A slight moan fell from her lips as he kissed her again. Pulling back abruptly, Noble studied her with his seductive gaze.
“I did something for you.”
“Oh, yeah?” She angled her head.
Grabbing her hand, he led them into the en suite where there were candles placed throughout the space. A TV that was mounted inside the wall displayed a fireplace screensaver. D’Angelo’sAnother Lifesoftly bumped through the recessed speakers. Irish’s mouth gaped as she turned toward him.
“Baby, when did you do this?”
“While the boys were in the shower, I set this up for you.” He drew in closer, cupping her ass with his hands. “I would’ve had some wine for you but you gotta settle for apple juice.”
Irish gazed around the room, in complete awe at how Noble had set the mood. After the eventful day she’d had with him, this was the perfect way to end the night. Noble skillfully pulled the straps down on her halter top and helped her out of her skirt. He then tugged her thong down and walked her toward the tub. Helping her inside, she sat as the hot water engulfed her body.
“I’ll be right back.”
Irish nodded, too inebriated to speak because he had taken her breath away. She felt foolish for depriving herself from this type of romance. The kind that only lived in books and TV shows. She never thought this type of love existed. How could she when she only lived for Jovanis? He’d done sweet things but there was never any romance involved. Just platonic love and Irish couldn’t live off of that anymore.
“Sit up.” Noble interrupted her thoughts as he slid in behind her. With her back to his brawny chest, she felt there was nothing better than this.
“How did you know I needed this?” she asked.
The tips of his fingers trailed up her wet thigh. “I don't know. I just felt it.”
“Oh, so you're in tune with me like that?”
“Yeah, and it didn’t take much effort. All you needed was love.” He sealed his words with a kiss to her neck.
Irish was silenced, mulling over how fast she had fallen for Noble. Was she love starved or did he provide love so well that she had no choice but to surrender to him? Irish wasn’t certain but Noble was her only choice. No man compared. If there was a competition to compete for her love, there was no doubt he would win the championship.
“I made a decision recently that was hard, but it needs to happen.”
With one hand around her waist and the other holding her breast, he asked, “What’s that?”
“I've decided to cut my mother off for good.”
After all the agonizing memories, the disappointments, and manipulation, Irish was tired of carrying Daisy. She hadn’tdone anything to deserve what loyalty Irish had given her. She never even received a thank you for picking up her slack. Their relationship had been one-sided for years, and Irish was now prepared to cut the cord.
“What made you come to that conclusion?”
“I don't want to be in contact with her anymore. I’ve realized that I’ve enabled her. I still help her out with her expenses when she hasn’t helped me with anything. She doesn’t even contribute to my little sister’s lifestyle. That has always fallen on me and Jovanis.” Irish exhaled. “I guess I just realized that there is no benefit in staying in contact with her. I’m ready to let go.”
“You sound like your mind is made up,” he noted.
“It is. I’m going to tell her face to face. I think she should see how badly she’s hurt me.”
A ripple of euphoria hit Irish as Aaliyah’sChoosey Loverfilled the room. This had to be what bliss felt like, listening to ol’ school tunes while being wrapped in the safest arms in the world. If this was a dream, Irish wanted to stay sleep forever.
“I’ll make sure you have no more sad days from here on out,” he promised.
Resting her hands on his hairy legs, she asked, “How can you promise me that? What if things are out of your control?”
“Because I’m dedicated to you. You won’t have to struggle or be in pain. Physically or emotionally. What you used to suffer from won’t be anymore. I’m making that promise to you, Pumpkin.”
Irish could’ve evaporated in the water at that very moment. Noble’s word sounded like the law, as if it should've been written in the U.S. Bill of Rights. She believed him. He hadn’t proven her wrong yet. Turning around, she straddledhim. The temperature had risen inside the bathroom, and she wasn’t sure if it was due to the hot water or their scolding chemistry.
Their lips met, creating an explosion of passion. Her tongue snuck inside his mouth, reuniting with his. Irish was so high off this man. She wanted to live in his skin if possible.
“Promise me you’ll take care of my heart,” she requested, mouth covering his.
