Page 17 of Rules Of Engagement: St. Louis
The silence that followed was thicker, pressing against the walls of the space that had become less about convenience and more about a life I dreamed for that didn’t exist.
The orange fall evening shimmered through the floor-to-ceiling windows, painting everything in warm tones. By the time Naomi entered, I’d dimmed the lights to that golden amber she preferred and set two plates on the dining table. I didn’t have to turn around to know it was her. I felt it in the quiet shift of the air.
“You cooked,” she said, from the entryway, her voice cool, and amused. “It smells delicious.”The soft click of heels against the hardwood made my anticipation for her rise.
I turned from the stove, and there she was, flawless as always in a navy bandage dress that hugged her body exposing her curves and driving heat straight to my dick. Her brown skin seemed to absorb the ambient light. The scent of peach and grape followed her, mixed with another perfume that lay underneath.
Her makeup was soft, with neutral tones that made her eyes sharper. Everything about Naomi was styled and organized, from her diamond stud earrings to the silk knot at her nape. Even her silence was curated.
“There’s my beautiful girl.”
She smirked and sauntered closer.
“It’s spicy coconut shrimp,”I said, serving the mixture over jasmine rice. “With extra lime.”
Naomi laughed. It was that soft, musical sound that made my dick harder. “You’re trying to kill my taste buds.”
“I’m trying to feed you properly.”I handed her a glass of wine, our fingers brushing as she accepted it. The contact kindled the heat on my skin, and I sucked in an inaudible breath. Our eyes connected and neither of us moved away.
She took a sip, her full lips leaving the faintest trace of neutral lipstick on the rim. “Cooking on a Wednesday. That’s becoming routine for you.”
We both knew our usual routine involved takeout containers and conversation before we moved to more teasing activities. But I’d enjoyed feeding her the first time I decided to cook a few months ago and now it was becoming a habit.
“I thought we could try something different.”
“Different?”
“The idea was to fill your belly with food as much as my dick wants to.”
A blush darkened her cheeks as a crimson hue settled there. She attempted to suppress a smile, but I saw it shine through.
“Clever words.”
“I only settled for the truth. Should I have gone for subtly?”
“No. I like you just how you are.”
My nostrils flared and I swallowed my next thoughts, deciding to move to safer grounds. The last thing I wanted to do was run Naomi off with offers of breaking our currently agreement and moving to more meaningful arrangements. So for now, I let it rest.
She moved past me, and it was the first time I noticed the small bag in her other hand. Sauntering to the kitchen counter, Naomi lifted the bag, removed spices, and added them to the spice rack.
I arched a brow. This was an interesting development. Without a word she finished up then we settled at the table withthe food steaming between us. Naomi rested her cheek against her palm, watching me with those sharp brown eyes that showed up in my dreams.
“How was your day?”I asked, cutting into the tender shrimp.
“It was productive.”She forked a piece of rice and slipped the food inside her mouth. “How was yours?”
“I closed the Davidson deal.”
Her eyes brightened. “And did you get all of your terms met?”
“I did.”
Pride flourished across her face. “Congratulations.”She raised her wine glass in a toast. “To another victory for the unstoppable Christian Valentine.”
I was used to my recognitions being celebrated by family and friends – but there hadn’t been a special someone in my life to celebrate with. That was on me, but it didn’t make the want of that being her any less prevalent.
“Thank you, Naomi. It was a long time coming and worth the tedious negotiations.”
