Chapter 14
Me:
I’m here.
An empty feeling in my stomach and quivering muscles has my eyes glued to the front entrance of Adoring Pearl’s Steakhouse.
Getting Quintyn’s text caught me off guard because of our disagreement and the wall I had thrown up.
My feelings have been hurt over Quintyn’s nonchalant dismissal of my concerns, and I’ve been festering in my melancholy.
Partly because Scott has been haunting me with cryptic memories in the silence between Quintyn and me.
If I can shake Scott’s voice while calling me a crybaby who deserves to be alone, I could possibly look past Quintyn’s words.
Yet, the cruelty of my past and the harshness I’ve dealt with from my father had me snapping at Quintyn.
With Quintyn attempting to wave the white flag by inviting me here, I had to force a mental shake down to get myself together.
Sending Scott’s vile words back to the deep recesses of my mind is necessary for my progression and happiness.
I refuse to believe that nothing good will come to me where love is concerned.
I have to put on my big girl panties and get ready to fight for my man if that’s what it comes to.
Although fighting with Rome will be a feat I’m unsure I’m prepared for, I love my big brother.
I just want him to relax his double standard.
“Shit!” Jumping at the knock on my window, a smile graces my lips at seeing Quintyn standing outside my vehicle.
Unlocking the door, I place my hand in Quintyn’s when he assists me in exiting the vehicle.
The electric jolt shooting from my palm to my shoulder has my eyes blinking lazily.
The woodsy and citrus fragrance tickling my nose from Quintyn’s cologne has me desperate to put my nose in his neck to get a deeper whiff.
“Damn. You’re so fucking beautiful, Lay. Where the hell have you been dressed like this?”
Looking down at my attire, a cheesy grin and heat from my face at Quintyn’s words told me that going home to change was a great idea.
Freshening up within an hour had me feeling like a ho in a motel bathroom in post-coital bliss.
Yet, the lust and desire shining in Quintyn’s eyes make it all worth it.
The first thing I grabbed was the red bodycon dress with my curves on display, a short jean jacket, and matching red open-toe wedges upon arriving home.
“I’m coming from home.” I shrug before stepping into Quintyn’s space, hoping he’ll wrap me in his embrace without question.
“Oh, I see you missed a nigga.” Wrapping his arms around my body, I exhale and close my eyes when Quintyn’s body heat fills me with warmth and comfort.
“I love you, Quintyn, and I’m sorry.” My declaration nearly has me breaking into tears, but I suck up my emotions.
Lifting my head, Quintyn stares lovingly into my eyes before leaning down and placing a gentle kiss on my lips.
“I love you too, Lay. No matter how much your sensitive ass tries to throw up roadblocks. I’m in this with you no matter what opposition we face.”
A lone tear slides from the corner of my left eye and Quintyn catches it before it falls, kissing me twice before taking my hand and leading me into the restaurant.
My feet are weightless, tingles surge from my chest and spread outward, and spots dance within my vision when I enter the restaurant lobby with soft jazz playing.
The fact that Quintyn knows how much I enjoy this genre of music has my mind emptied of all concerns and worries.
For tonight, I’m simply gonna enjoy time with my man.
“Oh my God, Quintyn!” Seeing a table set up with candles glowing in the middle of the floor causes my steps to slow to a crawl.
“I figured it was time for a romantic evening to get us back on track. This is just the beginning.”
My eyes glisten with unshed tears as I take in the table set for two with a beautiful flower arrangement sitting to the left of the place settings.
“Come on, my little crybaby. Have a seat. I’ll go grab our first course.” Quintyn chuckles before releasing my hand to pull out the chair.
Sitting, I shift in my seat as my chest expands with warmth, and I mentally thank God for this moment.
It’s been way too long since I have been able to enjoy a romantic dinner or dinner period with someone I’m dating.
I’ve been single for the last three years, taking myself on dates or enjoying quiet nights alone.
However, the times Quintyn and I have spent together have been some of the best times of my dating history.
Mainly because Quintyn is the one man I have always wanted to be with.
“Sit tight. I’ll be right back,” Quintyn tells me before heading toward the kitchen, leaving me to enjoy the horns and trumpets echoing around the room.
“Oh my goodness. This is so good.” It’s taking every ounce of home training not to lick my fingers and do a jiggle.
The first course for tonight’s dinner was a bowl of Tuscan soup and a side salad.
This main course is what’s blessing my life right now.
The lamb chops are cooked to perfection and have garlic butter flavor melting in my mouth.
Not to mention the loaded mashed potatoes and broccolini to accompany the meat are divine.
While I’ve eaten food Quintyn has made in the past, there’s something extra special about having this solo experience.
I have always been leery of eating lamb chops because of my love of the movie Shari we’re coming out of the closet.”
Quintyn winks, and I laugh loudly, causing my humor to bounce around the room.