Page 52 of Sweetest Temptation
Mama frowned, a little disappointed. “You sure, baby? I made enough.”
“No, really… It was nice meeting you both,” Zanova said, eyes darting between my mama and grandma before landing on me.
I hid a smirk and nodded toward the stairs. “I’ll walk you up.”
Grandma chuckled under her breath. “Mmhmm. I bet you will.”
Zanova’s cheeks flamed as she mumbled another soft goodbye and turned, moving fast. I followed right behind her as she climbed the steps. The moment we hit the top floor and turned into my bedroom, she exhaled like she’d been holding her breath the whole time.
“Samir! You could’ve told me your mother and grandmother were coming over this morning.” She pressed a hand to her chest as if she’d received some devastating news.
I leaned against the doorframe, biting back a grin at her freaking out. “My bad. I didn’t have time. I just woke up myself. Besides, I didn’t know they were coming.”
“God, I’m so embarrassed. They probably think I’m some Jezebel or something.”
I laughed, pushing off the frame and walking closer. “Baby, stop trippin’. Ain’t nobody thinking shit. You just caught ’em off guard, that’s all. Trust me… You will laugh about that shit later. Right now, you look too damn fine in my shirt to be stressin’. Let me get some before you dip out on a nigga.”
“No! Your mother and grandmother are here.”
I chuckled at the stunned look on her face. “I’m just fucking with you, Nova baby. What do you got planned for later? I want to take you out.” I wrapped my arms around her waist and kissed her neck.
“Take me out? You were serious?”
“Yeah. I want to see if a nigga can stand being around you for a while without being in the pussy.” I joked.
She elbowed me in the stomach. “Who says I want to go out with you?” She pursed her lips.
“Stop playing with me. And give me your address too. I’m gon’ come scoop you around six.”
“Why can’t I just meet you there?” she asked, folding her arms, a teasing glint in her eyes.
“Stop playing with me,” I repeated, stepping closer. “What do I look like letting my woman drive herself to our date?”
“Your woman? Since when we became a couple? Did I miss the memo?”
“You ain’t miss nothin’, baby. I just like speaking things into existence.”
“Mmhmm. You smooth, Mr. Carter. Real smooth.”
I leaned in, close enough for my breath to brush a kiss on her ear. “Only when it comes to you.”
She shivered, then laughed softly, trying to play it off. “We’ll see if you still talk like that after our date.”
“Oh, I will. Matter of fact, I might talk worse because our night is going to end with me between those thick thighs.”
“Whatever. I have to make some calls to check on the status of my new bakery. Then, I’m going to stop and see my parents. I’m free after that.”
“Wow. You’re opening another bakery. That’s dope.” I played like I was surprised. My sister already put me up on game when she did her research on Zanova.
“Thanks.” She smiled proudly, then it dropped. “It’s just… I keep running into problems. First, it was the plumbing problems. Then, it was an electrical issue. Now, they’re saying some of the supplies have been delayed. I have a month to get everything together before my grand opening. I don’t see that happening with all the problems I keep having.”
“You need me to look into it for you? I’d get them niggas straight.”
“No. I can handle it. But thanks.” She pecked my lips and walked into the bathroom.
I went into my closet and got a pair of sweats for Zanova to put on after she handled her hygiene in the bathroom. Once dressed, I walked her out to her ride, making sure she gave me her address before she pulled off.
When I stepped back into the kitchen, I knew I was about to hear it from my mother and grandma.
