Chapter 19 #2
“It’s been a whole ass two months, sis. He loves you and you love him.
Stop playing yourself. You’ve been so happy, sister, and honestly, the least stressed I’ve seen in years apart from Jeff’s BS.
Be happy and love that man. Besides, if he didn’t, you would’ve brought your ass here four weeks ago like we originally planned.
But now that sis is safe, she ain’t care about coming to stay with big sis anymore. ” She pouted and rolled her eyes.
“Don’t be like that.”
“Gon’ be like that, hoe. I was worried.”
“I know… and shit, I was too, but since seeing Jeffrey in the airport and Armond setting him straight, he hasn’t been around. Only eating my damn pockets.” I rolled my eyes and shook his ass off. I wasn’t about to be pissed off any longer over this fool.
“Yeah, whatever, hoe. Your ass still should’ve come. I got your spot ready for you and all.”
“And I appreciate it, baby cakes. I’m here now and grateful.”
“Mmhmm. You lucky I like Armond or it would be up!”
“Shit, I really like him. He has been great.” I smiled widely. “He’s been a blessing to my existence and I’m so grateful for him, sis. He’s amazing.”
“I’m glad you think so highly of me, love,” I heard from behind me.
I looked at my sister and she was smiling so hard. I sucked in a deep breath then turned to face the man I’d been separated from for two weeks. Gosh, I missed him.
“Papa,” I screeched, then jumped into his arms. He hugged me tightly and I held onto him just as tightly. My head met his shoulder and I exhaled as I was filled with so much peace it wasn’t funny.
“Hey, beautiful,” he replied. I pulled back from him and smiled before getting consumed in a kiss that made me forget where I was and who I was with.
“Uh, guys, y’all about to get kicked out of the store. Refrain!” Chardonnay called out to us and I couldn’t help but laugh at her.
I pulled back from Armond and swept my finger over his bottom lip then stroked his cheek and beard with the back of my fingers. He smiled then took my hand and kissed my fingers before paying attention to my sister.
“My apologies, Chardonnay, how rude of me. It’s nice to finally meet the woman who’s swept my brother off his feet for so long.”
He extended his hand and she smirked before shaking it. She stood there looking stunned and going through the motion with zero comprehension.
“Uh, yeah, hi,” she said shyly.
She was full of nerves. First impressions meant a lot to her and she was caught off guard.
She was probably playing in her head how she was dressed casually and had her hair in a high ponytail.
I’d just have to reassure her that Armond wasn’t that kind of guy and would cherish her as her purest self.
“Don’t fret, it’s all love,” he said and I saw her deflate. He chuckled and she smiled as he pulled her into a hug.
“I expect your trip went well,” I asked once they finally separated.
“Indeed, it did, honeybee.”
“What brings you here?”
“It’s where my wife is.”
Wife?
“I didn’t know we got married. I must’ve been drugged,” I teased.
“All you must do is plan it and it will happen, sweetheart. I already told you where I stood and that ring on your finger hasn’t moved so I know you’re ready as well.”
“Nuh uh, y’all ain’t getting married before me. I’ve been in this too long for marriage to not be an end game. Y’all can wait,” Chardonnay chimed in.
“Okay, goofy,” I replied and Armond smiled at our exchange.
“I believe we have some custom pieces being delivered to your house, Chardonnay, a couple days before the dinner. There’s no need to shop here for your dress,” Armond stated.
“Well, I wasn’t aware of that and honestly, who can resist this dress?” she said as she lifted the dress she was holding.
It was black with a low back and crystal sequin along the bust. It would look amazing on her for sure, but it was not appropriate for the dinner, and she knew that, but resisting a fly dress would never be her.
She loved to shop and loved to look good and the allowance Arlando constantly threw her way allowed her to tune right into that woman daily.
I couldn’t even be mad at it. She worked hard and got spoiled even harder.
“That is a lovely dress indeed.” Armond smiled then looked at me and noticed I didn’t have anything in hand. I really hadn’t been searching for anything. I was here for my sis and hadn’t even thought about the fact that I might need something too.
“Does this store bore you, honeybee?” Armond asked. I raised a brow then looked at my sister and she shrugged.
“No, it doesn’t. I’ve been looking at options for Nay, baby. I haven’t thought about myself.”
“You should always think of yourself in one way or another. Even if it’s something slight like a pretzel from Auntie Anne’s or a roll from Cinnabon.”
“I mean, yeah I do in that regard.”
“Mhm. Well, I won’t further the intrusion. You ladies continue to have a good time. Brandy, will you join me for dinner tonight?”
“Of course,” I said without thought. I missed him something miserable.
“Excellent. I’ll send you the details shortly. I just needed to lay my lips on you before I went about the day. I’ve missed you.”
“I have missed you, Armond. Next time you leave for two weeks, I’d like to join you if possible. That’s entirely too much time apart,” I said softly.
“I would love nothing more than that. Thankfully for both of us, I’ll be at my loft not too far from here for a couple weeks so we can spend ample time together while you’re here visiting your lovely sister. I won’t take up too much of your time though, Chardonnay, I promise.”
“Uh huh, whatever. It’s all good with me. Do y’all, boo. Just don’t keep Arlando from me. I barely get enough time with him now,” she replied.
“I’ll make sure his workload is lightened so y’all can have some time together then, no problem,” he said.
“Really?”
“Absolutely. I believe he deserves a break anyway. You’ve just convinced me further. Consider it done.”
“Aww, thank you,” she said as she jumped into his arms, catching him off guard. He laughed as he lightly hugged her. She pulled away from him quickly. I guess she remembered he didn’t like people all up on him.
“Not a problem. Brandy, I’ll see you later?”
“Yes.”
“Alright. I’ll leave you to it then. Soon, honeybee.”
The closer he got to me, the softer his voice became until his lips were pressed against my ear. His light breaths against it sent chills down my spine. He knew what he was doing. I was liable to tell my sister I’d see her later and find a dressing room to ride him into the sunset.
“Later, love,” I murmured.
A kiss met under my earlobe then my temple and he parted from me without doing anything further.
He nodded at Chardonnay then strolled off looking damn sexy.
He walked with such confidence. His strong back and shoulders looked impeccable in his fitted suit jacket.
His hair was slicked back and he looked delectable.
“Yep, I see why you fell for that. He’s charming,” Chardonnay said once he was out of view.
“You knew he was behind me?”
“Naw, he popped up like a damn vampire, girl.”
I giggled and shook my head as I focused on the rack in front of me once more. I needed to focus on something other than the fire brewing in my belly. I wanted to follow him out of the store. I needed to get it together. Nobody needed to see me leaking fluids in Nordstrom Rack.
“Well, since they're sending custom pieces, let’s look at shoes again. I saw some knee-high boots calling my name,” Chardonnay said.
I pulled out a burgundy dress and instantly fell in love. I knew it would be perfect for a date night. I was going to wear it tonight and couldn’t wait for Armond to rip it off me.