We eyed each other for a moment.
“All right, have it your way.”
I turned to open the door, and we strolled inside. The aroma from the strawberry shortcake I’d baked that morning still lingered in the air. I dropped my purse in a chair by the entry and disappeared into the hall closet to look for a bulb.
“Ah, got it,” I said, trailing back out with the new bulb in my hand.
“This is a nice place you have here,” Josiah said.
“You think so?” I twirled around on my heels, taking a quick eye over the place as if I was seeing it for the first time.
“Yeah, modern and chic,” Josiah commented.
A delighted smile graced my face. “What do you know about modern and chic, Mr. Rose?” I asked, easing into his personal space.
Josiah gave me a charming smile. “I know a little something, something,” he repeated.
He retrieved the bulb and stepped back outside. I eased out behind him and leaned against the door with my hands resting on my thighs. Josiah didn’t need assistance to reach the hanging fixture. His height was stretching enough. As he reached, I couldn’t help but get an eyeful of the powerful masterpiece that was his chest. A wall of stone in pecs sitting across a beautiful presentation of all male flesh. His belly button reminded me of a Hersey’s kiss.
Before I could stop myself, I reached out and touched his navel. Josiah cast a curious eye down at me just as the bulb flickered and sent a ray of light down over us.
“Ah, thanks,” I said, pulling my arms back to my sides. “You’re belly button is so cute.”
He grinned and glanced down.
“I’m sure you hear that all the time,” I continued.
Josiah handed me the busted bulb.
“No, I don’t. That’s the first.”
I gave off a light chuckle. “I doubt that.”
“It’s the truth.”
He reached out and pulled me close.
“I had a good time with you tonight, Santana. Frankly, I’ve had more fun with you in the last few months than I have ever.”
“Even over your party buddies, Desmond and Kevin?”
“Especially over them.”
We chuckled lightly.
“I feel the same way,” I said. “Imagine how much fun we could’ve had if we’d known each other longer.”
Josiah pulled his lips in and slowly release them. “Imagine how much fun we’ll have the longer we’re together is more like it.”
My smile widened, and I nodded. “As long as you don’t cheat on me, we’ll be good,” I joked, giving a light giggle.
“I should be the one worried about you getting into situations with my adversaries.”
I pushed against his chest. “Trust me, I’m not the one to worry about here.”
“Ditto,” he said.
His phone rang again. Josiah removed it from his pocket and silenced it.