Chapter 12
TWELVE
Brandy Davenport
AS WE WALKED TO ARMOND’S TRUCK I couldn’t help but look every which way. I didn’t need Jeffrey tailing us and causing a scene once we arrived at Darby’s. What was crazier to me was the look in Armond’s eyes every time I glanced his way.
His eyes were loving and concerned. No man had ever looked at me the way he did. Those low eyes made my body tingle and as soon as I planted my butt in the cozy leather backseat on his truck, it seemed like all thoughts of Jeffrey disappeared.
I settled into my seat and pulled out my cellphone to text my sister.
She had been all too excited to learn about our trip.
I threw in that I met someone who might be special and she sent me so many ass shaking GIFs I couldn’t help but giggle.
Now that I was back home and Armond was still with me, I knew this really could be.
He took his time planning our reunion at the airport and his jet was beautiful. Flying in that way would spoil me rotten. If this was how billionaires lived daily, then sign my ass up.
I sent her a picture of Armond and me from the jet and she quickly responded.
Sissy boo - Bish, I know good and well that ain’t who I think it is.
Me - What do you mean? Don’t scare me right now. I’m literally in his truck heading to eat.
Sissy boo - No, don’t be scared, but bish, you don’t see the resemblance?
Me - To who, hoe?
Sissy boo - Arlando! I swear they’re related. Ask him. Like right now.
Me - Girl bye, ain’t no way. I would’ve…
Before I could finish typing, I received a picture of her boyfriend and my phone dropped in my lap. How in the hell did I not notice it sooner?
“Armond?”
“Yeah, honeybee,” he said as he continued typing on his laptop.
“You have a brother, right?”
He chuckled then put his attention on me.
“You already know that. What’s this about?”
I showed him the picture and he smiled. “Yeah, that’s my brother, Arlando… wait… how did you get that?”
“My sister is Chardonnay, Armond.” I smiled.
He looked surprised then studied my face. “Shit, I wouldn’t have put that together. I haven’t met her yet. Just saw photos here and there.”
I quickly texted my sister that she was right and she sent me the GIF of Tina from Bob’s Burgers twerking. I giggled then looked at Armond.
He was doing that sexy glare again and it almost looked like he was in love with me. It made my heart race because I didn’t know if him being so smitten with me was a good or bad thing. I truly needed to get out of my head.
“I guess I’ll be meeting your sister soon then, huh?” he asked.
“Not on this visit. She lives in Colton. I’m going to visit her soon though. If you aren’t busy, maybe you can pop up too,” I replied.
“Depending on my schedule, I’d love that. I’ve been asking my brother for an introduction for over a year, but he always wanted to keep her to himself. I guess I can’t be mad at it.” He shrugged as he continued typing.
I got caught up in how he could type and talk to me at the same time. I didn’t see him hit that backspace button once. He smiled then licked his lips, his eyes still not leaving the laptop.
“You gon’ keep staring or you want to take a picture, mama? I’m cool with either, for real,” he said.
He hit me with a smolder and I quickly hit the camera function on my phone and snapped a couple of pics before he went back to typing.
I leaned closer to him and kissed him on the cheek.
My head leaned on his shoulder facing the seat, so he didn’t think I was trying to be nosy.
I just wanted his comfort. Jeffrey was still at the back of my mind and I was still nervous though I didn’t see him.
“You alright, honeybee?”
“Yes.”
“Would you tell me if you weren’t?”
“Yes.”
“So why does it feel like you’re lying to me? I felt your body tense when I asked.”
“I mean, I am alright, Armond. I’m with you. It’s when I leave you that’s been roaming my mind like a broken record,” I replied.
“There ain’t shit you’re ever going to have to worry about as long as I’m around. The second you put that ring on your finger, around the clock security was assigned to you. You’ll never have to worry about Jeffrey, or anyone for that matter, again.”
He spoke firmly, reassuring me. Now that he had a face to go on, he’d know the very second Jeffrey decided to come around.
I should be grateful and less tense, but Jeffrey had a way of sneaking around and not being seen by anyone.
I’d just have to put my trust in Armond and his team.
I’d seen firsthand how serious they were about him and how serious Armond was about me.
That little debacle in the airport let me know Armond didn’t have an ounce of bitch in him and it made me grow fonder of him.
“I believe you. Thank you,” I murmured. That made him stop typing and he faced me, shrugging his shoulder so I could sit up.
“No need to thank me, Brandy. It’s my duty to protect you, physically and emotionally. That bastard has had control of your mind for too long and I’m here to break that shit.”
I smirked then leaned in for a kiss. When our lips joined, it felt different.
Like he was staking his claim with more passion, and dare I say, love in it.
My hand met his cheek, fingers strumming along his beard.
I didn’t want him to pull away. I felt secure at this moment, safe. I loved feeling safe with Armond.
“Boss, we have arrived,” Manuel stated. Armond sighed as he pulled away from me. He pecked my lips once more then closed his laptop.
“I hope their food is good, Brandy. We could’ve gone anywhere and you chose Darby’s,” he said as he secured his laptop in his bag. He smiled when he looked up at me. I was sure my face read “fuck you” but I didn’t say anything. I just smirked and waited for Manuel to round the truck and let me out.
“You’ll just have to see,” I said, then hopped out.
Armond rounded the truck then looked at me like he was a little peeved. I didn’t know what I did to make his face look like that, but I was sure he was about to tell me.
“Honeybee, don’t ever just get out of the truck if I’m with you. Doesn’t matter who opened the door, I’m the one who’ll help you out. Understood?”
I nodded and exhaled slowly through my nose.
I wanted to be upset from his tone, but I could understand his perspective.
He was my man and I let another one grab my hand and help me out of the truck.
No matter how much of a gentleman Manuel was, it didn’t matter because it wasn’t Armond.
I’d have to get used to that because I never got escorted out of my vehicle before.
Most times I was left then told about myself once I finally caught up.
Armond took my hand and we walked into the steakhouse.
It was a very posh environment to me with its low, recessed lighting and round booths, a floor-to-ceiling wine rack display, and tinted windows that you could clearly see outside through but outside couldn’t see inside the building.
I’d only been here once with my sister, and when the bill came, I damn near choked on my wine.
I figured this would be the perfect place for a billionaire.
Maybe it was still a little below his taste.
“Brandy, I have to admit, this place looks nice,” he said as he looked around. That surprised the hell out of me.
“I knew you’d like it.” I smiled.
The hostess greeted us and led us to a booth a little away from everyone. I was grateful to have privacy. I didn’t want to be around anybody’s screaming babies or huge parties. This booth was perfect.
“Your waiter will be with you shortly,” the hostess said, then walked off.
I looked around and noticed there really wasn’t anyone around us.
It seemed like everyone was on the other side of the restaurant.
I found it quite odd. Armond smirked then dropped his eyes to the menu.
He licked his lips and all I could do was watch him.
I knew what I wanted so I took the time to take him in.
I loved the way his hair surrounded his face.
It was so silky and a little curly. I wonder how long it took him to get ready in the morning.
He probably just had to wet it and go. Even with his eyes lowered, they were completely dreamy.
Those long lashes tried to block them, but I was truly captivated by this man.
“You’re doing it again,” he said.
“What?” I giggled. Caught red handed.
“Oh, you know. Fucking me with your eyes.”
If I had a drink, I would’ve spit it out. He said it so nonchalantly and didn’t even break a smile.
“I wouldn’t say fucking, but I was definitely all over you,” I replied.
He smirked then placed the menu down, giving me his full attention. We were across from each other and I suddenly wanted to be closer. Why was I becoming so damn clingy?
“I get lost in you too, honeybee. It’s why I’m enjoying this extra time with you. You draw me in and I don’t want to pull back.”
“And I don’t want you to either.”
The waiter came and interrupted his next statement.
A bottle of wine sat in a bucket of ice and two wine glasses were placed in front of each of us.
He introduced himself and asked if we were ready to order.
I asked for a glass of water to go with my wine then asked for honey butter rolls.
Armond watched me as I gave him my order and I felt the heat building between us.
Once I was finished and Armond placed his order, I scooted myself over to him. I rested my head on his shoulder. He kissed my forehead then proceeded to open the wine bottle and poured a drink for us, never making me move.
“You tired, baby?”
“A little,” I replied.
“Here, take your glass. We can get this shit to go if you want. It’s already been a long day for you.”
“It’s not necessary. I asked for this time with you. I just like being up on you.”