“She’s reaching, baby. She has to blame somebody. She shouldn’t have been doing that dumb shit anyway.”
“I would never do something like this over a job,” I insisted. “I wanted the raise, but it wasn’t going to change my life. The money wasn’t worth sending her to jail over.”
“I can’t believe you’ve been keeping what she’s been doing from me,” Damar softly fussed as he rubbed my back.
I looked up at him with watery eyes. “She’s my best friend. She asked me not to tell anyone.”
“Well, you see where that got you.”
Sucking my teeth, I softly called his name in warning, “Damar…”
“Okay. I’m sorry. This night is supposed to be about us anyway, so let’s stop thinking about Mia and her drama.”
“That’s going to be hard since she thinks I’m the cause of it.”
“Can you at least try? You wanted me to give us some dedicated time, and I’m trying to do that.”
“You’re right.” Taking a deep, soothing breath, I forced a smile. “I’m sorry, baby.”
He smiled into my sorrowful pout, causing his bedroom eyes to twinkle. That convincing, charismatic expression reminded me of why I had fallen for him ten years ago.
He took my hand, leading me out of the bedroom.
In his quest to create a perfect evening, Damar went all out and arranged for a personal chef to whip up a dreamy candlelit dinner just for us. As we stepped into the dining room, I was spellbound by the transformation. It felt like we’d stepped into our own cozy, intimate restaurant. The table was a vision of romance, decorated with fragrant flowers that danced in the soft candlelight.
“It’s beautiful in here,” I swooned.
Damar’s proud, cocky smirk made my center thump.
As we sat down at the beautifully set table, the warm glow of candlelight casting a soft ambiance over the room, I felt much-needed comfort. The aroma of the chef’s cooking filled the air, tantalizing my senses with the rich scent of lobster bisque. The dining room had been transformed into a romantic, private restaurant, complete with elegant table settings and delicate floral arrangements.
“Aviana,” he said softly, his eyes filled with tenderness as he reached for my hand across the table, “I know how much you wanted that job, but please don’t forget that you are capable of achieving anything you set your mind to. You’re talented, resilient, and deserving of anything you want in life, and I’m here to help you achieve it.”
I felt a lump form in my throat as his words soothed the ache of disappointment that had been gnawing at my heart. “Thank you, Damar. I needed to hear that.”
“I want you to have everything you’ve ever dreamed of. We’re going to make it happen. I’m going to hurry up and put this baby in you so that you can go back to school, and I’m going to hustle sothat you can have all the help you need so that school and raising our child won’t be such a chore.”
“Thank you, baby.”
He smiled with an unwavering gaze as he continued to speak. “And as for Mia… She’s just hurt and lashing out right now. You’ve always been there for her. It’s not even in your character to do what she’s accusing you of. She’ll realize that soon.”
As I nodded, I finally felt reassurance settle over me. “I hope you’re right.”
Damar squeezed my hand gently. “I know I am.”
The soulful melody filled the air. Damar’s eyes lit up as he recognized one of his recent favorite songs. A playful smile danced across his lips.
Unable to resist the infectious rhythm, Damar started to bob his head to the beat. His fingers tapped lightly on the table. He glanced over at me, his gaze sparkling with mischief, and extended his hand toward me with a charming grin. “Come dance with me, baby.”
“Of course,” I replied with a smile, taking his hand as he pulled me up from my seat.
As we moved together to the rhythm of the music, Damar led with effortless grace, his movements smooth and confident. With each step, he exuded a magnetic charm that drew me closer to him, melting away any lingering worries or doubts. Our bodies moved as one, swaying to the intoxicating melody with a sense of unity and connection.
As the song reached its crescendo, Damar spun me around gracefully before pulling me close once more, his gaze locked with mine.
Looking into my eyes, he softly chewed on his bottom lip. His large hands then cuffed my ample butt cheeks. Staring deep into my orbs, he acted as if he was going to pick me up.
“You better stop,” I warned.
