Page 11 of My Heart Belongs to You

Deira:

My break starts soon…

She’d sent the message ten minutes ago, probably thinking I was already settled. We’d been messing around for almost two months, so she knew my evening routine by now. I tossed my phone back onto the bed, quickly put on lotion, then grabbed a tank and shorts. After replying to her message, I went to the living room and waited for her arrival. I knew I wouldn’t fall asleep without aid, so Deira coming through was right on time.

After Vanessa and I parted ways, I jumped headfirst into dating again. Early on, I realized that I wasn't ready for another relationship. I wasn’t even trying to start something new; I just wanted someone to fill the void they left. But no matter how many women I gave my time to, it wasn’t enough.

So, I slowed down on dating and learned to be clear about my intentions. Most times I was met with the same energy. That’s what happened with me and Deira. Since moving into the building, there had been harmless flirting between us. Somehow our late-night greetings turned into flirtatious banter.

One night the flirting went too far and I invited Deira upstairs. From there we fell into an easy routine. She’d send a text during her break, or at the end of her shift, and I’d invite her up.

Minutes later, there was a light knock at the door. When I opened it, she grinned.

“I thought you were about to leave me hanging, again.”

The longing that danced in her round hazel eyes didn't go unnoticed. I hoped she wouldn’t catch feelings.

That wasn’t part of this arrangement.

“Come on,” I drawled. “Didn’t I say I'd make it up to you?” I motioned for her to come inside before one of my nosy ass neighbors overheard us.

“Yeah, but that was two weeks ago.” Deira glanced over her shoulder. “You switching up on me already?”

“Never.”

My gaze skirted over her tall, curvy frame. She ran her hands through her loose, sandy brown curls, then sighed. While biting on her gloss coated lip, she stared at me.

“How are you going to make it up to me?” she asked while unbuttoning her crisp white shirt.

I shrugged. “Depends. How much time you got?”

We were playing it cool, but I could tell Deira was really bothered about me canceling on her that one time.

A slow smile spread across almondy brown skin. “Thirty minutes. You better make it worth my while.”

Deira motioned for me to follow her, and I did, like I was under a trance. Suddenly all the stressors of the day didn’t matter. From missing Avery’s birthday to handling Keith’s negligence, I’d be hit on all sides in the morning. Robyn was busy chasing her goals and I couldn’t deter her. So until I could have her undivided attention, this would have to do.

CHAPTER

TWO

“Ihope you brought your appetite,” Raven said as I entered her kitchen.

With wide eyes, I marveled at the spread she prepared for today. Licking my lips, I took in the serving trays filled with lox bagels, crab benedicts, a fresh kale salad, and an assortment of fruits. Continuing my perusal, I moaned as the aromas from her creole shrimp and grits filled my nose.

“Ray. Is all this food for us?”

The deep rumbling in my belly caused warmth to spread in my cheeks.

My sister Raven had outdone herself, per usual. A warm smile covered her face. I envied the tan on her sienna-colored skin. Since she and her wife Sadé came back from their honeymoon, Raven had been glowing. And not just because she’d spent five days in the Caribbean with the love of her life, but because she was genuinely happy.

“Yes. Not cooking, or doing anything else for that matter, left me feeling rejuvenated.” She shook her head. “I’m also filled with so much gratitude lately. Sadé’s positive practices rubbed off on me… Anyway, this is just a small way to express my appreciation for being the best Maid of Honor ever. I know preparing for my wedding took up a lot of your time. This is our way of showing you that your loyalty and selflessness don’t go unnoticed.”

She wrapped her arms around me, pulling me into a timely hug. The last year had been so exhausting. Juggling her wedding, renovating a restaurant, and studying to become a master sommelier spread me thinner than silk.

Tears misted my eyes as she slowly released me. “Thanks, Ray.”

“And after this, I’ll do your brows and lashes.”