Page 5 of Surrender Your Heart
By one o’clock, my deep weave sew-in was flawless, and my mani and pedi were perfectly done. Creamsicle Orange. Oh, and my wax lady left me silky smooth. I had that freshly pampered glow. I was ready.
Pulling up to the private airport, I wore a white two-piece set with a tight ribbed tank and matching shorts. The gold anklet shimmered under the sun, and the white Hermes sandals I wore completed the outfit. My suitcase rolled beside me as butterflies crept in my belly.
I barely got my name out before one of the airport staff smiled warmly and said, “Right this way, Miss Lake. You’re expected.”
He led me down a marble hallway to the VIP lounge, where a chilled flute of champagne and a small plate of sliced tropicalfruit waited for me. I blinked in surprise, picking up the folded black note card beside the glass.
“I hope you’re ready for me. If not, get ready, sweetheart.”
—Legend
I bit my bottom lip with a shake of my head. This man didn’t miss.
The jet itself was immaculate with white leather seats, wood grain finishes, and gold-trimmed everything. It even smelled rich like vanilla tobacco, bergamot, and money. I curled up near the window with the glass of champagne in hand, letting the clouds roll by as my mind wandered. When we landed, the heat kissed my skin before the breeze could cool it. A staff member opened the jet door and handed me down, the sunshine melting over my skin like honey.
And then I saw Legend standing in front of a matte black luxury SUV with the sleeves of his black linen shirt rolled up, arms folded, sunglasses raised, salad and pepper beard perfect, and that smooth dark skin gleaming. He was still everything but maybe even more fine, more commanding, still exuding the kind of presence that made you want to beg for it.
My God…
His eyes tracked me like he’d been starved for a year. And when I got close enough, he reached for my luggage with one hand and pulled me into his chest with the other. His voice dropped low against my ear, smooth and thick with something I hadn’t heard in a man’s tone in a long time. Ownership.
“I should’ve sent for you sooner.”
Legend
H o n e ys l i di n t othe back seat of the SUV like she hadn’t been heavy on my damn mind for a year straight. And yeah, I’d touched other women since her. Slept beside a few. Fucked a couple. But none of them moved me. None of them got under my skin and stayed there like Honey did.
I could still taste her some nights. Still hear the way she whispered my name when she came. Still remember how her body softened into mine like we’d done it a thousand times. Now she was sitting across from me again, looking too fucking good and smelling like every bit of heaven I wanted a piece of. She seemed different, though, and fuck if it didn’t turn me all the way on.
“You look good, sweetheart,” I said, voice low.
She smiled like she already knew it. “Thanks. So do you.”
“I know.”
That made her laugh, and damn, I missed that sound. “You’re still cocky, huh?”
“Confident, baby,” I corrected. “Cocky is what niggas pretend to be when they ain’t sure of themselves. I know exactly who I am.”
“Mmm.” She hummed, giving me a look I couldn’t place while slightly biting on her bottom lip.
“Tell me about business,” I said, voice calm, thumb drawing lazy circles against her skin.
Honey blinked out of the haze, inhaled deeply. “Business is really good. Tyrae, my best friend, really goes hard. Products are flying off the shelves. We got brand deals and a huge following. You really helped make that happen.”
I nodded. “No,youmade it happen. I just gave you the boost.”
She smiled, genuinely. “That means more than you know.” There was something in her tone, something that said she hadn’t heard a man give her credit without expecting something in return.
“Still working the floor even though you have a full staff?” I asked.
“Sometimes. I like being hands-on, but I’m trying to step into more of the CEO role now. Let my staff carry most of the load.”
“Good,” I said. “You’re meant to lead, baby, not be on your feet for ten hours a day.”
“You sound like you been watching me or something.” I chuckled but didn’t answer. “So what about you?” she asked, glancing at the large designer watch on my wrist.
“Still out here moving money and making power plays?”
