Page 53 of Truce Of The Matter

“Yes. I’m Aryel Goode,” she says matter of factly and I can’t help but to laugh.

“Well, little miss Aryel Goode, it’s time for you to come and work in your furniture store.”

“When I’m twenty-one I’ll work, Daddy,” she says and I smile before kissing her forehead.

“Let’s go.” The ride to the nail shop is pretty quiet. Aryel carefully eats her sausage dog as I drive. When I pull into the shopping plaza, I spot Truce’s ride and pull right next to it. I get out before she can. “Wait right here,” I tell Aryel as I get out.

I walk over to Truce’s driver’s side and open her door. Her signature scent graces the air and treats my nose. My lips are dying to be on hers so I step to her before she can get out.

“Is this what you wear to a barbecue?” she asks with a smirk.

“This is lightwork,” I tell her before leaning in and kissing her soft ass lips. “I’ve been thinking about your lips since I saw you putting your lipstick on.”

“Did you kiss it all off?”

“No. Let me try again.” This time, I kiss her with so much passion that she moans into my mouth as I suck on her bottom then top lip. “It’s off now.”

She reaches her hand up to my face then swipes her thumb around the sides and bottom of my lips. “My lipstick is all over your face,” she says as she does.

“I like when you are all over my face. You remember that later tonight.”

“Oh, I will.” She smiles then reaches over and grabs her bag from the passenger seat and her keys and cell out of the middle console. “I know you told me I didn’t have to bring anything but I am.” Her trunk opens. “There are a few gallons of lemonade in that cooler and when we are done, I’m picking up a lemon pound cake from Seasonal Sweets. I heard you say your mom liked those.”

“You didn’t have to do that.”

“Yes, I did.” She turns and brings her legs out.

“How much wa?—”

“Rex, I’m telling you,” she says, interrupting me. “It’s all done and paid for. Now, move and get the lemonade. Aryel and I have appointments.”

I’m addicted to all things Truce, especially her lips. So before stepping out of her way, I peck her lips again. After assisting my lady down, I turn and open the door for my little lady. As soon as her feet hit the pavement, she steps over to Truce and hugs her.

“You ready?” Truce asks.

“Yes, ma’am,” she says, beaming.

Truce brushes her hand across the small hairs out of place on Aryel’s sides then looks down at her. “Look at your purse. I love it.”

“Thank you. My daddy got it for Christmas. I like yours too.”

I can stand here all day and watch my heart talk to my future. Their seamless connection is perfection. I couldn’t have dreamed that it would be this good and I love every moment.

“Rex, the cooler,” Truce reminds me.

I walk to the back of her truck, grab the cooler, and place it in my trunk. Then, we walk to the salon, with Truce and Aryel holding hands. As Truce signs them in, I holla at the girl at the counter and hand her one of my business cards. She knows me because Aryel is here at least once a month, more during competition season.

“When they are done, hit me and I’ll pay for whatever they get. Do not accept any payments from her,” I say as I discreetly nod toward Truce.

“I got you, Mr. Goode,” she assures me with a smile.

“Thanks,” I tell her then step to them. They are busy looking at colors for Aryel. “I’m getting ready to head out.”

“Okay. Text me your parents’ address and we’ll see you after we’re done.”

“Daddy, I’m going to get my toes polished, too,” Aryel gushes and Truce looks at me, her eyes asking for permission. I feel that she understands my insistence on Aryel staying a little girl so I trust her judgment.

“That should be real pretty,” I tell her as I lean in and plant a kiss on her forehead. Then I reach up and peck Truce’s lips. “Thanks again.”

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