“Eww. Cut it out!” I shrieked. “The next time you touch my face I’m going to bite your finger off.”
“Don’t threaten me with a good time, baby.”
We got comfortable at a table leading to Minnie explaining the menu. Most of the choices were made months ago, but Loso’s dad asked for things to be added, and thankfully, the caterer obliged.
“Loso. Essen. A server is available to plate anything you would like to try. I’m going to step away and give you a moment alone.”
For a while, we sat in a snug stillness, sipping wine and munching on appetizers. I tried to ignore the sensation of Loso’s eyes on me, but I couldn’t sit still in a space of the unknown.
“All right. Stop staring at me and just tell me what’s on your mind.”
He placed his spoon on the table. “I really want to know what was onyourmind?”
“Are you referring to the kiss or the club?
“We can start with the kiss.”
My breath rushed out on a sigh. “I wasn’t thinking. The liquor had me feeling myself, and the vibes were right. You were looking at me . . . the same way you’re looking at me right now.” A quiet giggle shivered out of me.
“You go to Nightstand often?” he asked, changing the subject.
“I’ve been a few times.”
His gaze attached to mine. “The dude you were with . . .”
“What about him?”
“I’ve seen him before. He was at your graduation.”
“Damn. You remember that day?”
“I remember shit that matters. The day you walked across the stage, I saw how he watched you. He watched you so closely, I thought he was a creep.”
“Caleb isn’t a creep. We’re dating.”
Loso drove out a curt laugh. “I can’t believe that shit. No real nigga would have a woman he’s interested in inside of a sex club.”
“Listen, I understand all of this may be weird since you see me as a little sister, but?—"
“I ain’t ever said no shit like that. I always knew you were fuckable. I just . . . questioned if I could give you more than that. Then, I see how sad your eyes get when you’re texting or talking about ol’ boy, and my confidence returns. I would never have you out here like that.”
His declaration was just as satisfying to my ears as The Temptations Christmas album playing from the speakers. Never one to get excited by the affection of a man, I remained calm though my spirit whispered that this moment would be life changing. “What are you saying, Loso?”
“A few weeks ago, you asked me what I want for Christmas. I want you, Essen.” He tangled his fingers in the ends of my curls. “Is that too much to ask?”
“I don’t know yet. I’m not going to pretend like I haven’t thought about you—a lot. I’m just afraid of what will happen if we don’t work.”
“I’ll carry the weight of whatever comes our way. You just have to believe in us as much as you believe in Christmas miracles.”
Unsure of what I should do next, I let my body take control. I leaned forward in my seat and connected my mouth to his butter soft lips. Unlike when we shared tacos and drinks, I didn’t blame my actions on alcohol. I melted into Loso’s strong chest because I wanted to.
“Yeah.” He moaned. “We can go ahead and scratch everything else off my list.”
We shared a hearty laugh right as Minnie resurfaced, ushering in a tray with two gingerbread houses and sweet treats to decorate them with.
“Was everything to your liking?” Minnie wondered aloud.
“Better than I expected. I think Mr. Bricks is satisfied.”
