Page 20 of Tempted to Love You
Rakai:No worries. I just wanted to check in.
Me:I’ll call you when I get home. My mom wants to meet you. *teeth clenching emoji*
Rakai:Whenever you’re ready... just say when.
Latia
Hop, skip, and a month later, and I’m in love’s haze like nobody’s business, so it’s time to show and prove to Rakai just how much our relationship means to me. Nothing says I love you like taking your man to meet your family and best friends, knowing that your inner circle will interrogate him. Yet it’s exactly what’s about to happen with Rakai and me. Rakai knows nothing about my family dynamics or friend circle. Our whirlwind love affair hasn’t left me with time for that version of getting to know him, yet things are moving quickly, and part of me needs the people close to me to confirm that I’m in too deep or that this man can love me like he’s been saying he can.
I don’t need their validation of Rakai per se, but at the same time, their opinions are important to me. I then need to know how Rakai will intermingle with my family and friends should this relationship head in the direction he’s confident about. Rakai has told me his plans for our future, but I need to know from my people if I’m okay to surrender my life to him. My parents are older and chose their careers over having children, yet the thought of creating life with Rakai makes me desperate for assurance that I will be fine with him. I’m not thirty yet, but I want the forever love my parents have. I don’t want to get itwrong because IthoughtI loved a man whose love swept me off my feet.
“Let’s talk about it so you can un-furrow your brows,” Rakai’s statement cuts into my ministrations, causing me to look to my left to see his assessing gaze before his eyes return to the road.
One of Mom’s sisters is having a dinner party, and it’s the perfect gathering for me to bring Rakai. My aunt, Tremaine, is all about “the more the merrier,” and the dinner party is more of a casual setting. I have even invited Keisha so she can also get a feel for Rakai. I know most of my family and Keisha will spend the evening interrogating Rakai, but I’m not opposed to it because it’s what I need to do.
“Are you sure you’re ready for this? Many of my family members will be in attendance and are liable to drill you. Can you handle the attention that’ll be coming your way?”
“I’ve spent five years in the penial system, mama. This is lightweight to a giant. Besides, loving you means I’ll always be ten toes down for whatever comes at me concerning you. Take a couple of breaths because I’m good, and we’re gonna be good.”
Warmth stretches across my chest, and a cheesy smile upturns my lips, allowing me to do what Rakai instructed. If he can make it through today without buckling from the pressure of interrogation, then I’m sure we’re going to be just fine.
“Thank you for that. I have been in my head and thinking about how you’re going to?—”
“Don’t do that. I’m thirty-two. This isn’t my first rodeo with meeting the family of the lady I’m with. I know that securing my place in your life will be confirmed by allowing your family to see the man I am. You’re worth it, mama.”
My breathing becomes labored, and my eyes fill with water at the inflection in Rakai’s final statement. I’m not an insecure woman, nor do I struggle with validation, yet hearing Rakai speak as confidently as he is has my heart swooning. Love isaction, and Rakai continues to showcase his for me in what he does, not just in what he says. Rakai makes falling in love with him easy.
“Hello, family!” I greet, walking into the room where various family members are meandering around.
Rakai and I are holding hands, yet mine is the one perspiring because Rakai is cool as a cucumber. Smiles and varying return greetings echo around the room as I lead Rakai toward where my parents are. My mom’s face is beaming while my dad is blank, preventing me from reading him.
“Damn, mama. If this is what I have to look forward to when you get older, I’m definitely marrying you,” Rakai whispers.
A bubble of laughter shoots from my esophagus because Rakai’s statements catch me completely off guard.
“What?”
“I’m just saying your mom is beautiful.”
“Don’t make me break up with y?—”
“Don’t make me fuck you to sleep tonight because I have to remind you that I’m only about you. Chill, mama.”
My steps halt, allowing Rakai to lean over and place two quick pecks on my lips, and my eyes flutter to a close. My heart rate increases, and my stomach flips at the euphoria flowing through my body from his kisses.
“Ahem.”
Hearing someone clear their throat, I slowly open my eyes to see my mom’s delightful face near Rakai and me.
“Oh. Hey, Mom, I was bringing?—”
“Mhm, chile. Don’t worry about it. I didn’t want to wait any longer. Hello. I’m Latia’s mom, Rita.” Mom extends her handtoward Rakai, who chuckles softly before releasing our hands and placing his hand into Mom’s palm.
“Pleased to meet you, Mrs. Rita. I’m Latia’s man, Rakai Crawford.”
“Oh, I know, suga. Come on so that I can introduce you to a few people,” Mom insists, leading Rakai away as my mouth hangs.
Did my mom just steal my man?
