He glanced over at me. “So, wit’ Yohana… I loved her. Don’t get me wrong. But as I mentioned, God’s timin’ is everything. I couldn’t be what she wanted at that moment, and that eventually led me to you. I’m good wit’ knowin’ that.
Damn.I blinked a few times, trying to keep my emotions in check.
“That’s why I’m doin’ all this,” he added, motioning vaguely toward the cozy cabin around us. “Not just ‘cause it’s Christmas. Not just ‘cause you fine as hell, carryin’ my baby, and got me in a chokehold.” I laughed through my nose, covering my mouth again. “But because I wanna build somethin’ wit’ you, gorgeous. Ain’t no shortcuts wit’ me and you.”
I didn’t say anything for a moment. Just nodded slowly as his words soaked in. Because it didn’t feel like a game, it didn’t feel forced. It felt honest… and real. “You’re really a rare breed,” I finally said. “I know this baby wasn’t exactly planned…”
“I did manifest that shit though.”
I chuckled. “…but… I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
We finished off our plates while the music shifted into a slower R&B groove. Then, Woods stood up first, collecting both our plates like it was second nature. I sat there watching him move around the kitchen. He rinsed the dishes, loaded them in the dishwasher, wiped the counter down, and poured himself one last drink. The whole time, I rubbed my belly absentmindedly and watched him like I was seeing something unfold that I didn’t even realize I’d been waiting for.
“You good?” he asked, glancing over at me.
I nodded. “More than good.”
He gave me that look again. The one that always sat a little heavy. That look that said he saw right through me and didn’t plan on going anywhere. Then that slow-ass smirk crept across his face. “So, what you think? You tryna do dessert now or…?”
I looked toward the fridge where I knew cheesecake was waiting. “I mean…” I started, then paused.
Woods walked back over and stood behind my chair, leaning down, voice low in my ear. “’Cause I was gon’ say… I personally can skip the cheesecake and eat somethin’ else.”
I turned to look at him, already biting my lip, my eyes damn near rolling at how bold he said it. “I knew you would say something like that,” I muttered, trying to fight a smile.
He kissed the side of my neck, letting his lips linger. “You actin’ like that ain’t what you want.”
I let out a soft laugh, leaning back against him. “Mmm… I do. But I also want that cheesecake.”
He pulled back just enough to look at me, then dropped his head and laughed, deep and amused. “Aight. I see what’s goin’ on.”
“What?”
He leaned in again, hands sliding over my shoulders. “This baby got you switchin’ up on me already.”
I smirked. “Never.”
He kissed the top of my head and reached for my hand. “Come on. I’ll feed you your cake… then you gon’ feed me mine.”
The way he said it sent heat through my whole body. But I played it cool, standing up slow and steady as I followed him.
Iw a t c h e dA u t u m n ’ slips close around the last bite of cheesecake I fed her, eyes closed like she was savoring every second. She licked a little strawberry glaze off the corner of her mouth and hummed.
“Nah… see now you showin’ out,” I said, shaking my head, still holding the fork. “Got my dick hard as fuck and you know it.”
She wiped the corners of her mouth with the cloth napkin, then sipped her lemonade, all calm. “You said you wanted to feed me. It wasgoodtoo.”
“You tryna feed me now?”
She tilted her head and gave me that same look that had wrapped me up since the day I met her. I didn’t need her to sayanything else. I stood up, walked over, and slid my hands under her thighs, lifting her straight up from the couch.
She squealed and wrapped her arms around my neck. “Woods!”
“Yeah,” I muttered. “Scream my name again when we get upstairs.”
I carried her through the cabin and walked us right into the main bedroom to set her down at the edge of the bed. “Stay right here,” I said, stepping back. “I got somethin’ for you.”
She gave me a suspicious little smirk. “What now?”
