Page 29 of Jaeda

“I’m an avid Lifetime movie fan.”

“Don’t watch anything else. Besides, I think I might need to be the one afraid of a late-night stroll with you. I mean, I’m not the trained assassin. Also, youdidhave me kidnapped.”

She playfully smacked my arm. “I thought we were past that!”

“I mean, we’re past it, but we’re not gonna act like it didn’t happen.”

She giggled. “I’m trying to make up for it. Cut me some slack. Anyway, I’m down for a stroll. Lead the way.”

She linked her fingers through mine, and we made our way across the street. The park was moderately occupied. There were a few people having a late-night picnic. A few coupleswere taking a leisurely stroll. There was the occasional homeless person sleeping on a bench or rolling a cart down the walkway.

Jaeda and I minded our business. We casually strolled along, making conversation while eating our ice cream.

“I really enjoyed your company tonight,” she said, stabbing at her last little bit of her dessert. “This was a lot nicer than my last date. I didn’t feel the need to run out on you.”

“I’m glad you enjoyed yourself. So did I. I just know my mother is gonna be calling me in the morning to get details.”

“At least she’ll just be calling. I’d be willing to bet money that my parents or my siblings are waiting at my house when we get back. They are not going to let me sleep until they get the details.”

“Maceo warned me that y’all were a nosy bunch.”

“We are. It’s only because we work together, and most of us don’t have many outside friends.” She tossed her cup in the nearby trashcan and came back over to me. “I guess I can brag on you a little.”

“Just wait until I can really give you a reason to brag.”

Her eyes glossed over with a shade of lust. Virgin or not, she was curious. I wouldn’t pressure her into anything, however. Whenever she was ready and if she deemed me worthy, I would handle her with care. Until then, I was content with finally having her in my life.

She linked her fingers through mine again, and we continued our walk. We ended up at the small pier overlooking the pond. It was the perfect romantic backdrop, with the bright moon reflecting off the water and the sounds of nature buzzing all around us.

Jaeda stood at the railing, looking out at the view while I stood back, admiring mine. As though she felt my eyes on her, she turned to face me.

“Why are you all the way over there?” she asked innocently.

I chuckled as I took strides toward her. She peered up at me while her fingers toyed with the fabric of my shirt.

“I would say our second date was a success,” she said.

“I thought this was our first.”

“My sisters said the coffee and books was absolutely a date. An impromptu date, but a date nonetheless.”

I playfully shook my head. “I’ll let you have that. Besides, either way, I’ve enjoyed your company.”

Reaching out, I cupped her chin. Our gazes locked, and I licked my lips.

“I, um . . . It’s taking everything in me not to kiss you right now, Jaeda.”

“What if I’m okay with that?”

“Are you?”

She nodded. “Yeah. I mean, . . . I’m not an experienced kisser, but I want to kiss you too.”

I stepped closer to her and slid my arm around her waist, pulling her into me. My free hand cupped the back of her neck as I leaned in and pressed my lips to hers. We lingered for a moment before I took the initiative in deepening the kiss.

I didn’t have to fight her for dominance. She willingly relinquished control and followed my lead. The moan she produced as my tongue slipped into her mouth was so fucking sexy. I knew right then and there that she was going to be dangerous for me in the best way possible. When our lips parted, I looked down to find her blushing.

“I’m definitely gonna like kissing you,” she said with a giggle.

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