Page 11 of His Baby Her Gift

“I wasn’t sure if you were coming,” Nervously, Harlem fidgeted with the hands.

“You were looking for me.”

“Maybe,” Harlem said coyly.

“It wasn’t really a question.” Carter couldn’t help himself and pulled her close.

Harlem walked into his arms as if he’d put her under some kind of spell.

She was breathless. “You said you wanted to talk.”

“I do,” Carter said as he leaned in and covered her lips with his.His kiss was needy, urgent, and seeking a closeness he had missed. It was hot and passionate as they share this one stolen moment away from everyone else. It was firm and delicious. Quite simply, their kiss was perfect. Unsurprisingly, all of them had been.

Heat rose up and down Harlem’s spine, and her knees almost buckled as she kissed him back.

Carter held her tight. Not only would he never let her fall, but he didn’t plan to ever let her go.

Harlem’s arms snaked up and around his neck. She threw herself completely into the moment. She wasn’t sure how long their kiss lasted, but what was happening between them was more than just lips connecting.

It was an entire experience.

Carter didn’t want to stop kissing her, but he pulled back and touched his forehead to hers. “A week is too long to go without one of those.Now,we can talk.”

Her heart was pounding. It took a moment for Harlem to get her bearings. Carter had indeed sent her on a spiritual journey with that kiss. Her voice was raspy as she whispered. “You don’t play fair.”

“I can’t afford to. Not on this.” Carter was determined.

“If we go down this road, there is no coming back.” She said.

Carter’s eyes were a turbulent blue. “It’s a risk I’m willing to take, and metaphorically speaking, we’re already miles down this road. Let me be very clear, so there is no confusion. I want you. I want to explore a relationship. I’m pretty sure you do too. But, I need to hear you say it. I won’t feel like I’m walking on eggshells because I’m not sure we’re on the same page. If you want me, even a little, I can be patient until you’re ready to go full throttle, but I need to know one way or the other.”

Harlem was terrified, but she had already decided not to let fear or guilt dictate what happens between them. Her words were slow to come. “I think–” She lifted her eyes to his. “I have waited my whole life for you.”

A slow grin started to spread across his face. Carter was just about to kiss her again when the door opened.

“Oh! I’m sorry. I didn’t know anyone was in here.” It was Dana Montgomery, Damian’s former employee. Her judgmental eyes narrowed as she took in the scene before her.The damn man hasn’t even been dead six months.Dana stepped further into the room. “I haven’t seen you since the funeral, Harlem. I didn’t have a chance to offer my condolences then, but I can clearly see you don’t need them.”

Harlem stepped away from Carter, but only slightly.

Carter was angry with himself.I should have locked the damn door.He wasjust about to say something, but Harlem beat him to it.

“I don’t want you to give me anything, Dana, including condolences. I’m good.”

“Okay, everyone, time to sing the Happy Birthday song!” Harlem could hear Melody yelling outside the room to all of her guests.

Harlem placed her hands in Carter’s. It was a declaration of sorts. “We can’t miss singing happy birthday to our Godson.” Harlem smiled at him as they walked out of the room. She said for his ears only, “Let’s celebrate Nate Jr. Maybe after the party, we can go to your place and have our own.”

“Let’s just skip the cake and go straight to my place.”

“We’re Godparents.” Harlem laughed lightheartedly. “We can’t. But, after presents, it might be safe to slip out.”

*****

The drive to Carter’s home was dangerous. Harlem and Carter couldn’t keep their hands off of one another. Still, he managed to keep one eye on the road and one hand on the steering wheel.

Somehow, Carter was able to park his car in the garage without hitting anything. They didn’t wait to go into the house before their clothes started to come off.

Carter couldn’t stop kissing Harlem and she relished the feel of his touch. They were a mess of hands, arms, lips, and tongue.

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