Page 78 of Crossing Lines

She giggles. “Stop. I’m just curious.”

“No, only on my arms and neck. The reason I went with that is…” I glance at the rug, feeling my throat tighten from the rush of emotions.

“Tell me,” Davia insists, touching my hand.

It makes me look into her eyes again. “Because of my childhood, I used to think less of myself. I couldn’t see my reflection without feeling like trash. But Mama G taught me about the power of affirmations. So, for my twenty-first birthday, I had the flowers tatted as a reminder that I survived and I’m still growing on this journey.” I lower my head again. “You probably think it’s corny as shit.”

“No.” She touches my face. “I think it’s beautiful.”

I stare at her with a smile. “You’re beautiful.”

She eases away, playing with her hands on her lap. “The sun’s setting. You’re heading to the club soon?”

“You trying to leave?”

“I probably should,” she mutters.

“Stay. I’ll take the night off from the club. We’ll have dinner and watch another movie.”

After a few seconds, her body relaxes again. “I’ll cook dinner.”

“All right.”

“Instead of a movie, since we barely paid attention to the last, how about cards?”

I squint at her. “Which game?”

“Not the one you’re thinking, sir,” she giggles. “Simple gin.”

“Fine.” I raise my hands. “Whatever you want.”

Following a delicious and filling vegan dinner loaded with flavors, we drink wine while playing cards. I love Davia’sdifferent sides, including her competitive spirit. She does not like to lose.

Hours pass with us distracted in a lively nest of amusement. As Davia finishes her fourth glass, she moans. “Shoot. I forgot that I drove. As a matter of fact, what time is it?” She rifles for her phone in her jeans pocket, eyes widening at the screen. “It’s almost midnight. I didn’t…” She looks at me. “I lost track of time.”

“Stay,” I urge.

Her breathing turns heavy as desire and guilt dance across her face. “I don’t know.”

“Ol’ boy’s away. Spend the night with me, Davi. Nothing will happen unless you want it to.”

“Hmm.” She lowers her eyes to the wine glass and draws a deep breath. “I’ll stay.”

“How about some music?” I suggest.

“Okay,” she whispers.

Taking the phone from my sweatpants, I open Spotify and start an R&B playlist. Music comes from the speakers in the condo, filling the background with sensual melodies.

I stand and move around the table to her. “Dance with me, baby girl.”

Davia slips her hand into mine, and I tow her to her feet. We sway closely. I hold her waist, and she rests her head against my chest. She’s trembling, whether from fear or struggling with her emotions.

“Don’t be nervous, baby,” I whisper. “Tell me what you want, and I’ll do it. Anything.”

Slowly easing her head back, she stares into my eyes and breathes, “Kiss me.” I’ve been waiting for those two words since we met three weeks ago.

Hunger soars to the surface. I charge for a passionate kiss that has us both groaning and running our hands over eachother. Her warm tongue entangles with mine, mixing the taste of wine and mint. Davia holds my neck while I take a handful of her ass, squeezing as my dick hardens and begs for a release.

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