Page 25 of Another Constant

He didn’t wait for my response. He had already moved to the refrigerator and opened it.

Yes, Kinga was forward, so forward and so sexy that I didn’t mind. None of me minded…like at all.

He grabbed what he wanted then backed up and closed the door. I heard something hit the counter then I felt him behind me. His citrus, musk, and cedarwood aroma engulfed my senses before I heard him.

“You gonna let me taste it?”

My brain went south, moistening my panties for the second time today. I squirmed.

“The food, Harlem,” he elaborated, seemingly catching my reaction.

Without another word I spooned some of the creamy mixture onto the wooden spoon and turned around to hold it up for him. He accepted part of the spoon into his mouth, eyes locked on mine.

“Damn that tastes good. You gonna fuck around and have me only wanting to eat what you cook.”

I laughed.

“And also, I’m down to taste that too if you let me and stop acting so damn nervous around me.”

I didn’t respond. I had no response. The man had rendered me speechless. No, I wasn't nervous, I was speechless. Without fucking words.

“Harlem.” His voice calling my name was enough.

“I’m not used to you. You’re al—” I started but he stepped into my space. Then he reached behind me and cut the stove off. I heard the click. About a minute later he picked me up and spun around on his feet, sitting my body on the counter. His lips were centimeters away from mine when he spoke again. “You’re gonna have to get used to me.”

Nothing I attempted to say stopped his stride. He smashed his lips against mine again then backed up. He moved to the kitchen sink and washed his hands. He then slid to where I already had plates waiting for us and grabbed them. He made our plates, making sure the amount he put on mine was enough before making his own.

“So you were raised by your aunt and uncle? Where was your mom?”

He shrugged. “Hell if I know. She dropped us off on our folks and moved on.”

I shook my head.

“Thing is, my auntie and uncle made that shit work regardless of what we didn’t have. We didn’t even realize what we didn’t have because they always made it happen.” He handed me my plate and fork.

“That’s love.”

“Yup. What’s up with your pops though? Why does he seem like he was on some bullshit at your shop?”

I looked off, irritated at the thought of Joseph. “It started because I won’t give his son any more hours at my shop. Then he was pissed because I refused to give him money,” I replied honestly. He was probably the only person I told that to, because had it been OA he would have gone to see about Joseph and Hari.

He nodded.

“My family is complicated.”

“Ain’t everybody’s?”

“Probably.”

“Mine damn sure is. You just gotta rock with that shit, sweetheart, and know that if you need me, I’ll handle that shit for you.”

I laughed. “No you won’t.”

“Shidd. Why wouldn’t I?”

“Because you don’t even know me that well. Hell, I could be the problem.”

“Probably, but from what I see, I like. So yeah, I’ll trunk a nigga for you.” He seemed so serious, so I just nodded. We made a little small talk back and forth before we were finished eating. Then we ended up on my sofa, my legs in his lap while he stared at the TV. Why did this seem so easy with him? I mean, yeah I didn’t know him, but I was quickly comfortable around him and he was so easy to talk to.

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