Page 10 of Tempted to Love You
“Who is the company hosting the gala?”
“Bending Minds, Reshaping Hearts.”
My lungs expand to their fullest through deep, satisfied breaths after reciting the name of my organization.
“What if I told you I’m already gonna be in attendance?”
“Then my proposition is null and void because you just confirmed that you’re gonna be my date for the night.”
“How about this... Once I’m done gathering the information for my article, I’ll be yours for the rest of the night?”
My heart rate elevates, my mouth waters, and a vision of me in a tux standing at an altar with a pastor to my left flashes in my mind.
“Be careful, mama. Those words could have you preparing for a lifetime commitment.”
Latia laughs heartily as if I’ve told her the best joke she’s ever heard, causing my heart to skip beats, my stomach to flutter, and a wide smile to form.
“You’ll see. In the meantime, can I take you to dinner?”
“Sure.”
Latia’s steady and quick response has me smiling like a goofy while pumping my fist.
“Bet. I’m heading into a meeting, but I’ll touch base afterward with the details.”
“No problem. Enjoy the rest of your workday, Rakai.”
Yep, I’m gonna marry this woman because ain’t no way in hell God dropped this gem in my lap for me to ignore it.
“Who knew after a long day at the office, your beauty wouldn’t lose its power?”
A burst of laughter escapes Latia’s mouth at hearing the corny statement coming from me, causing me to shake my head.
Smirking, I try to regain my temporary lapse in clear thinking and logical statements.
“See? You got me out here saying dumb shit like this is my first rodeo.”
“Oh no. Don’t blame me for the weak line. You’re sitting here looking like a wet dream but talking like a cast member onRevenge of the Nerds. You’re way too sexy to go out bad like this,” Latia teases with stars shining in her eyes.
“You think I’m sexy, mama?” My humor vanishes when Latia squirms in her seat from the intense expression in my eyes.
“Maybe.”
“Do you want to know what I think about you?” Leaning forward, I gaze intently into her eyes, removing any possibility of her misconstruing my words.
“Y-yes.” Her response is breathy, which causes the temperature in the room to heat exponentially.
“I think tonight is the beginning of our forever. I think you’re the woman who’s going to fill a void in my life I didn’t know was there. I think you have the power to build me up after life tried to break me. I think saving you was only so you could saveme. Despite our short connection, I’m already falling in love with you. That’s what I think about you, mama.”
When my back hits the back of my seat, Latia’s breath hitches, causing my heart to gallop like I’m running a hundred-meter dash. My temple vein is beating wildly like it’s seconds from popping out of my head. Swallowing the moisture gathering in my mouth, silence stretches between us as the other patrons serve as background noise around us.
“I uh?—”
“What’s understood doesn’t have to be explained. Have you decided on what you’re gonna eat?”
Sharing my thoughts about Latia with her wasn’t my plan, but she has me out of sorts with my nose wide open. The last time a woman had me talking like a simp and moving without hesitation was in high school. My heart is in shambles from the sound of Latia’s giggles or laughter to the smooth yet blemish-free peanut butter skin she’s been blessed with. I didn’t tell Latia that I feel like I’ve been blessed with the rarest gem in the world with every moment in her presence. While I haven’t uncovered everything there is to know about Latia, I’m locked in like a bullet in a gun chamber.
“Well, look what the wind blew in. Hello, baby,” my ma gushes when I enter the living room of my childhood home.
