Chapter 23
I t’s been a week since we got back to Rose Haven from Sterling Point. The moment I got back, I had to get to work on trying to find a new place to stay. Although my parents weren’t in a rush for us to leave, I sure as hell was; I was getting tired of not being able to do the shit I wanted to with Willow. I was too damn grown to be laying up in cars and hotels.
She deserved more than that and I didn’t need to be lying around for months to figure that out. I had been looking at a few places since we got back. After touring about fifteen houses, I finally found the one I thought I could grow into. Shit, with Willow around, it made me feel like I had something to grow for.
I picked her up from her place so I could show her around. The realtor gave me the key to let myself in, since it was essentially almost mine anyway. We were going back and forth over pricing with the owners. It didn’t matter to me that I had money, I wanted the best price possible.
I rested my right hand on Willow’s exposed thigh as we drove toward the side of town the house was on. It was at least thirty minutes from her parents’ place and about twenty minutes from my people. Neither of us said a word, we just found ourselves enjoying the silence and the time we were spending.
I had the radio playing low until I caught the sounds of “Get A Little Closer” by Joe. This was my shit; I didn’t listen to it often but when I did, I couldn’t help but to sing along. The moment the hook came in, I reached up to softly touch Willow’s chin while singing the words to her. I wasn’t a Chris Brown but I could carry a tune without calling the cats and dogs.
She smiled and looked away as her cheeks warmed at the attention I was showing her. This song matched the way her ass made me feel every time I was in her presence. The light turned red, so I slowed to a stop then reached over for her chin again to kiss her softly before the light changed.
I don’t recall a time with any other woman where I had been this gitty. But, I knew this woman was it for me. I didn’t need to see a damn thing else when it came to her. All we needed was time. Time for her to know I was where she needed and wanted to be.
“You better cut it out, sir, we have plans tonight.” She said between giggles.
I lifted a brow with a smirk. “I can’t be real, now?” I asked.
She craned her head to the side then shook it.
“So, you don’t want me, baby? I know I damn sure want you.” I told her as I pulled into the driveaway of the two-story house with brick accents.
Her eyes widened at the large home in front of us. She reached for the door handle, so I cleared my throat to get her attention.
“I got you. Sit tight, baby.”
She smiled and settled back into the seat. I got out and strolled around to her side to help her out of the car before locking the doors. I held my hand out for her to take as we walked along the brick pathway that led to the front door. I reached into my pocket for the key, then unlocked the door.
I stepped to the side so she could walk ahead of me. Her head was on a continuous swivel as she took in the high ceilings and modern appliances. I followed silently behind her, wanting, no — needing her to love this place.
I followed her into the open concept living room; you could see the kitchen from where we stood. I stuffed my hands into my pockets as she took in the home built specifically for family. I couldn’t help but smile because all I could see was Charlie and a few other kids running around the kitchen island.
Willow turned to face me with a bright smile. She didn’t need to tell me she loved it because it was all over her face. I knew we wouldn’t be staying with each other right away, but I knew it would only be a matter of time.
“This place is so big! It’s a lot of space for just you and Charlie.” she commented.
I shrugged with a smirk and followed her as she took the long hallway ahead of her. This house had two master bedrooms, one downstairs, and another upstairs. So, I knew she was walking up on the first one. This was one of the features that sold me. If this was to be the house I grew old in, we would need this.
I wasn’t crazy enough to believe I would forever want to be climbing steps to get to my bedroom. Not to mention, for now, it could be a suite for my parents when they wanted to stay. We continued to walk through the house until we finally made it upstairs. I showed her the room I thought would be good for Charlie.
“This place is definitely a dream home for both kids and grownups. I don’t know how you found a house with a theater and a game room. This place is beyond nice.”
I nodded. “Yeah, a few dollars will open doors to all the extras you can imagine. It even has a pool house in back with a gym and all that. It’s dope.”
She craned her head to the side and widened her eyes.
“Let me find out I’m putting you on to new shit, baby.” I said, while wrapping my arms around her waist.
“Don’t get cocky now. I’ve seen some nice homes before, but I think it’s the fact that I see everything you envisioned for this place.”
I smiled and released my hold of her.
“And, what exactly is that?” I asked.
I knew what she meant but I wanted her to say it. I wanted her to see herself in this home. To envision the many babies I planned to put in her, running around here. I wanted her to see our lives grow here, all we needed to do was water it a bit.
“Hmm, let me think on that.” she said while heading for the master bedroom straight ahead.
My eyes were glued to the way her hips swung with each step with an ass I just wanted to grip. She knew exactly what she was doing by wearing this sundress. The way her ass was eating up that dress had to be a crime. I ran my tongue across my lower lip as my dick hardened.
I clasped my hands behind my back to keep them to myself. We had places to be, namely her parents’ place after we left here. I shook my head, trying to rid myself of all the ways I wanted to fuck her.
The moment she stepped into the room, she stopped abruptly. This room was twice the size of the master downstairs. It had a riser in the center of the room against the wall, where a king sized bed clearly would go. Two large walk in closets and a bathroom that rivaled the ones you see in spas sat on opposite sides of the room.
“This is so damn nice.”
I smirked and followed her into the bathroom. She turned to face me then lifted herself onto the counter that spanned the majority of the wall.
“I can see why you picked this place. It’s so much room?—”
“Can you see yourself here, too?” I asked, interrupting her.
Her eyes widened. I knew I was being forward, but I never wanted my intentions with her to be unclear.
“You would want me to move in here?” she asked hesitantly.
I gripped her thighs, spreading then stepping in between them. I reached out and cupped her chin to make sure her eyes met mine. I wanted her to see just how serious I was about what we were building.
“Hell yeah. Obviously, when you’re ready, of course. But, I bought this house with you in mind, with Charlie in mind, shit – with the future kids we have in mind. I don’t want to scare you, but I want you to know I see a future with you. This isn’t something I’m doing to blow off steam or to save space for anyone else. I see this life thing with you and I’m willing to wait as long as you need me to, until you do, too.”
One bite of her lip and I was lost. She leaned in, kissing me with a need I was damn sure ready to satisfy. She wrapped one arm around my neck while the other undid the buttons on my jeans.
Our tongues tangled with urgency. I gripped the bottom of her dress, lifting to reveal more of her. My hands slid under her thighs, dragging her to the edge. My fingers brushed against her inner thigh until they met the smooth silk material that her essence was now soaking through.
Now free from the confines of my briefs, she stroked my length, pulling a groan out of me. My need to be deep inside of her was almost unbearable now. I hiked her legs up higher onto my shoulders as she reached between us to pull her panties to the side. I lined myself up, dragging the tip along her folds, teasing us both.
“You knew what you were doing when you sat up here like this.” I said against her ear.
“Make me feel it.”
I slowly pushed into her, allowing her to adjust to my size before I slid in and out of her. I knew my slow strokes were only driving her crazier. But, I wanted to feel her fall apart slowly.
“I love how you grip me. Like your body knows I’m the only one who fits.”
Her sweet moans were my only answer as I picked up the pace. She continued to clench around me like she didn’t want me to leave her body.
“Right there, don’t stop,” she cried out.
I honed in on that spot, slamming into her over and over. Her legs were still hooked over my shoulders, her back arched off the counter, chest rising and falling like she couldn’t catch her breath — and fuck, I loved knowing I was the reason.
I let one of her thighs slide down, catching her leg mid-fall and guiding it around my waist. She locked it there without hesitation, heels digging in like she didn’t want any space between us.
With my other hand, I slid up her body—fingers gliding over her stomach, her ribs—until my palm wrapped gently around her throat. I didn’t squeeze. I didn’t need to. Just the weight of my hand there, thumb brushing her jaw, was enough to pull her in. Her breath stuttered. Eyes locked on mine.
I tugged her forward, not hard—just enough to close the distance—and dipped my mouth to the soft skin beneath her ear. She moaned, low and wrecked, the sound vibrating right into my mouth as I kissed her there.
God, the way she gave in… the way she melted into the pressure, the heat, the rhythm of us—it undid me. I didn’t just want her close. I needed her shaking for me.
And right now, with her leg pulling me deeper and her moans tangled in my kiss, she was all mine. Her back arched, lips parted, and she gasped my name like it was the only word she knew.
“Breathe, baby. I got you.” I coached.
I continued to fuck her through it until I could feel my release following hers. I buried myself deep and let go, groaning into her skin like I could disappear there. I filled her—bare, deep, and without apology.
I released a breath as I slowly lowered her other leg. Our foreheads rested against one another’s.
“Damn.”
It was the only word I could form after that shit. Willow giggled against me as we finally found the energy to pull a part. I lifted her from the counter to stand and she stumbled a little before she got it together. My nut slid down her thigh, so I reached over to grab a few paper towels from the counter to help clean her up.
She turned with her ass turned up in front of me and her cheeks poked out the bottom of her sundress, making my dick harden again. But I knew we still had plans for tonight with her parents.
I tapped her ass. “You know I’m ‘bout to walk in there with your pussy all over me like a damn cologne, right?”
She glanced over her shoulder and laughed with a roll of her eyes.
“You like it, though.” She responded, then popped her ass with her tongue out.
“Keep it up and we not gone make it.” I warned her.
She giggled as she stood upright, then walked over to place a kiss on my lips. I shook my head because if this was what life was going to look like. Sign me up.
* * *
DINNER WITH THE DAWSON’S
I finally made it back to the Dawsons’ place. By the time Willow and I got cleaned up, I raced to drop her off at her parents’ place before heading to grab Charlie from my parents, but not before I hopped in the shower. Good thing my mother had made a few slices of her famous Sweet Potato Poundcake. I didn’t want to go in empty handed.
Charlie had talked me to death the entire ride to Willow’s parents’ house. She wanted to know whose house we were going to? Why was I late picking her up, because she didn’t like to be outside too late. The questions went on and on, I was just happy that we had finally made it. She was gone put on her shy act the moment we got to the door. I needed the reprieve.
I got out and then let Charlie out of the car. I got down on one knee so we would be face to face. I wanted to make sure she understood what I expected of her when we went into this damn house.
“Okay, listen. We’re getting ready to meet some new people. I need you to get in here and mind your manners. Don’t touch anything without permission, understood? If you do good, daddy gone take you to get one toy you want tomorrow from the store.”
She groaned. “Only one.”
“How about none?” I asked with a lift of my brow.
She wrapped her little arms around my neck and hugged me tight.
“One is good!” she exclaimed.
I shook my head and lifted her. This little girl was a trip. I reached into the backseat to grab the bag with the poundcake my mom sent over, then locked the door and made my way to the front door. I rang the doorbell and waited only a few minutes before Willow was pulling it open.
She had switched out of the sundress she wore earlier into a pair of jeans and a simple shirt that showed off her midsection. Her eyes brightened the moment they latched onto Charlie, who was wiggling like crazy to get to her.
“Ms. Willow, I missed you!” she exclaimed.
I shook my head, then leaned forward to kiss Willow.
“I missed you, too, buttercup, even though I just saw you yesterday.”
Charlie leaned her head onto her shoulder and hugged her tightly. “Ugh, such a long time.”
Before they could continue their back and forth, Mr. and Mrs. Dawson came to the door with bright smiles.
“Son, come on in here. Y’all letting my good air out,” Mr. Dawson said, ushering us inside.
“Sorry about that and it’s nice to see y’all again.” I told him before reaching a hand out to Mrs. Dawson to speak.
She bypassed my outreached hand and wrapped me up in a tight embrace.
“I think as many times as you’ve been over here to pick Willow up, we’ve passed all the formalities, wouldn’t you think?” she asked.
I smiled and nodded. “I agree.”
“Now, this cutie pie must be Charlie. I’ve heard so many good things about you. Do you like donuts?” she asked.
Charlie nodded enthusiastically. Mrs. Dawson turned to look in my direction for permission. I nodded to let her know it was fine but only because this was a special occasion. I wanted Charlie to feel comfortable, so if a donut was the breaking bread point, I was all for it.
“My mother sent over a few slices of sweet potato poundcake. She taught me to never come empty-handed. Do you have somewhere I could place them?” I asked.
“I got that,” her mother responded, taking the bag from me.
Charlie slipped from Willow’s arms and reached out for her mother’s free hand as they headed for the kitchen. Her father stuffed his hands into his pockets and faced me.
“You drink? If so, I have a bottle of aged bourbon that you have to try,” he mentioned.
I knew this was his way of getting me alone so he could figure out what my intentions were. I was all for it because I would do the same thing if it were Charlie.
“I can drink,” I responded.
Willow looked up at me with a worried expression but released her hold on my arm. I leaned in and kissed her cheek before following her father toward what I assumed would be his office. I closed the door behind myself and followed him to the bar against the back wall. It was all cherry wood and sports memorabilia. I could tell he was a big time Eagles fan; he had jerseys and helmets displayed, with a large flat screen TV mounted on the wall. My dad would be in heaven in here.
The thought of our fathers getting along made me smile, but I quickly recovered before he glanced up at me. He had just finished pouring bourbon into the two glasses in front of him, then dropped a few ice cubes inside. He slid my drink over to me before taking a tentative sip of his.
“So, let’s get it out of the way. What exactly are you doing with my daughter? I’m not crazy enough to believe y’all aren’t having a good time – which I don’t need details of – but I want to make sure this isn’t just some temporary moment for you.”
I never brought the glass to my lips because I wanted to make sure he understood my stance clearly.
“I understand, sir. I’m interested in forever with your daughter, not to put it lightly. I’ve expressed those same things to her as well. One thing I don’t play about is my child and the fact that I’ve brought her here is a big step for me. She doesn’t meet many people outside of my family unless it’s at school. I’m all she has, and I would never want to excite her with a woman who I don’t plan to keep around. So, to answer your question, as soon as she will have me, I plan to marry her one day.”
“Well damn, I’ll drink to that. Welcome to the family, son.”
Her father lifted his glass, and I followed suit before taking a drink. We talked about business and sports before his wife knocked at the door to let us know dinner was ready. We finished our drinks and went into the dining room with the ladies. Charlie was seated beside Willow with a spot for me on the other side of her. Before I made it to my seat, I stopped beside Willow and kissed her forehead, then did the same to Charlie, who giggled.
“Thank you so much for humoring us and coming to dinner. I’ve heard so many good things about your sweet baby and I’m glad to say they’re all true. You’re doing such a good job,” her mother said.
“It’s all my pleasure and thank you, Mrs. Dawson.”
“Please call me Anna. Mrs. Dawson is so formal,” she responded.
She reached her hand out for mine as everyone clasped hands to say grace before we started filling our plates with macaroni and cheese, baked chicken breast with gravy, honey cornbread, and collard greens with smoked ham. My stomach was growling from the aroma alone.
While I made Charlie’s plate, Willow made mine, making sure she knew what I wanted on my plate. I wasn’t a picky eater, unlike baby girl. All she had was mac and cheese, cornbread, and a piece of the chicken, which I hoped she ate because of the gravy.
I watched as Charlie tried a little bit of everything. Everyone at the table seemed to be engrossed with her answer, not picking up their forks yet. Charlie chewed and then smiled big before putting a thumbs up. It seemed like her little thumb was as important as Chef Ramsey telling you that your food was phenomenal.
As the dinner went on, conversation was just as smooth. I took the time to get to know her mother better, realizing she would get along with my mother perfectly. It was crazy to me that all I thought of while being here was how much our families would mesh. I had never fantasized this much about a life with any woman. I peered over at Willow, whose smile couldn’t get bigger if I asked her to. She was one hell of a woman and I planned to continue to figure out just how much.