Page 113 of Smoke

He took a seat next to me. “Have I complained about that?”

“No, but?—”

“No buts. Nothing I’ve done for you was for any other reason than you deserved it. I’m a natural protector, and you’re worth protecting. And for the record, you gave me enough, woman. I have you. I have Korri, and I have Juri. I have everything I need.”

I teared up hearing that. Palming his face, I looked deep into his beautiful brown eyes.

“I…”

“You what?”

I closed my eyes. Dare I say the words lingering on my tongue. Devin cupped my chin, forcing my eyes open.

“Talk to me,” he said gently.

“I love you, Devin. I feel crazy saying that not knowing if you feel the same way, but I can’t help it. I love you.”

He peered at me for a moment before a smile spread across his face.

“You love me, huh?”

“Yes.”

“What if I love you too?”

My eyes widened. “Do you… love me? Do you love me?”

“Yeah, I love yo’ short ass.” I playfully slapped his chest, causing him to laugh. He grabbed my hand and kissed it. “I love you, Romi. How could a nigga not love you?”

“You’re not just saying that?” I whispered.

“Have I lied to you yet, woman?”

“No.”

“Okay then. Now tell me you love me and give me them lips.”

I couldn’t help but giggle as he pulled me close to him, crashing our lips together. Maybe this was soon, but when it felt right… it felt right.

We left my parents’house about eight. Korri decided she wanted to spend the night with my sister, and Renay was happy to take her. Since we had a kid free night, Devin took me back to his house after stopping by my place to grab a few things. He told me all I needed to bring was clothes because he had everything else. I was a little nervous, and I didn’t know why. I’d been sleeping next to this man every night for two weeks now. I wasn’t afraid of that.

Maybe it was the fact that we had professed our love for each other. Maybe it was the fact that I’d never spent a night in his home. Or maybe it was the fact that tonight, I had plans of finally climbing that damn tree. It’d been a long time… too long… long overdue.

While his mouth and fingers were amazing in their own right, I was dying to know what it felt like to have Devin inside me. I needed it, but more than that, I wanted it too.

“Why are you still standing there?” he asked me from my position at his bedroom door.

I blinked, not even realizing that I hadn’t fully stepped inside.

“Sorry, I was in my head.”

“You good?”

“Yeah, I’m fine,” I said, finally going into the bedroom.

“I’m gonna step over to my brother’s right quick. I’ll be right back. Make yourself at home.”

“Okay.”

---