She had gone above and beyond, though. Candles were flickering on the picnic table, fairy lights strung across the backyard, and on the table was a large covered tray. He took thecover from it, and there were strawberries, chocolate, and wine on it.
Nahla was about to eat this up.
He chilled outside until he heard her calling his name inside. Because he left the patio door open, he just waited for her to make her way out. Seconds later, he saw the door opening wider.
“Cannon, are you out here?” she asked as she walked out.
By the time Cannon turned to look at her, she had already placed her hands over her mouth, and tears were in her eyes.
He stood and made his way to her. Before he could even wrap her up in his arms, Nahla fell into his chest.
“When in the world did you have time to do this?”
He kissed the top of her head. “I asked Capri to come and hook us up. That’s why she left work early.”
“I knew she was up to something. Oh my goodness, Cannon.”
“Today was a lot, and we haven’t had much quality time since we started working on your story again. I know how much you love stories and visuals, so I figured we’d indulge in your favorite things with a movie night.”
Nahla looked at him and puckered her lips. He met them with his in a soft kiss.
“This is amazing, Cannon. I love the way you pay attention to me.”
“I loveyou,” he said without thinking. He saw the shock on her face at his admission. To be honest, he was shocked himself. He hadn’t meant for that to come out, but he meant it, and he wasn’t about to take it back. Instead, he kissed her again and said, “Come on. Let’s go see what all Capri’s extra ass did.”
Nahla sipped the wine, and Cannon drank water as the second movie played in front of them. It had started raining about halfway into the first movie, but the large patio was screened in, so instead of hindering their date night, the rain just added to the vibe.
Once Cannon told Nahla that everything they’d be watching was his favorite movies, she locked in. She asked him questions throughout the film, like, “When was the first time you watched this movie?” “Which parts do you know by heart?” and “What made this movie special for you?”
The questions made Cannon laugh, because she was truly a journalist at heart, but they also had him falling for her a little more, because he could tell she was just trying to understandhimbetter. He wasn’t sure anyone had ever truly desired tounderstand him. It was different, and he was loving it.
Nahla was tucked against his side now, watching the last scene of the movie intently. Once the credits started to roll, she said, “I had never seen that movie before. I love it.”
Cannon chuckled. “I know you do. It’s good as hell.”
Nahla kissed her teeth. “Cocky ass.”
They were silent for a few minutes, until she spoke up again.
“Cannon, . . . why did you do all this?”
“I already told you. I wanted you to have a worry-free night. We’ve been on go for almost forty-eight hours. I just wanted to take care of you tonight.”
She looked up at him. “You’re really good at that.”
“At what?”
“Taking care of me.”
Cannon smirked. “I agree.”
Nahla rolled her eyes. “You’re gonna ruin me, Cannon Porter.”
Cannon shook his head. “I’ll be doin’ no such thing. I’on plan to do anything except love and protect you the way you deserve.” Nahla sat up and set her wine glass on the picnic table. She then straddled Cannon’s lap.
“I appreciate that,” she said and kissed him. “And I love you too.”
Nahla placed her hands on the sides of his face and pressed her lips to his again. Their kiss was warm and tasted of cabernet. Cannon deepened it, placing his hands on her hips and pressing her body closer to his.
