Page 33 of It's Love I'm After

Thankfully, Chaniya is feeling a little better, so I made some homemade chicken noodle soup to slowly reintroduce food into her system.

“Women who come on too strong. As a man, I like to be the aggressor, and I’m turned off by a woman who does too much.”

“What do you mean by does too much?”

“My ex wanted to plan my life and the life she dreamt for us after our third date. In time, it became old, and the appeal I found in her outward appearance lost it’s savor.”

“Hm.” Chaniya’s single-word response doesn’t bother me because I’m too mesmerized by her enjoyment of a simple meal I made for her. “Your turn.”

I’m not sure why I let Chaniya talk me into playing twenty-one questions, but I suppose it’s an excellent way for us to learn more about each other, so I’m entertaining it for now.

“What’s a lesson you’ve learned from past relationships?” Pulling my gaze from Chaniya’s actions, I take a bite of the turkey and Swiss panini I made to accompany the soup.

“Not to take a man at his word but to make sure his actions line up with what he’s freely speaking. I have often missed and ignored red flags because I’ve trusted what a man has spoken and not measured those fruitless words against what he showed me.”

“Yeah. Lip service can have you walking around with blinders on. Always measure a person based on what they show you regardless of what gender you’re dealing with.”

“Trust me. I know now.”

“How am I measuring so far?”

A smile forms around the spoon, which causes a sly grin from me while I wait to hear her response.

“Ask me once we’re past the incidents of this crazy weekend. My turn. What’s something you’ve never told anyone but feel comfortable sharing with me?” The twinkling merriment in Chaniya’s eyes has a low chuckle escaping my mouth.

“Oh, since I have to keep your shitty secret, you want to put us on a level playing field.” Smirking, I take another bite of my sandwich, staring at Chaniya, who rolls her eyes before putting her spoon down and picking up her sandwich for the first time.

“It's not gentleman-like to keep bringing up my uncontrollable actions. I’m also not trying to keep score. I’m just trying to learn more about the man who’s seen me cum and sick in a short period.”

“Say less, Cha-Cha. I’ve never told anyone that I have a thing for a beautiful, voluptuous woman with braids, a single dimple in her left cheek, warm brown eyes that kickstart my morning at the thought of her, who’s slaying single motherhood like the boss woman she is.”

“Yeah, you did. Your people already knew my name before I knew theirs. Tell me a real secret, Germayne.” Chaniya’s pout has a grin sliding in place before looking around the room and leaning in close, lowering my tone.

“None of them know that you’re the first person I think about each morning and the only person filling my dreams most nights,” I whisper.

A glowing beam fills Chaniya’s countenance when I sit back in my chair before resuming eating.

“What does your ideal weekend look like when you’re in a relationship?” I ask.

“Tuh. Listen, you definitely owe me another weekend after this one. However, I’m a simple woman who doesn’t need a man to do grand gestures to get my attention if he already has it. I’ve been wined, dined, and the like for years, but now I want something substantial. With being a mother, an ideal weekend with a man can be as simple as lying around having a Netflix and chill night.”

“Duly noted.”

A woman like Chaniya is rare, especially in the early phase of a relationship, and while she’s expressing the simplistic things she enjoys, I plan on providing her with both. As a single mother, or mother in general, Chaniya deserves to have someone alongside her who will not only ease her burdens but nurture her heart. I’m the man signing up for the task, and I won’t fail, because with Chaniya, I feel forever.

“I think you already have a bonus because a man who can cook is extremely attractive. This meal might be simple, but few can make delicious homemade chicken noodle soup, sir.”

“Appreciate it, love. Adele and Jolene taught me everything I know in the kitchen.”

“Hm. I guess Grandma Jolene has some redeeming qualities after all.”

15

CHANIYA

Germayne: Have a good day, Cha-Cha. *winking emoji*

Me: Cha-Cha??

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