“It means just what I said,” he says smugly before licking the side of her neck.
“I’m sleeping in the spare room,” she announces with faux conviction because she knows she cannot resist him.At all.
“A’ight,” he says and offers a nod. “We’ll see later, but let’s go down. My mom is waiting on you.”
“Do I look okay? This dress isn’t too tight, is it?” she asks as a surge of anxious energy penetrates her entire being, causing her words to spurt out and her hands to brush down her sides.God, I really like him. Let his family approve.
“I told you, bae. You look gorgeous. Your lipstick is still on and perfect and the dress looks amazing. They are going to love you, and even if they don’t, that won’t change how I feel about you. It’s me and you; so focus on that,” he tells her and she nods slowly, taking his words in.
“Me and you,” she repeats, then smiles.Me and him.After leaning up on the balls of her toes, she kisses him slowly and tenderly then says, “I’m ready.”
She heads to the bedroom door and he follows. Together, they walk down the hall then descend the floating stairs. Debrahspots them as they come down and her welcoming and excited smile spreads.
“Mom, Dad, this is Sunjiya.” Akeem says as soon as they are in the living room. “Bae, this is my mom, De?—”
“Debrah,” his mom interrupts, then stands. “I’m Debrah and that’s my husband Ahmad. I’m from Texas; we hug,” she says, then steps toward Sunjiya and pulls her in for a warm embrace. “I’m so happy to meet you.”
“Me too. I have so many questions about Akeem,” Sunjiya says, feeling instantly comfortable with Debrah.
“And I have all the answers. Come with me in this kitchen so we can talk.”
“Dad, get yo’ wife,” Akeem half jokes when Sunjiya walks hand in hand with his mom to the kitchen.
“Nah, I want a sandwich. I’m not causing no trouble that might stop my sandwich from getting made.”
Chapter
Eighteen
“I don’t likethis at all,” Debrah scoffs while shaking her head. Then she turns to Sunjiya. “I’m sorry.”
“Don’t apologize. I’m okay and I get it,” Sunjiya says genuinely.
“Well, I don’t,” Akeem grits. When he starts to walk toward Charis’s ride, Sunjiya steps in front of him.
“Don’t. I promise I don’t mind. It’s Quise’s day and that’s her baby. And even if she did this to be petty or mean spirited, so what? Don’t even mention it and give her what she wants. I’m fine, Akeem. I’m wearing the school colors. It’s okay.” Her right hand caresses the side of his face then she pecks his lips tenderly. “It’s just a shirt.”
“Bruh, she’s cool. Let that shit go. Charis is just being Charis,” Axton adds.
After kissing Sunjiya again, Akeem calms down and leans on his rental car. Sunjiya stands in front of him and his arm slips around her. Speaking low enough for only her ears, he asks, “Are you really straight?”
“Yes. I really am. Put your shirt on so we can go in. I’m going to see if your mom needs help changing,” she says before stepping out of his arm.
They’d arrived at the stadium about fifteen minutes ago for the homecoming game. Axton’s plane was delayed due to a thunderstorm in Houston and he didn’t fly in until this morning. Although he missed Quise’s send off to homecoming with Talesia, he had lunch with him today at the beach house. Debrah, with the help of Sunjiya, prepared her red beans and sausage, fried grouper, and salmon bites. Charis was invited but declined, saying she had a nail appointment.
The game starts in thirty minutes. To everyone’s surprise, Charis had shirts made for everyone except Sunjiya. The gesture was intentional and Sunjiya got the message loud and clear. She just refuses to let Charis know she’s bothered. Besides, today is about Quise and not Charis’s weak attempt to be petty.
“She’s good for you,” Axton says when Sunjiya leaves.
“I think so too,” Akeem responds.
“That shit could have went left with Charis but it didn’t. She kept yo’ ass in check over here,” Axton says with a smirk. “I like her for you. Quise likes her and Mom damn near planning a family vacation. She let her in the kitchen and you know she don’t play about her cooking.”
“I peeped that shit but I get it. It’s easy to fall in love with Sunjiya,” rolls off his lips so easily that it doesn’t even shock him.
“So she really got you? You’re in love,” Axton says, then nods. “And so is she.”
“I hope I’m wearing her down,” Akeem admits. Their connection and chemistry are undeniable. No doubt in his mind that she’s feeling him but he can’t help but think something’s holding her back, preventing her from totally giving in to him.
