I didn’t flinch.
“Yes. I’m glad you’re here.”
I wasn’t lying. Amari made me feel safe.
“It’s my pleasure to take care of the things that need a little extra attention in your home. Just let me know what you need.”
Hold up. Was he talking about the house repairs or me? Nothing in me doubted that Amari knew how to treat a woman. His words tapped into raw emotions that I thought died with my precious baby.
“You’re a kind man.”
The words tumbled from my mouth as his closeness overtook my senses.
“You’re a woman who deserves kindness.” He tilted his head so close to my neck, I felt the warmth of his breath on my skin.
“Thank you. I’m glad you aren’t leaving.”
“You already said that.”
“Did I?”
My eyes widened as my mind turned to mush.
“Yes.”
“I said what I said.”
My words were bold. From Amari’s quiet presence at my dinner table to the strong, comforting way he presented himself in my basement, I wanted to spend more time with him and fly deeper into his orbit. I missed and needed joy, laughs, and smiles from someone whose presence made me want to crawl into his arms like a cocoon.
“I’ll stay as long as you need me to.”
There it was again. Amari and I were crossing an unspoken boundary, but it didn’t feel nasty. Although he was a big, grown man, he was pure and endearing too. Tonight, I would follow his lead with whatever game he wanted to play.
“I’d hate for us to get snowed in.” I lied so boldly that I was surprised God didn’t strike my ass down immediately.
“Me too.” Amari bit his lip, which was so close to me I could kiss him if I leaned forward.
Was he about to get struck down too?
Even in the darkness, I saw something good pooling in Amari’s eyes. My spirit felt his rising heat. His chiseled jaw called out to me, tempting me to caress him like a newborn kitten.
Amari’s phone dinged, releasing the invisible tether that connected us. He looked down at it and frowned.
“The storm’s shifted east. The weather service recommends that people stay in place for safety.” He swiped his phone off and met my eyes again. “That settles it. I’m spending the night.”
Thank you, God, for the little things.
Although Amari’s words were innocent, the meaning behind them took my mind to a sensual place. My eyes lowered to his firm, exposed abs. He didn’t move a muscle as I took in his form. When I looked into his eyes, he smiled, making me feel unashamed for admiring his body so openly. That radiant smile pricked my heart.
Something like the delight I felt for my students bubbled up in me. Although Amari wasn’t my man, I wanted to make our time together special.
“Do what you need to do down here, and I’ll make a hot toddy to keep us warm.”
Amari grinned, displaying his nice teeth.
“I’ll take extra brown in mine. I like my drinks strong like my women.”
Although Amari winked, I suspected that he was dead serious.
