Page 89 of Until the Ink Dries

“Get your hands off me,” she said through gritted teeth.

She glared at me. I picked up my glass as I returned the glare.

“Don’t tempt me,” I sang. “People are watching. You’d hate for this to be the talk of the country club, Marcia.”

She scoffed as she stormed away from the table with Ellis on her heels. I waved goodbye as I took a sip of my wine. Reclaiming my seat, I picked up my fork and knife.

“Now, where were we?”

Benny looked at me with a huge grin on his face. “You didn’t have to read that ol’ ho for filth like that, baby.”

“She had it coming.”

“How do you feel?”

“That was almost better than sex.”

He laughed. “Oh, really?”

“I mean, if you wanna prove me wrong, we have all the time in the world when we get back to my place.”

“You ain’t said shit but a word.”

I giggled as I cut into my steak. I’d been waiting to say that shit for a long time. Thank God I was moving home. In a few days, I’d never have to worry about crossing paths with the like of Marcia Thompson ever the fuck again.

It’s been a week since we got back to Rose Haven from Sterling Point. The moment I got back, I had to get to work on trying to find a new place to stay. Although my parents weren’t in a rush for us to leave, I sure as hell was; I was getting tired of not being able to do the shit I wanted to with Willow. I was too damn grown to be laying up in cars and hotels.

She deserved more than that and I didn’t need to be lying around for months to figure that out. I had been looking at a few places since we got back. After touring about fifteen houses, I finally found the one I thought I could grow into. Shit, with Willow around, it made me feel like I had something to grow for.

I picked her up from her place so I could show her around. The realtor gave me the key to let myself in, since it was essentially almost mine anyway. We were going back and forth over pricing with the owners. It didn’t matter to me that I had money, I wanted the best price possible.

I rested my right hand on Willow’s exposed thigh as we drove toward the side of town the house was on. It was at least thirty minutes from her parents’ place and about twenty minutes from my people. Neither of us said a word, we just found ourselves enjoying the silence and the time we were spending.

I had the radio playing low until I caught the sounds of “Get A Little Closer” by Joe. This was my shit; I didn’t listen to it often but when I did, I couldn’t help but to sing along. The moment the hook came in, I reached up to softly touch Willow’s chin while singing the words to her. I wasn’t a Chris Brown but I could carry a tune without calling the cats and dogs.

She smiled and looked away as her cheeks warmed at the attention I was showing her. This song matched the way her ass made me feel every time I was in her presence. The light turned red, so I slowed to a stop then reached over for her chin again to kiss her softly before the light changed.

I don’t recall a time with any other woman where I had been this gitty. But, I knew this woman was it for me. I didn’t need to see a damn thing else when it came to her. All we needed was time. Time for her to know I was where she needed and wanted to be.

“You better cut it out, sir, we have plans tonight.” She said between giggles.

I lifted a brow with a smirk. “I can’t be real, now?” I asked.

She craned her head to the side then shook it.

“So, you don’t want me, baby? I know I damn sure want you.” I told her as I pulled into the driveaway of the two-story house with brick accents.

Her eyes widened at the large home in front of us. She reached for the door handle, so I cleared my throat to get her attention.

“I got you. Sit tight, baby.”

She smiled and settled back into the seat. I got out and strolled around to her side to help her out of the car before locking the doors. I held my hand out for her to take as we walked along the brick pathway that led to the front door. I reached into my pocket for the key, then unlocked the door.

I stepped to the side so she could walk ahead of me. Her head was on a continuous swivel as she took in the high ceilings and modern appliances. I followed silently behind her, wanting, no — needing her to love this place.

I followed her into the open concept living room; you could see the kitchen from where we stood. I stuffed my hands into my pockets as she took in the home built specifically for family. I couldn’t help but smile because all I could see was Charlie and a few other kids running around the kitchen island.

Willow turned to face me with a bright smile. She didn’t need to tell me she loved it because it was all over her face. I knew we wouldn’t be staying with each other right away, but I knew it would only be a matter of time.

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