If nothing else, he was leaving tonight thinking about this.
Five-thirty on the dot, the knock came. His knock.
I opened the door, and whatever I’d planned to say disappeared.
DaVinci stood there in a tailored black velvet tux that had to be made by the finest tailor. It fit his body so well. The jacket sat right on those shoulders, the crisp white shirt popped against his skin. His fade was crispy, like he’d just left somebody’s chair ten minutes ago. He matched my fly without even trying.
His eyes moved from my face, down to my heels, then back up. Slow. Thorough. By the time he met my eyes again, I felt heat on my skin.
“Damn, Halo.” His voice came out rough. “Spin for me.”
I stepped forward, and he met me halfway, his fingers catching mine as he turned me, then pulled me into him. His hand settled on my waist, and we swayed.
“You look…” He stopped, shook his head, eyes narrowing like words weren’t enough. “Angel, you got me speechless.”
“You don’t look so bad yourself,” I said, trying to sound regular and failing. “In fact, you look like every woman’s dream.”
“You’re wearing it,” he murmured near my neck, catching the scent. His eyes darkened. “Thank you.”
“You bought enough Pink Velvet to last me a while. It’s the least I can do.”
“I appreciate you coming with me,” he said, his tone hitting different. “I know it’s a lot, and I know I can be pushy, but I needed you to see I’m serious about this. About us.”
Us.
Partnership, teamwork, two people pouring into the same pot without losing themselves. That had always been the dream. Maybe this was the start.
“We should go,” I said, because if we stayed in my doorway any longer, I was going to say something my heart wasn’t ready to say yet.
“Yeah.” He still didn’t move right away. Just kept looking at me, saving the image to memory. “I keep tryna find the word, but I ain’t got it yet.”
“Thank you,” I whispered, grinning hard. I felt beautiful.
“You’re welcome, Angel.” He pressed a kiss to my forehead. “Now let’s go show you off.”
Outside, a black Rolls sat at the curb, the Spirit of Ecstasy gleaming under the streetlights. Langston stepped out and opened the door for us. I slid inside and found a bouquet of sunflowers waiting on the seat, tied with a yellow ribbon.
“You don’t play fair,” I said as he got in beside me.
“Never said I would. It’s a special night. Gotta be on some fly shit.” His hand found my thigh, calming me with its warmth.
The leather was nice, the stars in the ceiling were cute, but none of that compared to him invading my space.
“Mmh, you smell so damn good. I could eat yo ass up.” His tongue flicked over his lips, and I had to look away to get myself together.
“Sorry, baby, it’ll have to wait.”
He laughed, pulled me closer, and nuzzled my neck. Goosebumps shot down my arms when he inhaled and kissed that spot.
“Yeah, aight. Just stay close to me,” he said, thumb tracing circles on my leg. “But I gotta warn you, somebody might try me tonight. You might not like that reaction. You look too good not to attract attention.”
“You should’ve thought about that before you got me this beautiful dress and a full glam session. I can handle attention for one night. I earned it.”
“I know you can. That’s not what I’m worried about.” He glanced at me, eyes a little darker. “I’m worried about what I’m gon’ do if some nigga steps to you wrong.”
“Behave yourself,” I warned. “I’m a single woman, or did you forget?”
“Yeah, you keep saying that.” He smirked. “You know I’m in it to win it.”
