Righteous nudges me, and I mentally shake myself before I order a glass of wine. Righteous shocks me when he requests the same. If I didn’t know I loved Righteous before, I certainly do now. He’s already showing me the best of whatever world he’s in. I feel like I’ve won the jackpot more than ever.
“Howdy, folks. It’s about time you pulled yourself away long enough to make your way to our fine establishment, Chayse.” A black man with a white coat and chef’s hat walks through a door in front of where we sit.
My pulse races at the knowledge of him knowing Righteous by his first name as I sit stunned in my seat.
“This is the first time I’ve had a reason to. Let me introduce you to my forever.” When Righteous’s humorous eyes land on me, all I can see are stars and hear wedding bells. “Navae, this is Chef McQueen. He and I have similar track star vibes since we’re both running from our pastor’s spiritual influences.”
Chef McQueen laughs heartily before Righteous goes through the motion of introducing him to me.
“Bro, Jariyah is the one who forced me to take women seriously. She’s supposed to be forbidden fruit, but even Adam fell for the okey doke after experiencing temptation.”
Righteous, Chef McQueen, and I laugh at his words just as Jeffrey returns with our drinks. Seconds later, Chef McQueen gets down to business, and my stomach rumbles like a newborn who’s slept for three hours.
“A chef and a motorcycle club member who owns a diner . . . How can your parents be disappointed with those accomplishments?” I whisper so only Righteous can hear.
“Easy. Our fathers want us to take over when they retire. The problem for me is that Big Homie and I are cool. But He ain’tnever been forgiving of my inability to stop snatching lives as I see fit. I ain’t a hypocrite, so Ribax is home instead of Columbus, where my parents reside.”
“Oh.”
What can I say to that, especially when I, too, have recently snatched a life?
Conversation takes a back seat when the chef sets a small plate of some type of risotto in front of us.
“Let’s give thanks before you cause us both to suffer the consequences of not doing so,” Righteous says before I have a chance to pick up my fork. He quickly prays over our meal, and the minute he’s done, I pick up my fork and dig in.
“Mm.” I moan when the risotto melts in my mouth.
“Don’t do that shit unless you want me to fuck you on this table.” Righteous’s voice is deep and husky as I turn to see the desire in his darkened yet heavy gaze.
While sex can definitely be on the menu, I nod before I continue to eat while attempting to contain my enjoyment. The evening continues with more of the same, and I realize when we get to dessert that I’m seconds away from asking Righteous to roll me out of here.
“Whew. Everything has been so good,” I gush.
“Only the best for the woman who is my best.” Righteous winks.
Chef McQueen sets a bento box before us, and my smile could light up the entire room when I see the contents. There are several chocolate-covered strawberries, a miniature crème brûlée, and a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
“Thank you for dining with us tonight. I hope to see you again soon,” Chef McQueen says as he bows before extending his hand toward me.
“Thank you,” I say.
“Don’t let too much time pass before I see you again, Chayse,” Chef McQueen says as the two men do some type of handshake before the chef leaves the room.
“Are you ready to shut it down for the night, or do you want to stick with your man a little while longer?” Righteous asks a second after.
“I’m sticking with my man.”
“Say less. Let’s finish this dessert and get out of here.”
It takes us no time to finish our bento box before we return to the limo and are on our way to the next stop on Righteous’s agenda. When Righteous’s hand meets my exposed thigh, a high I could never pay enough for surges through my body. Hell, Righteous could be taking me to a land mine, and I would follow him without hesitation. I turn to look at Righteous, and he speaks before I’m able to utter a word.
“Tonight, I wanted you to experience something other than the chaos that sometimes is my world. I wanted to create another memory for you because it’s what I plan to add to our lives. I want you to know that choosing me will never cost you anything. I’m a man with many layers. This one is for your eyes only.” Righteous winks.
A lone tear slips from the corner of my eye, and Righteous catches it before he gently wipes it away. While I didn’t expect Righteous to be this type of man, his actions fill me with a sense of gratitude that overwhelms me. Sure, I didn’t want the stuffy man, but getting to experience a man who can be dangerous and romantic is something I can embrace forever. Righteous is who my heart needed to settle the void that no man before him could fulfill. I feel like a millionaire beside this man because I know with him, I’ll never lose.
Six Months Later . . .
“I appreciate y’all coming in for this quick church meeting. I won’t keep you but a second,” Diesel says as his eyes go around the room.
