Page 76 of Risks

“It did lead to a special place,” hewhispers before capturing my lips for a passionate kiss.

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I’m nervous about meeting Shanice,and it’s because I want her to like me. I have every intention of building arelationship with Jesiah and considering he plans to marry her, it matters tome that we get along.

My heart increases tempo when I pullup at the house for dinner and see the second car on the driveway.

After a deep breath, I walk up theentrance.

Jesiah opens the front door before Iknock, greeting me with a big smile and a hug. “Hey, Toya.”

“Hey,” I smile in return.

Shanice steps through the doorway ofthe kitchen as I enter the house. “Well, hello. Look at you.”

Stunning is an understatement forthe woman. Her glowing skin has a warm umber tone, bright reddish-brown eyes, aflawless smile, shoulder-length straight hair, and a voluptuous figure emphasizedin her jeans.

Jesiah introduces us. “Toya, this isShanice. Baby, this is my daughter.”

Daughter. That’ll never stop feeling good to hear.

“Nice to meet you.” I extend my hand,but Shanice ignores it and surprises me with a hug.

“It’s good to finally meet you.” Sheeases back to give me another once-over, beaming at me. “You’re a beautifulyoung lady.”

“Thank you,” I say softly, modest.

Jesiah chuckles. “Come on. Let’seat.”

We head into the kitchen. Theyalready have the table set. All that’s left is to sit down and fill our plates.

“You like pork chops?” Shanice askshopefully. “Jesiah said you’re not picky, but…”

“Oh, I love pork chops and mashedpotatoes.”

She smiles in relief. “Good.”

We dig in, and right away, Jesiahmoans in delight and beams at his girlfriend. “Baby, this is delicious.”

“Of course, you’d say that. Howabout you, Latoya?”

“It really is,” I agree. “So good.”

“Thank you, hun.”

I drink a little and ask, “How didyou meet?”

They smile at each other, seeming soin love.

“At a Subway back in Washington,”Shanice explains.

Jesiah nods. “She couldn’t stopstaring at me. Meanwhile, I was just trying to eat and get back to work.”

“Uh-uh.” Shanice clicks her tongue. “Youwere the one looking, J. Then you ran up to me when I walked out of place.”

He chuckles. “I asked her out, andshe turned me down. Left me standing there.”

“Really?” I bounce my eyes betweenthem. “So, how did you meet again?”

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