"Juice, stop lying! That boy is not 19!"

I laughed watching Tyson smack his lips and shake his head as he ate a slice of cheese pizza. I raised my hands, shrugging. "I wish I was, but I'm not. Jayden is 19."

It's been a week since he asked me on a date, but we never actually went on the date because both of our schedules became hectic. Two workers at the restaurant were sick, and he had to fill in. So on top of his homework, shifts at the restaurant, and his classes at his father's center, along with my work schedule, it just didn't happen. Since we couldn't go on our date, we took the opportunity to learn more about each other. In the midst of learning, I asked him how old he was because he never mentioned his age and I thought it was weird. He informed me that he was, in fact, 19. I was kind of shook and I may have ghosted him for a day or two.

"So how do you feel about the difference? I mean, It's not a big one but where yo head at?"Amris, the oldest of all of us, asked as he pulled my boots up on my feet. Being the only girl sucks sometimes, but I love it nonetheless because it's princess treatment 25/8. I'm everybody's baby.

I shrugged and smiled a little, thinking about Jayden. "I don't have a problem with it. It kind of caught me off guard, though, because of the way he carries himself. You wouldn't even think he was 19."

"That's because he's not your average 19-year-old." Quin mumbled as he walked into the living room. He stretched and scratched his stomach while walking into the kitchen. He returned seconds later with a Core water in his hand. I shook my head because why was he just waking up?

Tizon smacked his lips in confusion, making everybody laugh. "Nigga, what do you mean average?"

"Instead of acting like someone he's not, he acts like his tax bracket. He's not out here pretending to be a hood or street nigga with his money. Y'all know how those Cedar Grove niggas are, and he's not one of them, and that's why I like him for Juice." Quin expressed, making me smile. He drank some of his water and laid his head on my shoulder. I love my Binky.

"Damn, you're right." Azaire nodded his head in agreement and grabbed a slice of pizza from the box.

Honestly, in my opinion, that's not even the least average thing about him. It's the fact that he doesn't have that little boy mentality. From our first conversation, I knew right off the bat that he wasn't your average Joe. He was well-mannered, respectable, and straightforward. He let me know what his intentions were exactly two days after we started talking, and that right there had me hooked. I love a man that knows what he wants. The vibration of my phone pulled me from my thoughts.

I leaned forward picking it up from the coffee table smiling at the message.

👨🏽‍🎨💙I'm on my way love.

I hearted the message and replied with a simple "okay" and a purple heart. I put my phone down and looked up, only to jump back. "Why are y'all staring at me like that?"

"That nigga got you cheesing like a Chester cat. Lord where is my gun!" Tizon screamed, hopping up from the couch, making everybody laugh. God just had to bless me with twelve crazy brothusins.

"Hold your wrist out, Junie."

I looked up to see Amris's 6'7 frame towering over me with a green Rolex box in his hand. I arched my brow, but held out my right wrist anyway. He opened the box, making me gasp, as he pulled the Datejust Rolex out of the box. "Nunu! Youfinna make cry! What's this for?"

"It was supposed to be a gift for your first month on the job, but I forgot, so here it is." He shrugged nonchalantly, making me laugh.

"Thank you, Nunu!" I expressed my gratitude and he nodded his head, kissing my forehead.

"So where is he taking you?" I looked at Quin and shrugged my shoulders.

"I'm not sure. He said the first part of the date is a surprise, but I do know we're going to that Italian bar room downtown for the second part."

I stood up and pulled my leather pants up in the process. I adjusted the watch on my wrist and grabbed my silver Telfar from the floor and started looking through it, making sure I had everything. My father was out of town on business, so I've been staying with the boys—didn't want to be in that big house by myself. My father, along with my uncles, built the boys' townhouses and they received the keys once they turned 18. The other side is rented out to single fathers and mothers. The only reason I don't have my own townhouse is because they know I need my own space and privacy with me being the only girl. So whenever I do decide to leave the mansion, I won't be coming here.

"You got your gun?"

I don't know who asked but I nodded my head, pulling out my coco Vaseline and rubbing some on my lips.

"He's getting out, Juice. Damn, that's a nice ass Porsche! Is that his?" I heard Vashun say, making me stand up straight, only to see them looking at the security footage. I shook my head. God, we need to have a talk.

"No, his Beamer is in the shop. Something was going on with the dash. That's his mama's truck." The doorbell sounded, making me smile. I slipped my glasses on my face and fixed my hat before throwing my scarf across my body.

I turned around and shook my head. They were all standing, getting ready to follow me to the door. I grabbed my phone and my purse by the handles and headed to the door. I pulled the door open and felt my smile stretch wide. We eyed each other from head to toe and smirked once our eyes met each other. I can't and won't even cap. He looked good. Baby's hair was neat and clean with four braids going back. He had on a blue Armani Exchange shirt, black distressed jeans, and the matching jean jacket. His feet were covered with a pair of University Blue Nike Dunks. Let's not forget the ice. The wrist was iced out with an AP and a matching bracelet.

"These are for you."

He pulled a bouquet of purple roses from behind his back. I grabbed them and sniffed them, smiling. "Thank you, Jayden."

He nodded his head and threw his hands up at the boys. "Wassup y'all?"

After a 15-minute introduction because someone decided to call the others on FaceTime, they now have a date scheduled for next week. Jayden will be taking them to the third level of Manqué Tre. Lord, why? I shook my head. Jayden held the passenger door open and helped me inside. I placed my purse at my feet while he shut my door.

"Have fun and be safe, Juicy!"

I laughed and waved at the boys before rolling the window up. Ms. Sonni had that illegal tint. I made sure my location was on before looking at the pictures I took.

I sent the pictures to Jayden's phone before tossing my phone into my purse. I wanted to give him all my attention tonight because he deserved it, especially since I ghosted him for a few days. I glanced at Jayden as he slid into his seat. He pulled the seatbelt across him and pushed the start button before pulling off.

"Why do you keep staring at me? I thought we were past all that. Say some love." He spoke and licked his lips, placing his right hand on my thigh.

I looked down at his hand and smirked. Alright now, Mr. Jayden. I opened my legs some more, which resulted in him gripping my thigh. "I can't look at you now. It's not my fault, you look good. I like your face."

He laughed, and it made my stomach flutter. Lord, what is this boy doing to me? Once we got on the main road, he sat back and relaxed in the seat. He started rubbing his hand up and down my thigh as he drove.

"Are you going to tell me where we are going or do I have to sit here in anticipation until we reach our destination?" I asked because the suspense was killing me, along with the brat in me.

"No, you'll see in a few minutes."

Ugh! I huffed and pouted, making him laugh. I don't see anything funny because what is a 'no'? I poked him in his jaw and folded my arms across my chest. He better be lucky. I know this is his only time telling me no. Ol' fine ass.

After a short ride, we we're pulling up to this building called Majesté Studios. Mhm, I wonder what this is because I have never heard of it. He killed the engine and threw his seatbelt off before climbing out. He jogged to my side and opened my door.

"Leave your purse." Jayden stated before grabbing my hand and helping me down. He hit the keyfob and led us to the building.

Jayden opened the door, letting me walk in first. As soon as I stepped across the threshold, the lights came on, and I gasped in shock. There were some beautiful art pieces displayed. I was astounded because the artist(s) was/were extremely talented. I mentioned how I had a thing for any type of art, and whew! I love a man that listens. I turned to look at Jayden, who was standing in place with his hands behind his back. He was wearing a small smile on his face. "You rented this out for little ol' me?"

He shook his head no, making me arch my eyebrow.

"No ma'am, this is my art studio and gallery. Outside of my parents, of course, you're the first to have a look inside." He said, smiling shyly while rubbing the back of his neck.

Awww! I pouted because my pooh is shy. I knew he said he was an artist, but I didn't think he was on this level. I walked towards him and stood directly in front of him, letting his Dior cologne invade my nostrils. I stared at his face, admiring all his features and the little things like the two "beauty marks" or moles on his cheek under his eye. The small scar above his eyebrow. His full and thick eyebrows, long curly eyelashes. I just like everything about him. Infatuation if you want to be technical. I wrapped my arms around his neck, which prompted him to wrap his hands around my waist. He smirked, and my eyes went wide. "I just know that's not a mouth piece."

How the hell am I just noticing it? He laughed and smiled widely, showing it off. "VVS's only."

I gripped his chin and ran my thumb across his bottom lip. He sucked on it slowly before releasing it. He kissed it and grabbed my hand. "Let me give you a tour, love."

I just might have to take some pain medicine the way my face hurts from all this smiling and smirking.

"So when do you plan on having your grand opening?" I asked as I watched him drive. I ran my fingers down the nape of his neck. We spent at least an hour at the gallery because we toured the building from top to bottom. He showed me his work and his students' work. He gave them their own floor and room.

"In a few months after graduation."

I nodded my head, making a mental note to search for potential gifts. His phone started ringing, and I glanced at his screen on the sly. A purple heart was calling him on FaceTime. I watched as he grabbed it and shook his head before answering.

"Emerie, why you not sleep, baby?"

Aww! I gushed at the sight. You could definitely tell that she had him and everybody else wrapped around her little fingers.

"I want you."

Lord, my heart. I watched Jayden pout and shake his head again.

"Lay down, Emmie." He muted his phone and sat it in his lap. I'm assuming he was going to wait until she went to sleep before hanging up. A couple minutes later, she was asleep.

"Grab my phone for me, love, and hang up."

I removed my hand from his neck and reached into his lap, grabbing his phone. I smiled at the screen. Baby was sound asleep with her thumb in her mouth. I hung up and placed his phone back in the cup holder.

"Explain this bar room to me." I said and grabbed his free hand. If you didn't know by now, my love language is physical touch. No matter what or who, I have to touch you. I think it stems from my upbringing of being around all boys who babied me and still do.

"My parents helped me find it, but it's like once you get to the bar, you're given a passcode for your own personal room upstairs or downstairs. You could order all the food and drinks you want, and you just have to pay the bill. It's kind of like a taste or tour of Italy since we'll be sampling different Italian dishes."

I nodded my head, definitely intrigued. Honestly, this has to be one of the best dates I've been on, and I've been on a few. "Ooo, what do you know about this?"

I got hyped once SWV's "Anything" started seeping through the speakers. I leaned up in my seat and started singing. He laughed and turned it up, letting the bass rock the truck. "Anticipation of what's to come! I'm so happy that I'm the lucky one. So long I've waited but it's never too late for love! It feels so right, baby that it can't be wrong! Where I am weak baby you make me strong. I'm down for you and whatever you want to do. It's all up to you becauseeee!"

I rubbed his face and chest as I continued singing. "Anything you wanna do! I am gonna try to. Boy, my body's just for you! Pleasure is the destination, you can drive us if you choose to! All my love for you!"

"Whatever method used is alright with me! As long as you get to where you need to be. This is the vision made for both of our eyes to see! It feels so right, it can't be wrong! Where I am weak baby you make me strong. I'm down for you and whatever you want to do. It's all up to you becauseeee!" I stuck my hand under his shirt and rubbed his six pack. He looked down at my hand and smirked. Yea! This all mine, putting the claim on early. I teasingly ran my hand across his groin, making him look up at me as we approached a stop light.

Before I could even blink, he had his hand around my throat. I masked my shock with a smirk as he tightened his grip. I mentally cursed once the involuntary moan slipped out.

"Stop playing with me, Orianne. I am not one of them." He said while releasing my neck once the light turned green.

Oh trust baby. I know you're not. I fell back into my seat and bit the tip of my index finger. After being put in my place and sitting in silence for a few minutes, we were finally pulling up to the establishment. Jayden pulled up to the curb. He killed the engine and raised the arm rest, grabbing his wallet before climbing out and walking to my side. He held my hand as I stepped out. I fixed my clothes and grabbed my purse.

I stood to his right on the inside of the sidewalk as he gave the valet his key.

"Come on, love." He called out and grabbed my hand, leading me to the door. I thanked him as he held it open for me, allowing me to walk in.

"Hi, I have a reservation under West."

I held on to his arm with my head laying on his shoulder as we walked upstairs to our designated room. He punched in the code and I was glad that we had a booth and not a table. I slid inside and set my purse to the left of me. I watched Jayden remove his jacket and throw it across the back of the booth before sliding inside across from me—facing the door.

"So Ms. Orianne, why did you ghost me?"

I pursed my lips to the side and smirked. "Oops."