He smiled softly, holding me sternly, then leading us in a slow dance around his spacious room. “I got you,” he affirmed confidently.
I nodded. “I know. I got you, too, Pop.”
We danced until the song went off, never once tearing our eyes away from each other, further confirming what we both already knew. We were locked in for life.
Poppa led me back downstairs to the cookout once we were both back in better moods. Everyone was eating in the backyard already, so we made plates, then joined them. No one brought up what was discussed, but I saw my father pull Poppa aside. There was respect in his eyes when he held his hand out to him.
I wasn’t sure how long my mother’s silence would last, but for the time being, I was thankful for the opportunity to just breathe. So, I ignored her for the rest of the night, becoming completely lost in the oldies blasting from the speaker system. I even danced a few songs with my sons, which made it hard to dwell on her negativity. Everyone didn’t have to agree with themoves I made, but I trusted they were the best for my boys and me.
Chapter 10
Grai
My slippers scratched across the floor as I waltzed into the kitchen. I was heading to a Pilates class I saw someone post about on social media, but I needed to fill my water canister first. Lyrix remained in place with his hands pressed into the counter and his back to me.
I was happy he couldn’t see the way my eyes studied the curves of his sculpted back. His skin was so fucking perfect, like from surface to surface, he was covered in a smooth, chocolate complexion that looked edible. His amber scent carried over to me, causing me to inhale deeply. I discreetly wiped my mouth to make sure I didn’t have drool seeping into the corners. I did it just in time as he glanced at me over his shoulder with a sly smirk.
“Morning, Bubbles.” He greeted me in a deep voice that sent chills down my spine.
His eyes raked up and down my frame. I was wearing a red, wide-legged, cotton bodysuit that hugged my body. It was the perfect shapewear for working out, and I already knew I looked good in it. There was a dip in the back that left the majority of my back exposed. Lyrix licked his lips approvingly.
He folded his arms over his chest. “Where you going?”
I rolled my eyes. “Last time I checked, I’m grown,” I replied with a grin, crossing the floor to get to the fridge. I only had the door open a second before he snatched me up and began tickling me. I couldn’t stop laughing as he got me in the perfect spot. “Oh my God . . . Stop, Poppa!” I squealed goofily.
He paused to ask, “You gon’ tell me where you’re going?”
I tried to focus on his question and not his strong arms anchoring me to his chest. I felt breathless, and it wasn’t because of his tickle attack. It was the way I felt so safe and warm in his arms. His heart thumped softly against my back, and I wanted to download its steady rhythm to help me sleep tonight. It was so melodic. I knew it could rock me right to sleep. It rested in the same chest I’d slept on many nights, but never with the desire to trail my fingers over Poppa’s intricate tattoos or kiss up his defined abdomen.
I tried to clear my throat by releasing a cough. “I’m going to a Pilates class, nosy boots,” I finally shared with him.
He released me, and I sighed in relief. I couldn’t even turn to look at him, because I was too afraid of what I’d find. He hummed, putting distance between us. “Hmm, you might want to change. I’m not sure anyone will be able to focus on the class if you’re wearing . . . that.”
I spun around as my curiosity won. He had no time to lift his eyes from my ass to my face. He was totally checking me out, and I started to feel a little self-conscious about that. What did he see when he looked at me?
I waved him off. “The class is going to be full of women, Poppa.”
His head jerked back. “You act like bitches can’t be gay.”
I giggled before focusing on the task I came in here for. “Well, I’m not worried about that. I’m strictly dickly, boo.”
“Mmhmm, I know you better be,” he mumbled under his breath just as his phone began to ring.
I watched him walk over to the island and lift it. He read the name then tried to put the phone back down, but my voice stopped him. “Answer the phone, Poppa,” I encouraged him.
He shrugged before clicking the screen and propping the phone up. Because of how we were standing, I was able to get a tiny glimpse of the screen. My mouth fell open when I saw his fuck buddy, Karma, lying on her bed. She had on a skimpy nightgown, but what really got me was that her legs were wide open, and she strummed her clit like a guitar. I looked away in embarrassment because that’s what the fuck I got for being nosy.
“Oh, shit,” Poppa said in shock. He chuckled while pulling up a seat, eyes still focused on the screen. “That’s how you feel, Karm?”
She moaned softly, making me nearly throw up in my damn mouth. “Mm, yeah. I miss you, baby. Please come take care of this for me,” she cooed in a sultry voice.
I went to return the pitcher of water to the fridge, slamming it in the process. I wanted some grapes, so I went to the cabinet and pulled down a plastic bowl. I slammed that when it closed too. I didn’t care as I listened to Poppa entertain her.
He stroked his beard. “I thought you said you were done with a nigga?” He quirked an eyebrow, thoroughly enjoying the show she was putting on.
I tried to tune them out, and it was almost easy to do with how hard my heart was beating. When I encouraged him to answer the call, I didn’t expect this wave of poison to overtake me. I damn near saw red, knowing Karma had Poppa in a way I never would. What was up with that?
“I was just mad because I’m ready to be exclusive, but I understand that you’re not.”
