“She gave me a compliment. You never need to apologize for that,” I replied, tossing my hair over my shoulder.
“Cocky ass. Let’s get this started. I don’t want to be late for the tasting.”
I shook my head. “That won’t be a problem. I arranged for the caterer to meet us here, so we don’t have to travel for the tasting.”
His eyes widened as he slowly bobbed his head up and down. “I like how you work, Ms. Sharpe.”
Since it was Christmas time, the banquet hall of the venue was doused in red, gold, and green. A light breeze laced with notes of pine were just as vivid. As we ventured more into the building, a tall woman with long, blonde hair approached us. She introduced herself as Minnie, confirming she was the person I had been speaking with.
“It’s so good to finally put a name with a face.” I surveyed the room. “This place is breathtaking. The ornate chandeliers are enough to make anyone fall in love.”
“I’m happy to hear that. We aim to please.” She winked. “That’s one of the reasons we wanted to make sure you guys were taken care of. We’re aware of what our guests go through to secure their spot on the calendar. We didn’t want a change to throw off your celebration.”
Mrs. Terri started clapping. “That’s what I like to hear! I had the chance to tour the property when we booked the date, but can we have another look around?” she quizzed. “I know we’re only a couple weeks from the party, but my son is footing the bill, and I want him to see where his money is going.”
“Of course!” Minnie agreed. “I would love to show you guys around. Since we’re already downstairs, let’s start here.”
A few steps away, I watched the mama’s boy lean into her touch when Mrs. Terri caressed the side of his face. Years of being around Loso, and I could only recall his eyes goingthatsoft when we kissed.
“Ma Dukes. Are you sure you need all this space?”
“Yep! My church family has already committed to coming. Plus, we have family flying in. This place is perfect,” she confirmed, rushing to Minnie’s side and leaving us alone.
Hoping to put his mind at ease, I playfully bumped Loso’s shoulder. “She’s right. I reviewed and confirmed the guestlist. She has at least one hundred folks ready to party.”
“Yeah, a bunch of muthafuckas we haven’t seen in years.”
“Don’t be a grouch. Your parents have been together for decades. I’m sure there are quite a few people that have contributed to their love story that you may not even know.”
Loso’s conflicted aura washed into his hands when he slid his palms over his face. “I respect it. To be real, I don’t care if it’s one person or one hundred people as long as they’re happy.”
“Aww. Look at you getting all mushy,” I teased. “I don’t see this side of you often.”
“What do you normally see?”
A nervous giggle skipped from my lips. “You don’t want to know.”
“I asked, didn’t I?”
Before I could control my body, my lips twisted from side to side in a coy manner. “I mean, I’ve seen you as a protector … a hustler. A womanizer.”
“That would insinuate I play women. I have never done that.”
“Just because they agree to being hos doesn’t mean you aren’t a pimp.”
Loso dropped a contagious laugh into his fist. “That’s a cold ass analogy.”
“Yeah. Maybe a little dramatic, but you get me.”
“Yeah . . . I do.”
Something in the distance caught his eyes, making me follow his focus. The sight of mistletoe caused my heartbeat to pound so hard, I palmed my chest. “Loso.”
He grabbed my hand then pinned my arm above the small of my back. His dominance should have wrecked my brain, instead it started a leak between my lower lips.
“What are you doing?” I asked in a breathless note.
“The same thing you did two weeks ago, unless you want to get into what I saw you doing at Nightstand.”
