Page 47 of It's Love I'm After

Low laughter escapes my mouth, causing me to set my glass down while giving Chaniya my undivided attention.

“Nothing for you to worry your pretty little head about, Cha-Cha. I promise.”

Since Nana called for Caleb, I decided an impromptu date would allow Chaniya and me to enjoy a meal prepared by someone else. On the nights I’m not working, Chaniya or I cook so she, Caleb, and I can have dinner together. To not shift Caleb’s routine too much, dinner is at their house. I had plans for the three of us to spend the evening at my house so Caleb could start getting acquainted with my space, but Nana called, requesting him. Chaniya said she’s been keeping Caleb home with her since that day at Nana’s when I met her family.

“Did she mention my mother?”

My forehead wrinkles, and my mouth twists at the question because, other than the cold shoulder Chaniya’s mother had given me, her name hasn’t come up.

“Should she have?” I counter.

The faraway and blank expression removing the light and beam in Chaniya’s eyes has me placing my hands on the table while readying myself for what’s coming. Chaniya’s vibrant eyes are now full of shadows and torment, pushing me to probe further.

“What’s the look about? Is there something going on with your mom?”

“How much time do you have?”

“Whatever you need. Or is this something we shouldn’t discuss throughout tonight’s date? I don’t like the look in your eyes.”

“Dinner, then confession. How does that sound?”

A frown downturns my lips, and my stomach sours at the loaded question that causes Chaniya’s eyes to flash with varying yet unreadable expressions.

“Where would you like to talk? I personally think we should do it lying under the stars on my deck.”

Chaniya’s eyes clear, and giggles come from her mouth which loosens the noose around my stomach before she speaks.

“I’ve been to your house several times and didn’t know your back deck holds secrets.”

“I’m capable of secret-keeping. The deck is simply a backdrop because a beautiful night like the one we’re experiencing should be enjoyed. I have a firepit on it and everything, just in case you get chilly.”

“Okay. Dinner, then deck. I can live with that. Now, can we change the subject to something less heavy?”

“For sure. What color panties are you wearing?”

Liquid from the sip of wine Chaniya just drank spills onto the table, along with the sound of her laughter. My heart stretches at the jovial sound and the corresponding glow in her eyes.

“There’s my pretty Cha-Cha. I don’t give a damn what’s going on. Don’t ever let anyone tip your crown.” My voice is heavy yet low to my ears, and I’m helpless to change it due to how I feel and the fast tempo of my heart.

Man, I love the fuck outta this woman.

“I’m okay. Thank you ba—by.” Chaniya stalls when her eyes stare at someone approaching our table.

“What’s good, new booty, Yaya? I didn’t expect to see you when I returned to the city.” Some light-skin man speaks to Chaniya, causing her face to ashen.

“You don’t see me sitting here, my boy? Clearly, somebody in your lineage taught you the importance of manners,” I interject.

The boulder in my stomach at seeing Chaniya’s face and the instant misting in her eyes shifts the temperature within my body.

“Don’t mind me, bro. I’ve had this sweet piece of ass before, and I promise you it ain’t nothing to write home about.” Ole boy speaks with a smug grin while slowly roaming Chaniya’s appearance.

A humorless chuckle leaves my mouth before I lift the napkin from my lap and toss it on the table. Without another word,I stand to my full height, towering over buddy by at least two inches, and size him up.

“Uh—”

“Nah, Cha-Cha. Don’t shift your crown. I got this shit,” I say before shifting my attention and gaze to the buster still standing at our table.

“It’s cute that you’re flexing over a bi?—”

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