Page 87 of Delivery After Dark
“Amazingly enough, they’re some of our closest friends. We went through hell together when the whole world found out about our connection, and we turned to each other to survive it. We didn’t blame them, and they never blamed us.”
“That’s really cool that you’re close to them.”
“Life is so weird.”
She laughed. “Sure as hell is. Thank you for sharing that with me. It helps.”
“You’re beautiful and funny and sexy and smart, and did I say funny? Don’t let him ruin a good thing for you. He’s not worth it, and I promise you I will be.”
“How can you be so sure?”
“Because I have never, ever, ever felt like this about anyone, and all I want after tonight is many more nights just like this one.”
He extended his hand to her.
Monique eyed it as she tried to decide if she was ready for him and for this. “There might be more steps backward.”
“I’m here for that.”
She reached out to him.
He curled his hand around hers and kissed the back of it as he looked up at her. “I might be the safest bet you could ever make, because there’s no way in hell I’d ever do to anyone what my father did to us.”
“Thank you for understanding.”
“I do. I get it. And it’s not something you have to worry about with me. If I want out, I’ll tell you. And hopefully you’ll do the same.”
“I would. Absolutely.”
“For what it’s worth, though, I don’t expect to want out. I want in. I want you and this and us and all of it. I’ve been waiting a long time to find you.”
“Will your family approve of, well, you know…”
“What?”
“That I’m Black.”
He gave her a look that told her everything she needed to know. “The only thing they want for me is the same thing I want for myself—happiness with the right person. Trust me, that’ll never be an issue for any of us.”
“It’s been an issue for me in the past. I dated a white guy once… It was going well until his mother met me, and suddenly it was over.”
“He didn’t deserve you either.”
“No, he didn’t.”
“You know what my mom will love about you?”
“What’s that?”
“Your sense of humor. She loves irreverence and sarcasm and all the rest of it. You’ll fit right in with us.”
“It’s nice to hear the qualities that’ve caused me trouble with every boss I’ve ever had will finally pay off.”
He flashed that sexy grin. “Are we good now?”
“Yeah, thank you.”
“For what?”
