Page 50 of For the Lover in You
"I'm going to pass on lunch. I need to get home if that's okay."
Trina raised an eyebrow. "Girl...what are you about to get into?"
"Nothing, I'm just returning the favor."
Chasity smirked. "I bet you are."
"Whatever," I replied, laughing. "Trina, if you don't mind, can you swing me by the store?"
A few hours later, I pulled out the cornbread I had cooked in the cast-iron skillet. I was thankful that I had started the pot roast in the crock pot early in the morning. I had finished the mashed potatoes and vegetable medley just as the cornbread finished. I laid the plates out on the table and placed the cheap bottle of wine on the table. I double-checked everything to ensure it wasset up perfectly. I continued to fidget with the plates and forks until the doorbell rang. I took a few seconds, then a deep breath, and walked toward the door. Before I could take him in, his cologne invaded my nose.
I had invited Tremaine over for an early dinner. I felt it was the least I could do after everything he had done for me.
"Hey, Trey. Come on in," I said, stepping to the side to let him in.
"Hey, Mila. You looked relaxed. You enjoyed the spa, I see."
I nodded. "I didn't realize how much I needed that."
"I'm glad you enjoyed yourself," he added.
We stared at each other for a moment. Once I realized I was getting lost in his trance, I darted my eyes away from Tremaine's. It was something about this man that had me fighting internally to stop from jumping him and letting him have his way with my body.
"Have a seat at the table. I've got everything laid out for you."
"It smells good in here. Are you sure you cooked all this?" he teased.
"Ha, hilarious. Yes, I cooked everything. I don't make a hobby out of cooking, but when I do, I throw down."
"Hmm, I'll be the judge of that."
We sat down at the table and plated our food. We bowed our heads, blessed the food, and ate. I kept my eyes trained on Tremaine to get his expression whenever he took a bite of the food. He continued to eat, not looking up at me or making any sort of sign that the food was good. My stomach fell to the bottom of my toes. Here I was trying to do this kind gesture, and he hated my food.
"I'm sorry if you've had better. You don't have to force yourself to eat it if it's nasty," I muttered.
He placed his fork down and wiped his mouth.
"Mila, it's good. I wasn't saying anything because I was concerned about finishing what's on my plate so I can get more."
I shook my head. "You don't have to lie, Trey. I can take criticism. Shit, I've been dealing with that for a decade now."
He stared at me. "Come here, Mila."
"Huh?"
"Get up and come here."
I slowly stood up from the table and walked to him. He grabbed me by the hand and rubbed the top with his thumb.
"That nigga is a coward. Unlike him, when I tell you something, I mean it. I ain't tell you shit to make myself feel good. I'm telling you that because I mean that shit. I'm a man who means what he says."
Trey tugged my arm and pulled me onto his lap.
"Now, like I said, the food is good and I'm going for seconds. Got it?" he asked, closer to my lips. It felt as if he sucked the air out of me.
All I could do was nod.
"Good."
