8. Temple #2
I smiled widely. “You're letting me drive?”
“Normally, I wouldn't, but since you want one, it's only right that you test drive one to see how you like it.”
I hit a subtle hip roll in excitement as he chuckled and opened the door for me. I slid inside, rubbing on the steering wheel and the center console. Solomon climbed inside, and I started the engine, listening to the quiet hum of the perfect engine.
“Let's see what kind of ears you have,” I said, turning on the radio. When I heard Pastor Mike Jr. come on, I laughed and shook my head.
“What’s so funny?” he asked, smiling at me.
“One of my sisters called you Pastor Mike Jr., and how ironic that you're listening to him.”
“I'm going to have to meet these sisters of yours. Seems like y’all talk about me a lot.”
“Oh, please,” I said dismissively, then looked at him. “We do, though.” We laughed, then I picked up his phone. “But let's change the tempo. Only for today.”
“I don't mind, but nothing too vulgar.”
“I got you. Trust me.”
“A’ight. I trust you.”
I smiled and put on Anita's “Sweet Love.”
He nodded. “I can do Anita.”
“See. We’re on good vibes and good energy today. I got you, bookie.” I winked and pulled away from my house.
We arrived in Milan, Michigan, an hour later, and I pulled into the racetrack parking lot. I could see a smile spread across his face when he saw where we were, and I knew I had chosen the right place for our date.
When we were in Ohio, he told me that he loved watching NASCAR. This wasn't NASCAR, but it was close.
He came around to my side and opened the door, took my hand, and pulled me flush against him. His hard chest and strong arms around me almost made my knees weak.
He looked at me with those bedroom eyes, as if I were the best thing that ever happened in his life. A hint of a smirk rested on his face, and I knew that whatever this was that was happening between us, it would end with me acquiescing to his proposal.
“You listened,” he noted.
I smiled at him. “I did.”
“I love that.”
“I'm glad you do.”
He kissed my forehead, and I wished he'd kiss my lips. I had no clue why he always hesitated to put those beautiful lips on mine, but I didn't press.
Maybe he's not a kisser.
“Come on,” he said, pulling me along. We made it to the gates, and I had the attendant scan our tickets on my phone, then we found a seat on the bleachers.
Chevrolets, Mustangs, Fords, Pontiacs, and GMCs were lined up to start the races.
The only races I'd ever been to were the illegal street races on West Warren and Livernois. Those started after club hours, and I knew Solomon wouldn't have been interested in that, let alone stay up that late to watch it.
He seemed like the type to be in bed before nine p.m. if it didn't require work.
“This is about to be good.” He took my hand and kissed the back of it. “Thank you for bringing me here. I haven't been here in years.”
“You're welcome. You want anything from the concession stand?”
“If they have those Italian sausages, I'll take two of those and a bottled water.” He reached inside his pocket, pulling out his wallet.
“It's okay. I got you.”
“Nah. You don't ever have to reach in your purse when you're with me. Ever. You paying for these tickets was enough, and I plan to hit your account for the reimbursement.”
I laughed lightly. “They were only ten dollars.”
“Doesn't matter, love. I'm a man with money and no one to spend it on but my moms. I’m trying to change that.
Now go get your snacks, baby. I'll be here waiting for you to return.” He handed me his card as I took it and smiled.
He was just like a man. I never asked a man to do anything for me because after a while, they would start to feel entitled, like you owed them your life for the shit they did for you.
It was why Nate thought he could slide on me whenever he saw me, and I had to check into his ass on multiple occasions.
Solomon was different, though.
I could tell.
His Christian ways aside, I knew he wasn't the type to spend money on me and expect me to give it up by the end of the night. That only made me want to give it up more.
Instead of sliding his card to the side like I originally planned, and paying for the items myself, I kept my money in my purse and bought the items with his card. Besides, I was sure he got notifications on his phone.
I retrieved our snacks, then went back to our seats. The races began, and I watched as he conversed with a few of the attendees about which car they thought would win. He made sure to engage with me every so often and explained each car and its stats.
I didn't think I'd be as interested as I was, but seeing his smile and hearing his laughter made me happy that I chose this place for him.
By seven, the races had ended, and we headed back to the car. He opened the passenger door for me, and I slid inside, getting comfortable.
Solomon entered next and took my hand, kissing the back of it as he smiled at me.
“I realized where I may have gone wrong with our date. I should have asked what you liked to do before I took you out, but I was just excited to be with you. You can tell me all the things you like on our way back to the city so I can store it for future use.”
“I got you.”
“And I got you. Always. This was fun, and I appreciate you for bringing me here.” He kissed my hand again, then started the car and pulled out of the parking lot. We talked for a bit before silence took over, and my mind drifted to what occurred earlier.