“Best sleep I done had in weeks,” he said, rubbing his chest and looking me over. “What about you?”
“The best sleep,” I admitted. “I’m sore, though. My body is still recovering.”
Woods raised an eyebrow like he was proud of himself. “That right?”
“Yes. That’s right. You damn near blew my back out. I might need a chiropractor after this trip.”
He chuckled, slow and deep, then stepped behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist. “You complainin’ or complimentin’ your man?”
I tilted my head back so he could kiss my neck. “A little of both.”
We stood like that for a second, my back against his chest, his lips brushing the side of my face while I finished smoothing the casserole into the dish. He kissed behind my ear and pulled back just enough to look at me.
“What time your pops pullin’ up?” he asked.
“My dad said they’ll be leaving soon. He wants to beat the heavier snow.”
I slid the casserole into the oven and got to work on my favorite cinnamon rolls. While everything was in the oven, I took a little break as Woods hopped in the shower. Then, in a towel and all his fineness, we ate breakfast and he helped me get to work on the yams.
The full dinner menu consisted of Cajun turkey wings, honey-glazed ham, baked macaroni and cheese, candied yams, and collard greens with yellow rice and beans. Pretty soon, the cabin smelled like the set of Soul Food, and I was loving it.
???
I tw a sd a m nnear four-thirty in the afternoon by the time I was checking on the turkey wings in the oven. Everything was coming together beautifully. The tree was glowing softly inthe corner, and my playlist had been switched to a slower vibe. Anthony Hamilton, Jazmine Sullivan, Alicia Keys. All that R&B you clean and cook to.
I finally had time to shower again and get dressed for the occasion. I changed into a long-sleeved fitted red dress, fuzzy slippers, and gold hoops. I kept my makeup light with just a little concealer, a brow touch-up, and some glossy lips. Lastly, I unpinned my curls, fluffing them out for that soft holiday glam.
As I scrolled on my phone checking my notifications, I entered the kitchen to see Woods rolling up a blunt at the island, looking like a black God. He wore a black sweater, a chain resting on his chest, and grey denim jeans that fit him too damn well. Gucci slides on his feet. Waves spinning on his head. Beard combed and glistening. Wrist glinting with that watch I kept eyeing every time it peeked out from his sleeve. And he smelled like spice with a hint of weed.
“Damn,” I mumbled without thinking, biting my bottom lip as I stepped closer to him.
He looked at me, dimples popping out as he grinned. “You like how I’m comin’?”
“I like how you look like a damn magazine spread. Where do you think you’re going looking like that?”
Woods kissed my lips. “Just tryna make a good impression. You said your pops don’t play ‘bout you, right?”
“Not even a little bit.”
He nodded. “Bet. Then I’m gon’ show him I ain’t just ‘round you. I’m standin’ on business wit’ you.”
Before I could respond, the doorbell rang. I wiped my hands on the dish towel, gave myself a quick look in the mirror hanging in the hallway, and opened the door.
“Daddy!”
My father stepped in first, pulling me into a hug that always managed to make me feel like his little girl again—even when I was grown, sore from sex, and cooking for a house full of people.
“You got us out here driving through snow like we’re on the Oregon Trail,” he said into my ear, laughing, voice muffled in my curls. “But it was worth it. This place is beautiful.”
I grinned. “This is Christmas snow.”
Behind him, I finally looked up and saw his “lady friend.” She had a full-length caramel coat with a fur hood, red nails, and a smile that told me she was doing her best to be polite. She was pretty, though. Older than me but definitely younger than him. Her bob was on fleek, too.
“Hi. You must be Vanessa,” I said warmly, stepping forward to hug her too. “I’m Autumn. I’m happy y’all made it.”
“It’s so good to meet you finally,” she said, squeezing me lightly. “You look just like your father.”
“Don’t remind me,” I joked, glancing back as I heard Woods’ footsteps approaching. And just like that, it was time. I stepped aside to let my dad and Vanessa in, then turned toward Woods as he reached us. “Daddy, Vanessa… this is Quamaine.”
