you up at 3:30. It just turned 3:00 so she had plenty of time.

She replied back and continued with her hair. She had it in a high bun, which looked like a huge golden globe on her head. She finished styling her edges and then tied a blue and orange patterned, African print scarf into a headband around the crown of her head.

She applied some mascara, lengthening her already long eyelashes, and her favorite clear lip gloss. She went into her room and chose to wear a pink/peach knit, oversized Chenille sweater, a white tank top underneath, blue jeans and black suede Behati ankle boots. She wore big golden hoop earrings and her favorite rings.

Then she put on her gold, locket case, making sure her little pencil was sharpened and there was enough paper. She didn't want there to be any obstacles with communication. That would surely turn the night sour.

Jazmine patiently waited in her room for 3:30 to come. Meanwhile, her mind wouldn't stop racing. This would be the first time she's gone out with a man since…him. The first time being alone with a man since him. She honestly didn't know if she was ready.

She tried playing mind puzzles and card games on her phone to calm her down, but to no avail. The more she thought of him, the more she began to panic. Maybe this wasn't such a good idea. Maybe she should cancel. Maybe she should just pack everything back up and move to China. She didn't know what to do!

Jazmine went to FaceTime and called the only person who could calm her down at this point. Trisha's face appeared on the screen.

"Hey J! What's up girl?...Ouuu! You sure lookin pretty, hon'!" Trisha complimented. Jazmine signed thank you but she still kept her nervous demeanor.

'Trish, I don't know if I can do this!' Jazmine pointed at the floor then rested her forehead in her hand, her breathing visibly started to pick up.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa, hold up. Just..caallmm down okay?" Trisha said smoothly. "Now, what's wrong?"

Jazmine took a deep breath and signed slowly to her. 'I'm freaking out because I can't stop thinking about Matthew!' Trisha looked at her solemnly but nodded understandingly. 'I'm so excited to go out with Huey, but it pains me that I can't NOT think of him. I thought I was ready, but now I don't know. He's going to be here in 5 minutes and I'm a wreck! What do I do?' Jazmine stressfully put her hand on her head as her breathing began to pick up again.

"Jazmine, just breathe okay? Slooowwllyy!" Trisha took a couple breaths with her to calm her down. "Ragazza mi," Trisha sighed. "Now you and I both know you loved Matthew unconditionally and no one can question that. But Jaz what did I say before I left the house?"

'To not be afraid to live for myself,' Jazmine moped.

'Exactly!' Trisha signed back. 'Hon' it's been 5 years. You can't keep dwelling on it.'

'I know...' Jazmine wiped a tear from her eyes before it fell. 'I know.'

'Huey cares for you Jazmine. If you don't see it, then I am here to verify! The man is infatuated with you! He even started learning sign for you, you said so yourself! Let him show you a good time, make you laugh, hell get you into some trouble!' Trisha signed as they both laughed. 'You deserve to be treated. So let him okay?'

Jazmine took a deep breath in and exhaled slowly. She was right. She always was. She's been in solitude for so long, she had forgotten what company with a man was like. And Huey was definitely a solid note to start with.

'Okay…I think I'm ready.' Jazmine wiped away the last tear forming and shook all her emotions off.

"'Atta girl! Go have a good time okay?" Trisha said.

'Okay. Thanks Trish,' Jazmine signed before hearing her doorbell ring.

"Always here to help girl." Trisha waved goodbye and they both hung up.

Jazmine stood up and gave herself another once over. It was time. She was ready. She was going to think about herself and her enjoyment today and nothing else. It would all be fine.

She put on her black, double layered hem coat with faux fur on the inside, grabbed her purse and went to open the door. There he stood with that same unaltered, determined scowl on his face, but it softened when he laid his eyes on her.

"Jazmine…" Huey said her name so smooth, it could sculpt marble. "You look great."

'Thank you Huey. You do too,' Jazmine had to keep her eyes fixed solely on his face. He was dressed in all black from his button down, to his jeans, to his black Jordan 12 Retros, except for his leather coat. She stepped outside and locked the door behind her.

"Shall we?" Huey stuck out his arm, which she gladly looped hers around and he walked them to his car, which was still running. He opened the passenger door for her and she sat down in the seat. The heat was already blasting and he had turned on the seat warmers too.

When he got in, they suddenly locked eyes again. Jazmine was the first to break as she giggled to herself looking at her hands. Huey smirked at her. She was just as adorable as he remembered.

"I thought we'd start downtown. There's a new gallery I think you'll like." Huey said putting the car in reverse. Jazmine nodded as she put her seat belt on and they headed towards the inner city of Woodcrest.

Jazmine slowly walked throughout the gallery gazing at the paintings on the wall. Huey had taken her to a new local art gallery that was black owned. The paintings all reflected motherland appreciation, black excellence, black women empowerment, and some black civil rights leaders here and there.

There was one painting Jazmine stopped at for a long while. It was an abstract of an array of white faces, some with police uniforms, some in business suits, some in white blankets with cut-out holes for their eyes, some which looked like to be civilians behind police investigation tape with Xs over their eyes and mouths. Mixed in the middle were people of brown color, smothered in blood. Some were in prison clothes, one was being beaten with a club that was labeled "Dress to be killed". One in particular had his hands up, back turned, with "Don't shoot" on his back, along with multiple gun shot wounds throughout his body. There were newspaper clippings plastered throughout the painting as well, articles about L.A. police corruption, Chicago racial profiling worsens, Michael Brown, and Trayvon Martin. And above all of it on the right upper corner, was a white man, with orange skin and a flabby chin, and bright blonde hair, was playing the violin. Jazmine could tell that was President Grump from the elephant pin that was on his suit.

Huey came out from the back room to find her stuck in front of the piece. He walked up behind her and gazed at it with her. He's seen this painting loads of times, but seeing it again through her eyes was just as renewing.

"Captivating isn't it?" Huey said. Jazmine turned around to see him glaring hard at the picture.

'It's scary,' Jazmine held her hands in front of her like a scared reaction. 'Like white people are meant to be feared.'

"Very strong viewpoint." Huey nodded. "I think it shows white man's guilt. They have the first AND last say in any and every situation, then get quiet and turn their backs to all the bloodshed they cause." They looked at the painting several more seconds before they looked right back at each other.

'You surprise me,' Huey signed.

'How?' Jazmine smiled.

"When we were little," He said aloud, still signing the words he did know. "I used to think you were oblivious to white supremacy." Jazmine gave him a stunned look.

'Elaborate,' Jazmine crossed her arms waiting for his response.

"Well, you remember how Riley and I used to taunt you because…you're mixed, right?" Jazmine nodded. "So, in light of that, we believed you grew up with that supremacy, due to your heritage. Not that you knew, but it was clear to see you hadn't embraced your deeper roots."

Jazmine's lips started to quiver. Huey had quickly found out that she does that when she was just itching to say something. And he also knew, that he had probably just slightly pissed her off.

She opened her locket and started writing, her lips tightening and her writing frantic. Huey furrowed his eyebrows as he, watched her intently, waiting for her to finish. She ripped out the paper aggressively and handed it to him.

So being the ONLY black 1 on my mom's side?

The ONLY white one on my dad's?

Didn't feel so supreme 2 me

Dang, Huey!

Huey sighed deeply. "I'm sure you were aware of your color Jazmine. I only meant that you saw what you wanted to see in white people. But now, I realize, no matter what your skin tone or heritage, you've come to live under the 'One Drop Rule' haven't you?"

Jazmine smirked at him. 'I don't have a choice.' She slowed her signs down and mouthed them so he could understand her. 'I do admit, I was ignorant of how half my heritage, suppressed the other half. I love both my families very much. But classifying myself as black over white, not only gives me pride, but I feel safer.'

"So you feel safer claiming yourself as black?' Huey said with a confused look. "I must say that is the first time I've ever heard of that. How so?"

Jazmine began writing on the same note as the first.

Sometimes the angrier side has more to protect.

Huey looked at her amused after he read it.

"I couldn't agree more," Huey said softly as he smirked. Jazmine smiled back as she put her pencil back in her locket. "Let's go. We have more to see." Huey led her to the exit and opened it for her. He was honestly bewildered at her sudden transformation. She had changed more than he thought.

Throughout the afternoon, Huey had showed her some of his favorite spots and new establishments that were instituted while she was away. They had more discussions and debates, surprisingly to both of them, they didn't need any interpretation. They were able to communicate fluidly, without any hassle.

Jazmine was relishing in all of it. She was observant, optimistic, laughing, and smiling. She actually felt like a brand new person. And it was all thanks to Huey. He brought something out in her that she hasn't acknowledged in a long time. It was a very nice feeling.

They strolled through the Plaza of Woodcrest, arm-and-arm, but stopped at a fountain and sat down. Jazmine admired the beautiful Greek statues as the fountain projected water on them and it fell over their barely clothed bodies.

'Would you mind taking a picture of me?' Jazmine asked handing him her phone. Huey gave her an 'are you serious' look, not taking the phone yet. She jabbed him with it giggling. 'Come on, just one picture,' Jazmine mouthed and signed with one hand. Huey still kept his scowl, still not taking the phone.

"I can take a picture of you two, if you want ma'am," an elderly female bystander walked by with her supposed husband.

"Oh, no thanks, I don't do pictu.." Huey started.

"It's no big deal! You two are such an attractive couple! The lighting is perfect! You go ahead stand over there!" the woman took Jazmine's phone and gestured for him to go stand by her.

Huey rolled his eyes but complied. Jazmine suppressed a laugh at his reaction and plus how the woman just assumed they were a couple. But surprisingly, she wasn't as bothered by it as she thought she would be.

Huey stood beside her in front of the fountain and Jazmine faced in towards him.

"You can act like you love each other you know," the elderly woman held Jazmine's phone with both hands trying to get the zoom right.

The both of them looked at each other nervously. Jazmine could hear her heart beating through her ears as she inched a little closer to him to where she could smell his cologne, and boy did it do a number on her. It was so husky and stimulating, but sweet and lingering. She subtly inhaled deeply, savoring the tangy scent that filled her nostrils.

Her heartbeat increased triple time when she felt Huey's hand wrap around her waist and he inched closer to her as well. Huey could feel her tense up, but he still kept his hand plastered on her side, not moving it an inch. He couldn't hide the fact that holding her like this was pure heaven to him. He could smell the coconut oil in her hair, and the fruity Shea Moisture hair brand she frequently used. It was utterly intoxicating to him.

What really got her going was when she placed her hand on his stomach, which ended up to be rock hard abs! She could feel them through his coat AND his sweater. Good God Almighty! She was careful not to let her hand involuntarily wander.

"Okay, smile you two!" the elderly lady yelled as she snapped a photo of them. Of course Jazmine complied. Huey, not so much. "Hmmmm let me take a few more, just in case."

Jazmine and Huey readjusted their stance a little, still in each other's arms. And on the last flash, Huey had actually turned his head to look at Jazmine, a pure smirk crept on his lips, while she looked up at him as well, still smiling.

"Awww, now THAT was a good one! You two are really photogenic!" the elderly woman handed Jazmine her phone.

'Thank you,' Jazmine signed.

"Oh! Well, 'You're welcome!' " the woman signed back. "You two take care now!" The woman waved to them and she continued walking with her husband.

Jazmine turned to Huey, who had returned to his normal scowl. 'You should really think about modeling, Huey Freeman,' Jazmine signed as she sputtered a raspberry and began laughing silently.

Huey just turned around and began walking away. If Jazmine could call out for him to wait, she would. She just ran after him and took hold of his arm again.

The sun had started to set, and the temperature was dropping with it. They had stopped at a coffee shop for tea where they actually sat and sipped in silence.

Jazmine gazed outside the window at all the by passers. She couldn't stop thinking about those pictures they took together, the way his arm cradled around her, his big calloused hand firmly planted on her hip, how good it felt, how firm and statuesque he felt under her palm and how amazing he smelled!

Trisha was right. It really has been a while since she's felt this way. It did feel good and for once, she didn't feel the slightest bit of guilt!

Across the table, Huey was feeling the same thing. This woman continuously surprised him. He recognized that she has truly transformed into the ideal woman. The fact she couldn't speak was way in his rear-view. Jazmine was sharp, insightful, humble, and just drop dead gorgeous! Her slender waist was a perfect fit in his hand, the way her body conformed into his, her sweet aroma.

He's never known such a woman, never felt this mesmerized about a woman. But he felt like she was forbidden to him, like he couldn't connect with her the way he wanted. It was still something he felt that she was hiding. But he was persistent.

"Feel up to one more spot?" Huey asked setting his empty tea cup down. Jazmine nodded excitedly as she put hers down as well. "Let's go," Huey led her out of the coffee shop and to the car, where he opened the passenger door and let her sit in.

He drove them straight back to their street, Timid Deer Lane, but he went all the way down to the dead end, where there was a trail that led to an uphill field. Jazmine got a sudden wave of euphoria. She knew where he was taking her.

Huey parked right at the end of the dead end and turned the car off. He got out and opened her passenger door for her. When she got out he held out his hand.

"Come on," Huey smirked offering her his hand. Jazmine smiled and took his hand.

He led her up the trail, past the plateau field and then up the biggest hill, which had a giant oak tree at the top. By the time they reached the top, the sun had already set. The only light visible were the thousands of orange street lights that illuminated the whole region below them, like small scattered fireflies.

Jazmine sighed heavily at the sight. She couldn't remember the last time she was on this hill. This was where Huey would come to think and also where she would come following him to annoy him to death. They were kids then. But now, as adults, it was a completely different environment.

'It's beautiful,' Jazmine made a circular motion with her fingers around her face. She didn't remember the city being this luminous.

"Yeah, it is," Huey said lowly, but he wasn't looking down at the city. Huey could tell she felt reminiscent. He saw electricity in her eyes and aspiration in her smile. The orange lights created a golden hue on her face and it radiated her with warmth, despite the chilly air around them.

'Remember all the times you sent me down this hill crying and screaming?' Jazmine made crying motions with her fingers.

"You were a crybaby," Huey said in a stale tone. Jazmine made a shocked face.

'You were a jerk!' Jazmine playfully hit his arm. 'But you've gotten a lot less prickly over the years.' Jazmine said inching closer to him.

"I'm sorry. I didn't catch that," Huey looked her up and down as inched closer as well.

Jazmine grinned and was about to write it down in her locket, but Huey stopped her, grasping her hand in his. Jazmine looked up at him confused, but when she saw the look in his eyes and how close he was, her heart began to race again. If her heart kept fluctuating like this, she was sure she was going to pass out.

"Jazmine," Huey said in such a low tone Jazmine didn't know he possessed. He pulled her in close by the hand and rested his hand on her waist again. At this point, Jazmine was completely lost in his eyes. The yearning look he gave her burned into her soul, it was almost unbearable.

'I had a really great time tonight, and I think that…' Jazmine signed quickly.

"Shhh," Huey shushed her, taking her hands in his again. They traveled up her arms and down her sides. Jazmine shuddered under his touch. He looped his hands around her and down to her lower back, gently pulling her to him again. Jazmine was completely stunned. She couldn't move, she couldn't think, she couldn't breathe! "You know I've thought about you endlessly while you were away, just wishing I had expressed how I felt about you while you were here."

Jazmine's gasp got caught in her throat when Huey leaned in and kissed her on the cheek. Her hands fell on his arms. She felt how immense his biceps were, and how they bulged at her grasp. The heat between them was scorching enough that the wind blowing didn't even bother them. Huey was so lost in holding her again, it took everything in him not to act rashly. But she felt so damn good!

He felt her breath on his neck, causing him to stiffen. He gazed down at her again, and her eyes were filled with a deep and beckoning look. He lifted her chin more and bit his bottom lip in a way that made Jazmine melt…quite literally.

"What I gotta do to make you mine girl?" Huey groaned as he leaned his head in. He could feel her breaths quickening on his lips. Jazmine couldn't hold back any longer. She was so enveloped in his trance, it was literally impossible to pull away.

She closed her eyes and their lips met in a gentle kiss. Jazmine sighed through her nose as she relaxed. His lips…so warm and tender. He squeezed her into his body and continued to gently kiss her as they switched their heads to the opposite side, slightly beginning to deepen the kiss.

However, Jazmine could only enjoy this moment for so long, until her sadness overtook her again. Her lips quivered against his, releasing quick sobs, causing Huey to pull away. When he saw her tear-written face, he gave her a look of worry.

"Jazmine, are you okay?" He reached for her again, but she pulled even further away. "What's the matter? Did I do something wrong?"

Jazmine just shook her head and covered her face with her hands. She felt so ashamed. Everything was so perfect, but this fucking guilt was eating her alive! Her mind became so flooded, she started to get light headed. Her breath was hasty and her head was going cold. She had to leave.

'I'm sorry,' Jazmine signed. She was about to walk away from him, but he grabbed her arm. She stopped but she didn't turn around.

"Jazmine, just please tell me what's bothering you." Huey pulled her back to him, but she still sobbed silently, avoiding his gaze. He lifted her chin to make her look at him.

'I can't,' Jazmine signed shaking her head and hanging it down shamefully. Huey sighed frustratingly.

Her lips began to shake again. But this time it was because she was freezing. Huey noticed her shivering hands and jittering teeth and decided they had been up there long enough.

"Come on, I'll take you home."

He held her close keeping her warm as they ventured back down the hill. When they reached the bottom, Huey opened her door for her and sat her inside. He got in and he immediately turned on the heat and drove them back down the street to their houses, stopping at hers first.

Her crying had stopped, but he could tell she was still pretty down. They both sat in silence until Huey went to touch her shoulder, but Jazmine recoiled immediately.

"Jazmine, I'm sorry if I overstepped my boundaries. But I thought you liked it. I would never take advantage of you. I just want you to know that."

Jazmine opened her locket and began writing as slight sniffles escaped her nose. She tore it off and handed it to Huey.

U didn't overstep.

I did like it.

But I'm not ready

"Can I ask why?" Huey asked.

Jazmine looked like she was about to cry again, but this time, she bit the tears back. She tightened her lips and did a sequence of signs so quick, Huey almost couldn't read it.

'I am...'

There was one sign he did not recognize, where she shaped her left hand in a fist and rotated her right hand over it, scrunching it in a tight fist as well, like in a grinding motion. He didn't ask her to elaborate because he didn't want to upset her further.

She signed 'Thanks again,' and got out of the car without another word and went inside the house, never looking back at him.

Huey sighed and drove back across the street, parking in the driveway. He went back to his scowl as he grit his teeth and punched the top of the steering wheel.

What the fuck was I thinking? He thought. It was like they took two steps forward, but ten steps back.

He felt completely incompetent. The whole day was going so well and he just had to go and act on his stupid ass feelings! He reminded himself why he never expressed them in the first place. But why did he feel so vulnerable with her? He couldn't help but act on them.

One thing was for sure though. He needed to find out what she signed to him.

Meanwhile, three houses down, a car was parked on the curb. Rasheeda spied through binoculars as she watched Huey drop Jazmine off, and finally go into his house.

Perfect, now I know where the bitch lives, she thought.

So yeah! There ya have it! I would do some shoutouts but I'm honestly tired as all get out lol. But in all seriousness, I want to thank all my viewers for their reviews and support! Please continue to do so for sooner updates! Much love! XOXOXO

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