It’s Saturday morning, and I’m lying in bed mindlessly watching TV. My attention moves from the TV to the pillow beside me where my phone is. I pick it up and smile when I see Righteous’s name along with a new message.
Righteous:
Tonight, I need you to put on your ‘mayor’s’ best. I’ll be at your spot at six-fifteen.
I have been home and in my own bed all week. Initially, I didn’t mind Righteous’s desire to keep me underfoot, but with the threats no longer a risk, I was safe to leave. So, I left the cozy warmth of my man’s arms and house to return to my place. At first, I felt uncomfortable because I knew Mom’s spies werelurking. But then I remembered that she disowned me, and I haven’t heard a peep from her since. It feels great to not have to worry about Mom’s heavy thumb or influence. I feel free to be me for the first time since I became an adult.
My doorbell rings, and my brows hike because it’s too early for Righteous, and I’m not expecting any visitors. I ease out of bed and slip into my robe and slippers, before I exit my room for the front door. I rise to my tiptoes to look through the peephole, and a wide smile forms as I quickly unlock the door and pull it open.
“Good morning, baby girl,” Dad says.
Tears instantly fall from my eyes when I see his wide smile before he pulls me into his body. While Mom and I have always had our differences, Dad has been my champion. Not talking to him has been the most challenging part of the separation between Mom and me.
“I missed you,” I whimper.
“I had to give the old ball and chain time to cool off. You know, happy wife or however that mess goes.”
“I know, and I’m not mad at you for standing by your woman.”
Dad is the most nonchalant man I know, and I know he loves his wife. I knew eventually he and I would connect, but I didn’t know when or how. When Mom digs her heels in, she becomes a brick wall. So, I’m sure she’s been giving Dad pure hell.
“I don’t care what’s going on between you and your mother; I’ll never abandon you. I’ve told her repeatedly to let you live your life as you see fit.”
A sigh slips from my lips as I step out of Dad’s embrace as he fully enters my apartment and secures the door. Then we move to the living room and sit side by side on the couch.
“I’m sorry if it’s been rough for you. But thank you for always advocating for me.”
“It’s my job. But who is this rascal your mother said you’ve been ducking and dodging gutters with?” The lopsided grin he wears only slightly lightens his intense eyes.
Oops! Maybe this is what brought Dad to my front door.
“I’m in love, and it’s crazy because I didn’t see it coming. But he’s everything I need. When I think about how he protects me, loves me, and comforts me, I can’t help but think he reminds me of you.”
“Hm. Then make sure he and I have an introduction if things are gonna become permanent.”
“I will.”
Dad and I spend some time getting caught up on things in the world of the mayor’s husband. Thankfully, the discussion doesn’t venture too deep into mine after I give him some high-level details about Righteous. Some things are meant to be left unsaid, and I definitely don’t want to discuss any sensitive information about Righteous or Baxtown Iron. After Dad leaves, I go through my closet to pick something to wear. Once that is done, time seems to fly, and before long, I am dressed and waiting for Righteous. My heart races, and a giddy smile forms when my doorbell rings thirty minutes later.
There’s something about having on elegant attire with a killer pair of heels in anticipation of being with my man that adds an extra sexy sway to my hips. My hands tremble slightly as I unlock my door and pull it open. My mouth drops, and my pearl moistens when my eyes connect with Righteous. Righteous is in a burgundy suit jacket, a white tuxedo shirt, a black bow tie, black slacks, and black shoes. The silver watch on his right wrist glistens like a chandelier. His full beard is pristine, and his hair is braided back into a man bun that rests at the back of his head.
“Damn,” tumbles from my mouth the longer I stare at the sexy package of my man.
“Touché, Navae.” Righteous smirks. His eyes shine with merriment and admiration, increasing my body heat.
Tonight, I’m thankful that I chose to wear black because Righteous and I will definitely complement each other. My dress is a one-shoulder, wrapped, glitter design that molds perfectly to my body and gives a peekaboo effect to my breasts. I also chose to wear a pair of open-toe heels with an ankle strap. Even with the extra height, I only come to Righteous’s chest.
“Come on before you have us fucking up my plans for the night.”
I grin before going inside long enough to grab my clutch and keys. When I’m on the outside of my apartment, Righteous takes my keys and locks the front door. Then he interlocks our hands before we walk to the elevator.
“Just in case I forget later, I had a great time tonight. Thank you,” I say when we enter the elevator a minute later.
“You deserve this shit.” My pulse races when Righteous lifts my hand and places a light kiss on it.
A giddy sensation flows through my body when Righteous leads me off the elevator and out the front doors, where a limo awaits.
“Oh. You’re bringing out the big guns, huh?”
