“I’m gonna grab my plate and orange juice. I’ll be right back. My dick has been distracting you, but we still need to establish those conditions from last week.”
A sheepish grin forms as I take a bite out of a piece of bacon, because I have been playing spin the coochie on the dick since I agreed to be Alijah’s woman. Less than five minutes later, Alijah is back, and only the sounds of forks can be heard for countless seconds.
“So, tell me, what all comes with being Alijah’s woman?” I take a bite of my toast as my eyes connect with his humorous ones.
“Saturday mornings like this, which is my appreciation for your agreement to be mine. But before we get distracted again, put those cards down.”
I take a minute or so to clear my mouth and consider what I want to say because this is the first time I’ve had a conversation with a man I’m dating. After years of repeating Mom’s patterns, I probably should have done it with every man I’ve been with.
“My past dictates?—”
“Not to cut you off, but remember, your past doesn’t dictate our future. What do you need from me, mama?”
A lazy smile creeps on my lips from the endearment Alijah has used for the second time.
“I need you to be someone who gives me peace, security, and comfort. Be someone who counters my mother’s negative views of men. Be the man who allows me to be seen when I feel like shrinking. Be consistent, even when I wear your nerves thin. I need you to reassure me with your actions that it’s safe to let go.”
Alijah stops eating, puts his fork on the plate, and gently takes mine from me before he moves to get out of bed. My forehead wrinkles as I watch him move to place both plates on the nightstand and then walk over to me. My breath hitches when he lowers to his knees with his heavy and assessing gaze on me. My heart rate increases as I wait to see what he’s about to say.
“Before I say anything, I want you to know that I see you, Deshona.”
Oh God!
My lip trembles and my hands shake as my eyes instantly fill with water from the soft delivery that matches the sincerity within Alijah’s eyes. I don’t have a chance to respond, because Alijah continues.
“The day after our circumstances placed us in this situation, I saw the woman seeking to be loved beyond her mother’s brokenness. The truth is what I went through didn’t harden my heart to try again. The failing of my previous relationship will never dictate my ability to be the man you need. You can trust me not to hurt or repeat the patterns you’ve grown accustomed to. With me, you can release the pain within your heart.”
The muscle Alijah’s words speak to leaps and stretches, as my chest cavity expands and warmth flows through my body.
“Don’t be a fool, Deshona. Men sell wolf tickets all the time.”
“Mm.” I moan when Alijah leans in and kisses me.
At first, it’s a gentle caress of my lips, but within a minute, Alijah increases the passion, and it’s just what I need to slam the door on the negative words from one of Mom’s advice sessions on men’s actions. The kiss ends way too soon for my liking as my lazy eyes stare at Alijah.
“No sex. That’s not all we’re about. Let’s finish breakfast and then get out of the apartment. We need some air to cool off.”
The smirk he wears makes me giggle and nod in agreement. Some air will definitely do us some good. Not to mention, it will help me embrace us publicly. Boy is Korrena gonna enjoy this story time.
“Doyou need me to carry you?”
I feel like I’m about to pass out from lack of oxygen as heat and moisture mix like they have plans to steal my breath. When Alijah mentioned us getting outside, I should have asked more questions instead of going with the flow. Now I’m about to lose a lung because I was so caught up in the butterflies he had me feeling that I didn't get more information. Shoot, I had time to pry when Alijah asked me to put on leggings, a T-shirt, and some running shoes. But no, I was too busy salivating over his bare body and the hammer between his legs.
“I . . . can-can-can’t breathe.” My words come out choppy from the effort it takes to release them as my heart races.
Being foolish and in a strong like with this man had me agreeing to a jog at this park near our apartment. I want to kick my own ass for being stupid. I’m out of shape and not a fan of any strenuous exercise that doesn’t involve me receiving pleasure. Good God.
“Aw, poor baby. If you can ride my dick during repeat sessions without blinking, then that little jog should have been a breeze.”
A round of coughs prevents me from doing anything but flicking him off, as my chest burns. I bend over to catch my breath as Alijah rubs my back soothingly.
“Slow breaths, mama. In and out. Take your time.”
I do as instructed, and it takes me less than a minute to feel lighter as my breathing returns to normal. When I lift up, Alijah pulls me into his arms, and, without regard for the moisture on his shirt, I exhale like Whitney Houston did in that movie.
See, that’s how you fell for the okey doke in the first place. You’re a goner, girl.
Lord, when did my conscience sound like Whoopi inGhost? Alijah rubs my back, and all feels right in my world with every pass he makes. I want to slow my emotions, but the reality is I can’t. I’m falling for this man. Sadly, this is faster than I ever have. Alijah kisses the top of my head, and I sink deeper into his chest.
