“I guess you decided our lane was the fast track, huh?” Courtland shrugged.
“Based on my feelings and my dreams, that pretty much aligns with my plans.”
“Well, let me catch up before you seal your fate to a married woman.”
“Don’t say that shit as if you want to be there still.” I blinked hard a few times while I watched his cool demeanor as he took another bite of his food.
I wasn’t sure if I was easy to read but I stared at Courtland, this time his eyes on mine, holding his stance with confidence. I pulled in a low breath, doing my best to hold my composure but I felt something in my chest. It was like a hole or maybe a whole damn window had opened to my soul, showing him everything I had deep inside me.
My fears, desires, hopes and true dreams.
Oh shit, he sees you Johnni.
Was I that easy to see? I didn’t think so, yet a man who I’d known for mere weeks now was able to know something I had buried deep, as if it was only for him to find.
Of course I had to challenge his claim. That was what a good married woman would do.
Heffa, a good married woman wouldn’t be on a date with the man she’d spent last night with.
“How do you figure that I don’t?”
Courtland chuckled and grabbed a napkin, wiping his mouth before answering.
“Another key factor about me is I’m a retired Navy SEAL, reading body language and people is a strong skill set of mine. One shift in a mood or one lie, I can pick up on it. Your eyes get this somber gaze when you say you’re married or talk about your husband. I’m sure most people don’t notice since it’s probably been your expression for a long time now.”
I laughed nervously. “Wait? I look at everyone the same and there is no somber expression in my eyes when I mention my marriage.” I scoffed, half ass offended by the way he was able to pick up on things I thought I hid from the world.
“Lourdè, we’ve known each other for what, two weeks now, and the fire that burns in your gorgeous brown eyes has only lit up in my presence and that I can say that with full confidence and evidence. Even when you were pissed the other day, once you noticed me, the spark had your eyes wide with a strong ass flame going.”
I sat there thinking back to the strip club day and he was right. Courtland was a beautiful surprise to that disaster of a day.
“Look, like you said, you need time to catch up, and I’ma give you all that. Again, another fast lane for me, but when you know you know, and I know what I want. When you’re ready for me to come in and save you, just say the word, Lou.” Courtland grabbed my hand, placing a soft kiss on the back, causing me to blush.
“Again with these committed people’s promises.”
“Promises I intend to keep, Lou. Now let’s get back to the basic things, favorite food or restaurant.” I grinned while I shot out my answer with him doing the same until it felt as if I knew the man sitting across from me.
EIGHT
Tunk
“One more kiss then I promise to let you go,” I said to Lourdè who I was currently holding hostage in my house. It was Saturday morning and I had no plans outside of spending the day with her. But when her mother-in-law called and said she needed her, she was up and ready to leave me.
Lourdè’s sweet giggle escaped her lips as I continued to peck her lips.
“Courtland, you said that three kisses ago, baby.” Which was true. I just wasn’t ready to end our time just yet even though she had been here since last night.
I knew I had to release her at some point. I just wanted her with me.
“I know, but your kisses are so sweet. I can’t help that I’m addicted to them. And plus, I’m not ready to let you go. Can’t she wait until I get my fix of you in my space?” I asked while I finally stepped back from the driver side of her car, placing both hands on the hood.
Since breakfast at Morningside, I had been completely selfish with her time, stealing any free time I could with most of it being here at my house.
“No, I told you it’s all work and very important. This week alone had been stressful and then you came along with your dick, further throwing me off. I’m behind. I promise to text you the second I’m free,” she said, cradling my face in her hands and placing one last sloppy kiss on my lips, leaving behind her watermelon-flavored gloss stain. I didn’t even bother wiping it off before I shut the door and raised the garage door, setting her free. I tossed my hands behind my head while I watched her drive off.
“Fuck, Tunk, are you sure you can handle this?” I groaned. We were four weeks into this whole sneaking shit, and here I was asking myself if playing second was enough for me.
Lourdè beeped the horn, smiled, then waved, answering my question for me.
