Chapter 16 #2
“No, I’ve grown so attached to him over the months.”
“That’s a good thing.” Irish leaned against the island. “Right?”
“Yeah…” Cali looked toward the living room to make sure Rio was still engaged in his conversation with Noble. “It’s crazy how this man has taken over my system,” she revealed in a low tone. “Like why I didn’t see this before?”
“It could be because you almost lost him. Now you know what’s important.” Irish shrugged.
“I don't want him to get back to work. I want him safe. That time in the hospital almost broke me. I don't wanna go back to that.”
Irish couldn’t believe this was Cali speaking about Rio. Before, she never spoke about him in such a loving and endearing manner. It was all about Braye and while Irish would never condemn her friend for stepping out on her marriage, she was relieved she had come to her senses.
“He won’t.” Irish rubbed her exposed arms. “Just pray and ask God to protect him.”
Cali snorted. “Girl, God don't wanna hear from me, especially after what I did.”
“Girl, stop. He want to hear from all of us. We’re all sinners.” Irish waved her hand dismissively.
“Yeah, I guess. What’s been up with you, though? How are you and Jovanis? Ivory is back, right? How’s my girl been acting?”
“Ivory is being a social little butterfly while working for the store. She’s good. As far as me and Jovanis, we’re cool. You know us, we don't do too much.”
Cali took a seat on the chair. “Yeah, because y’all are the perfect couple. Do y’all even argue?”
Irish chuckled to herself. Many thought her and Jovanis were this perfect couple when they were the farthest thing from it.
She wished she could confide in Cali about her love affair with Noble.
That’s a topic she truly wanted to explore, considering she had blocked him two weeks ago.
The night he hung up on her, she sent him a text, expressing how she was sorry for ignoring him.
She fell asleep and hours later, she woke up to check her phone.
When she realized he had ignored her message, Irish blocked him and vowed to let him go.
Truthfully, this had been the hardest two weeks of her existence.
Irish yearned for him in ways that weren’t healthy.
Noble even invaded her dreams at night. It took every ounce of self-control not to fold and reach out to him.
Irish needed her dose of Noble, but he had disrespected her, and she had to teach him that his actions wouldn’t be tolerated.
“Me and Rio are supposed to have date night this weekend. You think you can help me pick out a fit?”
“Of course.”
“Okay, come on.”
Irish followed Cali upstairs into her closet. The girls put together three outfits for Cali to choose from including shoes and accessories. After more girl talk, Cali led her back downstairs.
“Look at your greedy ass,” Cali fussed at Rio who ate the lasagna straight from the pan.
He grinned while chewing. “This shit so fire. Good looking out, sis.”
Irish chuckled. “That’s some fat shit you're doing. You can at least cut a piece out.”
“Right,” Cali agreed.
“This mine. I ain't gotta do shit,” he garbled with a mouth full of food.
“Well, let me get out of here.” Irish turned toward Cali. “I need to go do some laundry.”
The two shared a hug before Cali ushered her toward the front door. Irish was so thankful for Noble’s absence since she wasn’t certain she’d be able to keep her composure.
“I’ll text you what outfit I chose,” Cali promised.
“Okay, girl.”
Irish got inside her car and drove off. After remembering she needed some more laundry detergent, she pulled into a Value Haven’s lot and got out the car.
Irish closed the door but stood frozen when she noticed a familiar truck pulling behind her car.
Seconds later, the window rolled down, and Noble’s handsome face appeared.
“Get in,” he ordered.
Irish didn’t move. She stood there, wondering if she’d be able to keep up this armor she had placed before her. Noble was a weakness. A pure soft spot that would take years to harden.
“Don't make me get out,” he warned.
Irish crossed her arms over her chest, sporting a defiant expression. Noble put the truck in park and got out. He walked over to her, penetrating her with his intense eyes.
“I don't know why you think I won’t show out in this parking lot.”
She blinked while silently coaching herself not to fold.
“Get in the car, Irish.”
She exhaled before reluctantly walking to the truck and getting inside. Noble joined her, slamming the door and cutting the volume down on the music. The smell of his cologne filled the interior, making her instantly regret joining him.
“So, we block each other now?”
Damn, she missed that voice like she missed the way Lemon Heads used to taste.
“Yes, we do when we start hanging up on each other.”
Noble looked forward, pinching his bottom lip between his index finger and thumb.
“Oh, you don't got nothing to say?” she taunted him.
“You pissed me off.”
“Why? Because I was being there for my friend.”
He turned to her, wearing eyes so cold that Irish tensed up a bit.
“No because you know I hate to be ignored. I don't give a fuck about that nigga having a bad day.”
“Well, I do, Noble. You act like I ignored you intentionally. Then, you hung up on me like I’m one of your hoes on your roster. I don't like that shit.”
His gaze roamed her face then slid down her body.
Irish had been without him for two weeks, making her feel as if her body had gone through withdrawals.
It made her wonder about the possibility of love.
It was always a possibility with her. Somehow, putting a title on it would make it real.
It would force her to realize she had fallen in love with someone forbidden.
Saying she loved Noble would confirm the mess that pooled around her feet.
How would she clean it up? Who would she choose if it came down to it?
Love would complicate their situation, but Irish knew deep down under the layers of delusion that this man had her heart in a bear hug.
“I come first, Irish.”
She despised that he called her by her first name. What happened to Pumpkin?
“But you know my situation, Noble.”
His gaze softened. “And you know I don't give a fuck. I put you first, you put me first. Simple.”
Irish wanted to put Noble first in every category in her life, but Jovanis was there.
He was her best friend. Her first protector.
How could Noble come in and wipe out any remnants of Jovanis?
Irish felt like an imposter—role playing as Jovanis’ wife when she really wanted Noble.
She yearned for every part of him but again, she couldn’t turn her back on Jovanis right now.
“It’s not simple,” she stated just above a whisper.
“It is. Answer my texts and when I call you, you better answer right away. You know I don't even like talking on the phone.”
Irish pouted, knowing she was going to do everything Noble asked.
“Now give me a kiss.”
“Hell no. You hung up on me, remember?”
“And you blocked me for two weeks. I ain't never been blocked by no woman.”
“Well, I’m happy to do the honors.” She grinned proudly. “Maybe next time you’ll watch your temper and treat me with some respect.”
Noble gently grabbed her arm and pulled her toward him. “I always treat you with respect.”
Irish’s eyes closed when he kissed her cheek. This touch was something she wished she could bottle up and store for the times when she missed him. His lips trailed over to her lips. Devouring them, Irish grabbed the back of his head. Her pussy thumped, ready for his dick to make its way home.
“I missed you, Pumpkin,” he murmured between kisses.
“I missed you, too,” she moaned before tasting his tongue.
The infatuation between the couple was like ethanol and water.
It formed into a perfect solution with Noble being the solute and Irish being the solvent.
It was magical. Ethereal even. Irish wanted him in her skin, that way they’d never be apart.
For years, she chased a love like this. One that filled her to the brim with intimacy and passion.
She almost gave up hope until this six-foot-one gentleman entered her world.
“Since I was the person in the wrong, let me make it up to you.”
Irish blushed, peering at the small tattoo of a K near his ear.
“How are you going to do that?”
“I wanna take you on a date. Somewhere you’ve never been before.”
Playfully, she pursed her lips. “Now, how do you know I’ve never been to the place you're talking about?”
“Because I know you haven’t. It’s exclusive. Not everyone can get in.”
She feigned offense, splaying her hand across her chest. “Oh, so I’m not good enough to get inside your club?”
Chuckling, he replied, “It’s not a club and you're too good for everything, baby. Even for me.”
Warmed by his words, she asked, “When do you wanna take me out?”
“I have some shit to do tonight so tomorrow night it is.”
Irish was disappointed but kept it from reaching her face. “Okay.”
He grabbed her chin and kissed her again. “Now promise to answer for me when I text and call.”
“I promise, Papa.”
After one more kiss, he popped the locks. “A’ight, go head and unblock me. Don't ever do that shit again, Pumpkin.”
She chuckled, reaching for the door handle. “Don't hang up on me and I got you.” Irish yelped in laughter when he pinched her arm. “You punk. Don’t touch me no more.”
“Then stop playing with me.”
Irish blew him a kiss before closing the door. She headed into the store with a smile so big on her face. Papa had righted his wrongs, which meant she would be wrapped in his arms by tomorrow.