Page 109 of Seasoned
“Usually it’s the woman in a relationship who tries to make the changes, isn’t it? We’re doing this all wrong.” He yawned again.
Jackie gave him an indulgent smile. “How about some breakfast?”
“Breakfast would be nice.” He folded both arms behind his head.
“Coming right up, but don’t get too used to this. I’m only cooking because my housekeeper has the day off. I don’t make breakfast often—or cook in general. Too much work.”
“You just need someone to make it worth your while, that’s all.”
“Just appreciate what I’m doing, okay?” she said tartly.
“I promise to appreciate everything you offer me,” Tyson said, licking his lips.
“Your mind stays in the gutter.” She shook her head, tossing over her shoulder on the way out the door, “When I get back I have something for you.”
“I can’t wait!”
Laughing softly to herself, Jackie went downstairs and prepared a quick meal of scrambled eggs, ham, toast, and coffee. She took the tickets she’d printed the day before off the printer and set them on the tray with the food.
Back in the bedroom, she found Tyson strolling out of the bathroom in a pair of navy boxer shorts. He was a beautiful man who took time to exercise regularly, and it showed. He had long, toned legs, a smooth firm chest, plus a high-wattage smile that never failed to make her heart thud faster.
He rubbed his hands together. “Right on time.”
“Follow me.”
She led the way out to the balcony, afforded privacy by the cluster of trees that bordered the edge of her property.
“This looks good. Thanks, baby.” Tyson gave her a quick kiss, and she tasted the peppermint from the toothpaste.
“You’re welcome.” Jackie sat down and waited for him to notice the tickets.
He sat across from her. “What’s this?” He picked up the printed pages and his eyes widened. “You got Charlie Wilson tickets?”
“Surprise!”
“Hot damn! I haven’t seen him perform in years, but he always puts on a good show.” He kept staring at the printout.
“My sister planned to go, but she had to cancel so I bought her tickets and thought you and I could go instead. I figured since you’re such a big fan, you wouldn’t mind. They’re great seats, near the front row. Do you have plans on Saturday?”
“Let’s see…” He frowned, thinking. “Actually, Kendrick and I were going out, but we can move that to another night. Charlie Wilson, baby. I can’t wait!” He hopped up, clutched her face, and gave her another loud smack on the lips. “I love my surprise.” He whispered the words against her mouth and then sat down.
With warm cheeks and fullness in her chest, Jackie bit into a piece of buttered toast. His enthusiasm was addictive, and being with him was so easy. Their relationship was loving, fun, and she looked forward to his calls and every moment they spent together.
Tyson reached across the small table and took her hand. He brought her fingers to his lips and looked in her eyes. “This sounds corny as hell, but I was thinking about our relationship this time around, how much deeper it is than when we first met. Even though I was crazy about you ten years ago, what I feel for you now is different. I literally can’t imagine my life without you. When we met before, the timing was wrong. This time, everything feels right, you know? I want to move here and spend the rest of my life with you, like this. Having breakfast, traveling together, going to concerts, making love until my eyes roll back in my head.” He grinned, but his eyes remained serious as they searched hers. “Do you feel even a little bit of what I feel?”
Jackie nodded. She hadn’t expected the second iteration of their togetherness to be so enjoyable. She’d expected something temporary, fleeting. Yet every time she saw him, all she thought about was…forever.
“I do. I want to be with you, Tyson.”
“Then we’re on the same page.”
Except for one detail. Her adoption plans. She thought about telling him, but if she wasn’t approved, it wouldn’t matter. So she set aside the conversation for now, one they could have at a later date.
“We’re definitely on the same page,” she agreed.
13
That smile made her day. The smile of a woman who found a clothing item that fit.
