Page 63 of Desire

“Wow!” was all I could say.

“Even though you called it, her confession was the last thing I expected to hear. I’m genuinely confused because I’d never shown interest in her and assumed her feelings were the same.”

“Next time, listen to your wife. I’ll never tell you wrong.”

“Yes, ma’am. I heard you’re looking for a job. You want to be my new assistant?”

“Absolutely not, but I’ll help you find one, preferably a married heterosexual male because we don’t need anyone else falling in love with you.”

We discussed the crazy situation for a few more minutes before spending the rest of our evening watching crime shows. I hadn’t been a fan of those kinds of shows until a few weeks ago when Aziel forced me to watch a few. Now, I was hooked.

“How would you feel about having our families over for dinner this weekend?” I asked as we prepared to shower.

“Let’s do it.”

Another weekend had arrived, and I’d spent the day preparing dinner for our families. I’d never prepared a meal for such a large group without the assistance of my sisters, but Azaria agreed to be my assistant.

I made two pot roasts with mixed vegetables, cornbread, mashed potatoes, and macaroni and cheese. I baked three cakes for dessert: lemon pound, caramel, and chocolate. Of course, Azaria was in the way more than she was helpful, but I loved her company.

“Damn, it smells good in here. I don’t think this much food has ever been cooked in this kitchen,” Aziel commented when he entered the kitchen. He’d been in his office working for most of the day.

“You’ve never had your family over for dinner?”

“When I have, I catered the food. Most of the time, we meet at my parents’ house. The kids prefer their yard over mine.”

“That makes sense, and their house is more comfortable.”

He approached me from behind, wrapped his arms around me, and kissed my neck.

“You trying to say our house ain’t comfortable?”

“No, that’s not what I’m saying at all. Their house is just more comfortable. Can you move so I can finish frosting this cake?”

“You went all out, baby. Did you make any stuffed bell peppers?”

“Baby, are you serious?”

“As hell. You shouldn’t have given the last of it to Quinton’s greedy ass.”

“You’d still be begging for more.”

“You’re probably right. You got me, though?”

“I don’t have any of the ingredients. I’ll make them next week.”

“But I want them today,” he said with a pout.

“I know you’re not pouting. Ria, look at your daddy over here pouting.”

“Daddy, you not a baby. No pouty.”

“Daddy’s sad because Mommy won’t make me bell peppers. She hurt Daddy’s feelings.”

Azaria gasped as if she’d heard something major.

“Mommy, you hurt Daddy. Him sad. You make him feel better.”

“Fine, but I’m not going to the store,” I griped, conceding.

---