Page 125 of Taeja

Taeja chuckled awkwardly. “That’s kinda messed up.”

“How?”

“It’s not weird dating someone the same age as your sister?”

Zain shrugged. “I don’t know her.”

“You have a point,” Taeja said, then grinned. “Plus, it’s a good thing I like my men older.”

“You’re the youngest woman I’ve dated. Stop making it weird.”

She laughed. “Okay, okay. But… would it be bad if you met Seth? You’ve been in the picture before Lashay.”

“I know, but Indra would feel worse to know that the random one-night stand before marriage gave her husband all he ever wanted,” he said. “Enough about me. And stop looking at me like that. You talk too much.”

Taeja pouted. “Yu know mi nuh like when yu tell me dat.”

“It’s a habit. I’m not used to people constantly questioning my choices.”

“Sorry.”

“Don’t apologize,” he said while reaching an arm over onto the backseat. When his hand came into view again, a rectangular gift box was in his hand.

Taeja’s heart quickened as he handed it to her. “Is this for me?”

“We’re the only ones here.”

She rolled her eyes with a big smile. “Should I open it now?” she asked, and Zain nodded. Hastily, Taeja undid the bow, then removed the top. Wrapping paper was on top and her excitement increased as she removed it. “Wow! Is this what I think it is?”

Zain nodded.

“Mi think yu nehna go mek mi ride it!” she exclaimed, removing the black jacket from the box and holding it at a distance. Her face brightened as she laid it on the dashboard, then removed the pants and laid it atop the box. “It looks like yours!”

“I’ll get you a bike like mine when you learn how to drive.”

Taeja’s smile dropped. “So… never?”

He shrugged. “That’s up to you. A bike isn’t a toy. I’m not getting you one until I know you’re ready. Especially not now when your finger isn’t fully healed.”

Taeja sighed. “Fair.”

Zain smirked before reaching onto the backseat again. He came back with a shiny lavender helmet this time. “You can try it on later.”

Taeja nodded, suddenly regretting wearing her afro. Curious about what else he got her, Taeja looked at the backseat. A nondescript black bag was on the seat.

“You’ll get that another time,” Zain said, making her look at him.

“Okay.” Taeja smiled. “Thanks for these. I can barely wait to try them on.”

Zain nodded, adjusting himself on the seat. “Put your seatbelt on.”

Nodding, Taeja placed her gifts onto the back seat, then fixed her seatbelt. Zain drove off toward Damon’s house. Taeja had an unwavering smile while looking through the window.

A few days later,Taeja was sitting on Damon’s lap while kissing him all over.

His arms were loosely wrapped around her waist, and hers were thrown over his broad shoulders. She loved how Damon held her tenderly, like she was the most precious gem. Whatever he felt, she felt tenfold. He was always so verbal and unapologetic with his affection; it made her want to give him more than he could ever ask for.

If he wanted a new tech room, she’d buy him an entire building.