Page 99 of Stoplight
She exhaled before reluctantly walking to the truck and getting inside. Noble joined her, slamming the door and cutting the volume down on the music. The smell of his cologne filled the interior, making her instantly regret joining him.
“So, we block each other now?”
Damn, she missed that voice like she missed the way Lemon Heads used to taste.
“Yes, we do when we start hanging up on each other.”
Noble looked forward, pinching his bottom lip between his index finger and thumb.
“Oh, you don't got nothing to say?” she taunted him.
“You pissed me off.”
“Why? Because I was being there for my friend.”
He turned to her, wearing eyes so cold that Irish tensed up a bit.
“No because you know I hate to be ignored. I don't give a fuck about that nigga having a bad day.”
“Well, I do, Noble. You act like I ignored you intentionally. Then, you hung up on me like I’m one of your hoes on your roster. I don't like that shit.”
His gaze roamed her face then slid down her body. Irish had been without him for two weeks, making her feel as ifher body had gone through withdrawals. It made her wonder about the possibility of love. It was always a possibility with her. Somehow, putting a title on it would make it real. It would force her to realize she had fallen in love with someone forbidden. Saying she loved Noble would confirm the mess that pooled around her feet. How would she clean it up? Who would she choose if it came down to it? Love would complicate their situation, but Irish knew deep down under the layers of delusion that this man had her heart in a bear hug.
“I come first, Irish.”
She despised that he called her by her first name. What happened to Pumpkin?
“But you know my situation, Noble.”
His gaze softened. “And you know I don't give a fuck. I put you first, you put me first. Simple.”
Irish wanted to put Noble first in every category in her life, but Jovanis was there. He was her best friend. Her first protector. How could Noble come in and wipe out any remnants of Jovanis? Irish felt like an imposter—role playing as Jovanis’ wife when she really wanted Noble. She yearned for every part of him but again, she couldn’t turn her back on Jovanis right now.
“It’s not simple,” she stated just above a whisper.
“It is. Answer my texts and when I call you, you better answer right away. You know I don't even like talking on the phone.”
Irish pouted, knowing she was going to do everything Noble asked.
“Now give me a kiss.”
“Hell no. You hung up on me, remember?”
“And you blocked me for two weeks. I ain't never been blocked by no woman.”
“Well, I’m happy to do the honors.” She grinned proudly. “Maybe next time you’ll watch your temper and treat me with some respect.”
Noble gently grabbed her arm and pulled her toward him. “I always treat you with respect.”
Irish’s eyes closed when he kissed her cheek. This touch was something she wished she could bottle up and store for the times when she missed him. His lips trailed over to her lips. Devouring them, Irish grabbed the back of his head. Her pussy thumped, ready for his dick to make its way home.
“I missed you, Pumpkin,” he murmured between kisses.
“I missed you, too,” she moaned before tasting his tongue.
The infatuation between the couple was like ethanol and water. It formed into a perfect solution with Noble being the solute and Irish being the solvent. It was magical. Ethereal even. Irish wanted him in her skin, that way they’d never be apart. For years, she chased a love like this. One that filled her to the brim with intimacy and passion. She almost gave up hope until this six-foot-one gentleman entered her world.
“Since I was the person in the wrong, let me make it up to you.”
