Page 21 of Judgments of Fire and Desire

“Okay. Just stay alert, son. Kiss my girl for me.”

“I will, Mama. I love you.”

“I love you more.”

I ended the call and shook my head. That woman was going to worry herself into an early grave. I was just as worried. Now that Darlene had been sentenced, I had a feeling that the moment I started investigating more, the threats would pick up again. Right now, they thought they were off scot-free. They had better think again because I wouldn’t stop until I found out who they were or until I died.Get justice or die trying.

When I arrived at Genesis’s home, I could smell the aroma outside the door. It smelled divine. I rang the doorbell as my stomach growled, begging me to get inside as quickly as possible. When she opened the door, her short, black, silk robe quickly deterred my thinking. Food was the last thing on my mind. “Damn, baby. You look amazing,” I said as a bright smile made its way to her face.

I scanned her body from head to toe and back up. When my eyes met hers again, she said, “Thank you. You look amazing yourself.”

I twisted my lips as she stepped to the side, welcoming me inside. I only wore a pair of shorts and a T-shirt. Being that it was still somewhat warm outside, and we were staying indoors,I figured I’d better wear my shorts while I still could. It was rare I wore them, since I was always in a suit.

“Kyrie, you look amazing in whatever you wear,” she said while closing the door.

“If you say so,” I responded while wrapping my arm around her waist and pulling her close.

I laid my lips on hers, grateful to be able to soak up her peaceful aura. When she separated our kiss, she grabbed my hand and led me to the kitchen. The way her backside bounced as she walked had me in a trance until I smelled what I thought was a fried pork chop. My head snapped up, and sure enough, that was what was on the stove.

An uncontrollable smile broke out on my face. “You’ve been talking to my mama, haven’t you?”

She giggled as I pulled her close again. This woman was everything I desired. She always took my wants, likes, and dislikes into consideration. I was pretty sure she would cook seafood since that was what she liked most, but she catered to me, doing whatever she knew would put a smile on my face after a long day.

“Thank you, baby. I appreciate this so much.”

“You’re welcome. Let’s eat.”

She knew I wouldn’t be able to turn down that fried pork chop. As badly as I wanted to strip that robe off her, I would eat my pork chop first. When I grabbed a plate to fix my food, she turned to me with a frown on her beautiful face. “What are you doing?”

“I’m about to fix my plate.”

“No. Go sit.”

I watched her pour a glass of tea for me and set it on the table. She came back and took the plate from me. “I always fix your food, Kyrie. It’s my way of catering to you. Now, go sit.”

She pecked my lips and began fixing my food. I slowly shook my head and sat at the table. It was apparent to me now. I loved her. I took a sip of my tea and savored the flavor. It was mixed with lemonade. I loved a good Arnold Palmer. I closed my eyes as I did my best to evaluate my emotions. I was feeling overwhelmed with love, and I didn’t know how to respond.

“You okay, baby?”

I opened my eyes to see her setting a plate of cabbage, fried pork chop, cornbread, and garlic mashed potatoes in front of me. I looked up at her with a tight smile on my face and nodded. The truth was, I was emotional, more emotional than I’d ever been, and I was doing my best to hold it in. I didn’t really know how to be sensitive. I wanted to be because she deserved to see that part of me, but I didn’t know how to reveal it without looking weak.

She walked away and got her plate then sat across from me. She stretched her hands across the table and said, “I’m going to thank the Lord before I get carried away.”

I chuckled. “You probably ate some of it while you were cooking already.”

She frowned and said, “I had to taste it. How else would I know if it was seasoned good enough?”

I laughed, and she joined me. As I slowly shook my head, she began praying. “Thank you, Lord, for allowing us to come together to partake of this food you’ve blessed us with. Thank you for leading me to Kyrie. I say it every time I pray, but I can’t thank you enough. Please allow me to be a source of peace for him after a long day. Help me to understand what he needs from me, since most times he won’t say. Let him know that it’s okay to be himself around me… all aspects of who he is. I want to know every part of him, even the parts he doesn’t like.”

I swore I was going to cry any minute. This was too much for me. Just as I thought I couldn’t take any more, she said, “Andhelp me to know when I’m doing too much and making him uncomfortable.”

Her eyes opened and met mine. “In your son’s name. Amen.”

I nodded repeatedly. “Give me just a minute, baby.”

She gave me a tight smile as I stood and made a beeline to her bathroom. I didn’t understand how I was given everything I wanted and not able to handle it. We were so in tune with one another that she could read my demeanor and mannerisms. As I stood at the sink, staring at myself in the mirror, there was a light tap on the door. I closed my eyes, saying a silent prayer, then opened it.

She stood there staring at me, as if trying to read me, then suddenly dropped her robe. I bit my bottom lip as I stared at her gorgeous body. It was like she was trying to get me to express anything, and she knew I wouldn’t run from this form of expression. I pulled the condom from my pocket and immediately unbuttoned my shorts. She grabbed my shirt and pulled it over my head.

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