He laughed again.
“So I guess last night was a special pass then, huh? Because you for damn sure didn’t say shit about making our way down to the club.”
I shook my head just as the server placed our food on the table, waiting for her to leave so I could continue.
“No. But?—"
“Look, if you tell me it’s open, then it’s open. I don’t give a fuck about no rules outside of that. Will I flaunt you around like you’re mine in front of him? No, but I ain’t trying to hide you for real or let you try to hide me. Hell no. I told you last night shit was gon’ change and your words were that you were ready. Then beready. We can move with discretion off the island too, Lou.” He grabbed my hand, kissing the back, causing me to lose any sanity I had left on the topic from the combination of a new nickname and his lips on me. It was a deadly combination that shouldn’t have been allowed.
“I know a woman like you comes with heavy ass fucking consequences and I’m prepared to handle them as they come.Until then, let’s get to know each other better. I know the time we’ve shared is limited to me being inside of you, but I enjoy your presence when you’re around me and I’m not ready to have that be only on weekends or some shit.” I fought my smile as I listened to him basically tell me he liked me, and like a girl with a crush, my cheeks were red again.
“So, you like me?” I asked in a teasing manner, going for the fork to take a bite of my eggs.
He smirked before his teeth were showing.
“I’ma do you one better so ain’t no confusion on where I stand.” He reached into his suit jacket, pulling out a pen then going for a napkin, writing on it before sliding it over to me along with the pen.
I busted into a fit of giggles at the words.
I like you. Do you like me, yes or no?
With boxes underneath waiting for me to select my choice.
I tucked my bottom lip while I picked up the pen with one hand and used my other to cover the napkin so he couldn’t see. I glanced up a few times while I pretended to still be contemplating my answer.
Growing impatient, Courtland moved my hand out of the way.
“Girl, you stalling the inevitable. You like me too and want to explore the possibilities ofus. Don’t worry, I won’t tell your husband.” I gasped as he took in a spoonful of his cheese grits.
“Enough about me, tell me more about you,” I said, taking the topic off me for once so I could sit back and enjoy my breakfast and company.
“Where to start. I’m an older brother to one younger brother who is married with kids and I do meankids.” He stressed the kids part, which had me shaking my head while I chuckled.
“Aw, don’t say it like that, I’m sure they’re not that bad.”
“They aren’t actually. It’s just a lot of them running around. His wife Liv is currently pregnant again. This will be baby number five.”
My eyes stretched wide.
“Oh yeah, that’s a lot. Do you want kids?” I asked, touching a sore spot for me.
“One day. I know I’m older, but I like to think I still have time left. Even if it’s through adoption they are still very much on the board. What about you?”
I shook my head. “I didn’t…I do. It’s complicated. Simple answer. I would love to have my own, but it might not be possible.” I hated how the mood instantly changed once I answered his question. I didn’t mean to sound so gloomy. But outside of everything, Mickey having Minnie really lit something inside of me that had never been there before. I did want kids. Shit, I wanted the whole damn package—the perfect husband, marriage, and kids. The longer I stayed married to Quincey, I knew it would never happen.
That’s because it’s time to go!
“Ay, with the right person, any and everything is possible.” I offered a weak smile which Courtland immediately saw through.
“Oh naw, we don’t move like that. Each time I’m the reason for your smiles, they gon’ be real and full of life. So, let’s try this again. If you want kids, Lou, then I’ma give them to you, just tell me if you thinking a pirate crew like my brother or a small team like two or three.” I knew it was way too early to be on this topic but this time when I smiled it was wide with amusement.
“Um… don’t you think that promise is too soon to be on the table? I literally just checked the yes box to liking you. Those are committed people’s promises.”
“Hell naw, well maybe, but not if I plan on giving you the world and everything in it one day.”
Yupcommitted people’s promisesand yet, the intense pull from his deep browns had me believing it to be true.
“Back to you and this fuck ass nigga you gave my title. I still can’t believe my future was too impatient to wait for me and got married before I had the pleasure to steal your heart and give you my last name.” I laughed deep as I tossed my head back.
