Page 25 of Made to Love Ya

“You fretting about what outfit you’re wearing, your hair, your makeup, all the shit that you girls do to impress a nigga.”

“I didn’t know you paid attention.”

“I do. What’s this? The third date in the last week? What that nigga do to you?” Izael asked.

Over a bowl of ice cream, I told him all about my date tonight and ended in tears when I finished.

“Still don’t get why you’re crying. You came out the winner in this. At least you figured out that nigga wasn’t shit from the jump,” Izael stated and took my empty bowl from my hands and set it on the coffee table beside his.

“It was a reminder of how Ricky did me. He preferred Roshanda over me because she was smaller, had a big ass, and well, I couldn’t say prettier because that’s not true,” I admitted with a laugh.

Izael wiped my freshly fallen tears away and cupped my face. He ducked his head down a little, and my heart sped up, wanting him to draw closer to me.

“I don’t know what’s going on in that head of yours, gorgeous, but you are a treasure for any man who’s lucky enough to catch you. I saw Roshanda, and she damn sure wasn’t prettier than you. She may have been a smaller girl, but she can’t offer everything you have to offer, Talia.”

I rolled my eyes.

He caressed my cheeks. “No. I’m serious. You’re so damn smart. You always were. You graduated school a year early, finished culinary school in two years, and instantly snagged a job at one of the top restaurants and most challenging kitchens in Atlanta. You’re not scared to speak your opinion. You’re feisty, strong, and stand your ground about your beliefs.”

Izael’s voice dropped to a sensual tone before he continued.

“And you’re so damn beautiful, Cinnamon. I call you that because of the color of your skin. Your entire face lights up when you smile—from those sparkling brown eyes to those plump heart-shaped lips.”

I didn’t know if Izael realized what he was doing, but his fingers traced my lips as he spoke, and his thumb pressed into the center of my bottom lip several times.

“Your body is a gem to be cherished. Your generous hips and curves are waiting to be touched, cherished, and explored. I love how thoughtful God was when He blessed you with all these curves on your body.”

My lips parted, and I inhaled a breath because I felt beautiful and seen for the first time in a long while.

TALIA

“You’re so beautiful,Talia…so goddamned inspiring, intelligent, and fine as hell.”

I held my breath as he traced my lips one final time before he slowly moved closer to me. I leaned forward, and the moment our lips touched, I melted into him. For so many years, I had dreamed about this. For so many years, I wanted this kiss with the man of my dreams. And yet, for so many years, I told myself it would never happen.

Izael’s tongue was sweet like the ice cream and maple he ate and salty like the nuts. He licked the inside of my mouth and held my face in place as he deepened the kiss. My fingers were scared that if I touched him, I might break the spell or wake up from the dream and have to face reality.

“Zae…” I huffed when he pulled away just a little.

“My bad. I was wrong for that shit.”

“Don’t be. Kiss me again,” I pleaded.

“Are you serious?”

“Please.”

“Gladly, beautiful.” He pressed his lips against mine again.

The kiss was sensual and rich in flavor. It was everything that I dreamed of and more. Izael took his time kissing me and exploring my mouth. It was almost like he wouldn’t get the chance again. I boldly sucked on his tongue, letting him know how much I wanted him.

We had been sitting beside each other on the couch, but our bodies were turned sideways and into each other as we kissed. I pushed Izael back against the couch and straddled him. His hands went to my ass, and he rubbed and squeezed it as I deepened our kiss. When this was over, if he had any regrets, I wouldn’t. I wanted this moment to be memorable.

“I think you’d better get up before we do something you might regret,” Izael warned.

I noticed that he didn’t say that he would regret it.

“I could never regret you, Zae. Never,” I whispered.

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