Page 105 of Stoplight
“You mean that?”
“Yeah, I’ve given it some thought, and I know shit will get ugly, but I don't give a fuck. A man like me done been through a lot of storms, and I still came out on top. At least now, I’ll have you holding me down.”
“Wow,” she whispered, stunned. “I always avoided asking how you felt about me because in some delusional way, I wanted to remain oblivious just in case our feelings didn’t reflect each other. But hearing you confirm how you feel, and it be the same as me makes me really happy.”
Noble grabbed both of her hands and kissed the back of them. “Like I said, this shit ain't surface. I’m with you if you with me.”
Irish’s deep brown eyes could penetrate any man’s heart. “I’m with you, Noble.”
She didn’t know how much relief swept over him. Simply put, Noble wanted her and was willing to start a war about her.
“I got you something.” He reached inside his pocket and pulled out a velvet box. Noble sat it on the table and watched her reach for it.
“What’s this?” She smirked, giving him a sexy glance.
“Open it and see.”
She did as he said and gasped when she saw what was inside.
“Papa, this is so cute.” She gushed, taking the necklace out of the box. “You really got me an iced-out pumpkin.” She laughed.
“Yeah, you like it?”
“Are you serious? I love it. Can you help me put it on?”
Noble stood and walked around the table. Grabbing the necklace from her, he secured it around her neck before lightly kissing her exposed shoulder. Irish craned her head so that their lips could meet.
“I appreciate you,” she gushed in a low tone.
Noble responded with one more kiss before he resumed sitting.
“Maybe I should block you more often,” she kidded, touching the necklace. “You seem to act right when I do.”
“Try it and see how I fuck you up.”
“Whatever.”
Noble’s phone buzzed inside his pocket. Grabbing it, he noticed Kenji calling.
He rose from his seat. “Aye, let me talk to my son before he goes to bed. I’ll be back.”
“Okay.”
Noble headed for the hallway as he answered the call. “What’s up, G. You miss me?”
Irish couldn’t stop touching the diamond pumpkin that dazzled under the dim lights. Noble had made her feel like a rare gem the entire night. Before their date, he sent a Laquan Smith dress and gold platform heels for her. She was pleased to see that they were her size and fit perfectly. Afterward, a car awaited her in the driveway. Ivory asked so many questions that Irish could barely get out the door. To avoid further interrogation, she lied and said that it was date night for her and Jovanis.
Once she got inside the car, she was driven to this restaurant that had her in awe as soon as she stepped inside. Irish wasn’t just pleased with his gifts, but the effort Noble had put into her was so inspiring. She had never been pursued to this magnitude. Most dates were the standard dinner and maybe ice cream after. However, Noble had blown any remnants of her past men out of her mind. He set the standard, showing that he was all man and nothing less. This was the kind of energy Irish needed. A king, who would put in the effort to make her his queen.
“Girl, I thought that was you.”
Irish turned to her right and immediately simpered. “Hey, Shay. What you doing here?”
“Just having dinner, girl. You look good. Give me a hug.”
The two hugged and Irish pulled back, checking her out. “I see you got those pretty legs out.”
Shay stuck her tongue out. “You know I gotta give the niggas something to see. Who you here with?”
