“December 19th,” he answered. His furrowed brow expressed his confusion.
“I want you to remember the date of our first kiss,” she swooned.
“Oh, you one of those women,” he snickered.
“I’m absolutely one of those women,” she assured.“If we fall in love, you need to remember the important dates.”
“No ifs, E, only when,” he replied. Her attraction to this man was unreal. It was his confidence and his assertiveness that won her over most, but she saw so many qualities in this man that were lacking in her last relationship. She initiated the kiss, caressing the sides of his face as she started with slow pecks to his lips. When his tongue parted her lips, she shuddered because he filled her mouth so deliciously. His lips were soft, and his tongue sweet. One hand gripped her ass, pulling her into his body while the other gently pinched her chin. He moaned as he explored her mouth.
“Knock! Knock! Someone wanted to come see the suite!”
Ellie was grateful for the announcement. It gave her time to unravel herself from this man’s arms before her daughters busted them. She went to greet them, and he held onto her hand until the natural distance of her steps separated them. She looked back at him, and he winked at her, causing her to smile as she walked back inside the suite.
“Oh, it’s lit up here too, Ma,” Brooklyn stated.
“I know, right!” Ellie exclaimed. She glanced back at Loyal as he intently watched the game, and she wondered if she could handle this. He made her feel like a twenty-year-old girl again, and she wasn’t sure if that was a good thing. After their kiss, she was certain that she wanted more. If he kissed her lips likethat, she could only imagine the expertise with which he would handle the rest of her body. They watched the rest of the game as a family, and by the time it was over, Tessa was spent. Loyal had to carry her all the way to the car.
“It was so nice meeting you guys,” Ellie said.
“You too, honey. I’m sure we’llbe seeing you soon,” Tracy said. Ellie smiled and hugged the woman and then hugged his father as well.
They all climbed into Loyal’s Porscheand rode in silence all the way to her parents’ home. He gripped her thigh the entire way. She wondered if he knew he was setting her ablaze or if he was just naturally dominant. When they arrived, he exited the car and pulled Tessa from the backseat.
“Oh, no,I’ve got her. Trust me, you are not ready to meet my daddy,” Ellie said.
They all turned to the house as the porch light flickered on, and Brooklyn said,“Looks like heain’t got no choice.”
Ellie bit her bottom lip.“You want to come in?” she asked.
Her daddy stepped out on the porch with a shotgun resting at his side.
“Daddy, put the gun down,” Ellie said.“I’m a grown woman.” She was so embarrassed. She turned to Loyal with an apologetic grimace on her face.“I’m so sorry.”
“He just protecting what’s his, E. I respect it,” Loyal said. He stepped up on the porch carrying Tessa.“I’m Loyal Brier, sir. It’s nice to meet you.” Loyal extended his hand while balancing her child with his other arm.
“Bishop Whitlock,” her father returned.“Come on in and get my grandbaby down to bed,” he ordered.
“He was just leaving, Papa,” Ellie said, trying to intervene.
“Nah, he dropping my daughter off after midnight, hegon’come in here and have a nightcap,” Papa replied.
“Oh my god,” Ellie mumbled, mortified.“Come on, I’llshow you where to put her.”
Loyal followed her up the stairs and into the bedroom, where her girls were sleeping. He laid Tessa down on the bed.“I’llbe down. I just need to get her ready for bed. I’m so sorry about this in advance. He’s never not grilled a boy I’ve brought home.”
Loyal licked his lips and then bit his bottom lip as he nodded.“Don’t worry about it,” Loyal stated.“I can handle it.”
As he walked out, Brooklyn entered the room.
“Good meeting you, Brooklyn,” Loyal said, holding his fist out for a pound. She giggled.“Oh my god, you’re so old,” she critiqued, but she offered her fist for a pound.
“They don’t do that no more?” Loyal asked.
“Not at all,” Brooklyn smiled.“But you’re still pretty cool. Thanks for the tickets.”
“Anytime,” Loyal said, leaving the room.
“Papa just might shoot him,” Brooklyn giggled.
