Page 61 of Made to Love Ya

“Ain’t that what women usually say?”

“I have claimed no such thing. Here, zip me up.” I turned around and gave him my back so that he could zip my bodysuit in the back.

He did as I asked before getting dressed himself.

“You still not gonna tell me where you’re taking me?”

“Nope. That’s what you get for assaulting a nigga in his sleep.”

“Ugghh! I can’t stand your ass.”

He chuckled as I headed for the door.

* * *

“Zae.”I squealed gleefully and clapped my hands together as he pulled into the parking lot of Paint the Night. It was a sip and paint establishment with live jazz musicians, and they served a different meal each night. You never knew what they were serving until they brought your food out. It was never anything too exotic or crazy, but they did warn you if you had certain allergies to bring your own food. They also allowed you the option to bring your own bottle or choose one from their establishment.

“Did I do well on my selection?” he asked and looked over at me.

I wrapped my arms around him and pulled him close. Our kiss was slow and intentional. The car was filled with the sounds of our lips smacking as we devoured each other’s mouths. When I finally pulled back, I replied. “Yes, sir. You did well.”

“Good. After that relaxing massage, I pray that I don’t fall my ass asleep up in here,” he mumbled and turned off the engine.

Izael rushed around to my side and opened the door for me. He took my hand in his and helped me out of the car.

“Have I ever told you that I absolutely adored, respected, and admired my brother’s old friend Izael? But the man that’s in this relationship with me has stolen my heart and shot it to the moon.”

He chuckled and took my hand and brushed his lips across my knuckles.

“Damn, girl. Just to the moon? I was hoping to send that muthafucka out of orbit.”

“You’re so damn close, Zae. I’m thinking that’s gonna happen the next time you blow my back out.”

He laughed with his head tilted back and led me into the establishment. We stepped into a large warehouse with concrete floors, overhead wooden beams, track lighting, and exposed pipes. Though it had an industrial look to it, the hanging plants, oversized windows, and large stage with the band already playing gave it an elegant and romantic appeal.

“These are your dinner cards with your names on them. When you go inside, find the table that has matching cards, and that’s where you’ve been placed for the night. There are two assistants to every three tables, and there are four people assigned to a table. You’ll enjoy your meal first, and after everyone has finished, you’ll wash your hands at the large utility sinks at the rear of the room. When you’ve returned to your table, your assistant will bring all your supplies to the table so that you can get started,” Alleyna, the greeter, explained.

“Is there a particular project that we will be doing tonight?”

“Yes, the theme is ‘Bubbly Chocolate Rose’ for date night. If you prefer to freestyle, simply let your assistant know that and she will get you set up with a blank canvas.”

“Perfect,” Izael commented.

“And your champagne will be brought to your table once you have settled in, Mr. Ellis.”

“Oooh, champagne, huh?” I teased as we walked away from the greeter. “Why not wine?”

“Because my baby deserves the best.”

“I’m surprised you didn’t BYOB.”

“I started to do it, but your nosy ass would have asked so many questions until you figured that shit out.”

I laughed and hit him on the arm. “I’m not nosy.”

“Try telling that to someone who hasn’t known you for almost all your life.” Izael winked and kissed me on the forehead.

“Are we late?” I saw people moving around in the large room beyond, but most people were already sitting at a table.

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