by Rae Shawn
He had the perfect vantage point to watch me instead of the movie, though, which he did at least a third of the time before Jaiden climbed in my lap and grabbed my full attention. I saw him smile before rising from the recliner to join Demontré in the kitchen were they talked low about changes D would be implementing at his facility.
Come Friday, I'd been able to recreate the painting for my client and get it mailed off. I was impressed with myself and it marked the highlight of my day considering my lessor and insurer called to tell me my SUV should be changed to a salvaged title.
The only good thing that came from that was that I could get a replacement vehicle at the same cost, but I had to pay a new deposit. I researched the list of cars Tra'Mel gave me and decided to go with a slightly larger and newer model from the same brand. Just didn’t know which one I wanted.
I appreciated his sister for giving him this information. Maybe one day I would thank her myself, but for now I had him do it for me. The rest of the weekend was spent with Jaiden. We played games and worked on her words and colors.
Sunday morning we went to church with Demontré and I remembered why I loved attending an in-person service. The pastor preached about self-love and recognition. The message resonated deep with me. I knew it was time to apply what I kept saying I was going to do.
By 3 p.m., I knew I had to start getting me and Jaiden ready. I agreed to a 7 p.m. date with Tra'Mel, but I had to get her washed and primped as well as myself.
As I finished putting on Jaiden’s red dress with black sheer leggings, she smiled and did a twirl. “You look lovely, mamas. Let’s do your hair now.”
I braided the front of her hair, then brushed the rest into two ponytails and put a red ribbon around each one. Her curly ponytails landed just past her neck. She shook her head side to side in front of the mirror, so she could see them fly.
Her red high-top Jordan’s were downstairs next to the door. She was girlie, but Mary-Janes weren’t her style. She loved sneakers, probably got that from me, but tonight I decided to wear heels.
I wanted to lengthen my already long legs to take my heather gray t-shirt dress up a notch when I paired it with my sheet-thin, long, plaid, pink and red cardigan. The dress stopped mid-thigh, but the cardigan fell just past my knees.
I left my hair down, but pinned it to the right. A pair of small hoops rested in my ears and a silver necklace fell right at the collar of my dress. After I put a tennis bracelet on, I slid my thigh-high boots into place and grabbed my clutch.
I didn’t do much when it came to makeup, so I put on the minimal amount I used for date nights and spritzed both me and Jaiden with a vanilla-rose scent before heading downstairs where Tra’Mel was waiting since I didn’t have my car anymore.
Demontré walked out of his room, ready to go pick up his date for the night. “Damn baby girl. If you weren’t my best friend, I’d have some things to say.”
“Glad you’re my bestie then,” I winked. “You can compliment me but not try to mentally strip me at the same time.”
“I don’t know, I did almost see you naked. I can just imagine what you look like under that dress.” he joked.
I shook my head, made a gagging noise and sent Jaiden into the living room with Tra’Mel. “Bye Demontré Monteé. Enjoy your night.” I hugged him.
He laughed before walking out the garage door.
Jaiden trotted over to Tra’Mel, and he lifted her into a hug.
“Hi, Ta’Mel.” she said.
I walked in biting back a laugh because I told her to call him Mel, but she was determined to say his full name. They were standing next to the couch.
As soon as I came into view, he looked up. His eyes scanned the length of my body, making me feel all the more attractive. I knew I looked good, but being admired and mentally devoured by a person who reminded you how nice you looked was always pleasant.
Jaiden’s arms wrapped around his neck, pulling him into a tight hug. He hugged her tighter, giving her his full attention.
“Hi, Jaiden. You look beautiful.” She grinned at him as he sat her back down.
“I need my shoes.” She said and ran to grab them. Her speech was slowly but surely developing more each day.
“You look ... edible.” His eyes on me again.
“I’m not on the menu tonight.” I quipped.
He shrugged but kept his eyes on me as if to say that could change. I tugged at the collar of my dress. Was it getting a little hotter in here?
When Jaiden came back with her shoes, I walked her over to the couch so I could put them on her. I hunkered down, sure to keep my knees together, as I put on her shoe.
Tra’Mel dropped into a squat beside me to slide the other on. In no time, she was ready to go. If we took any longer, I might’ve changed my mind and found a way to make things happen.
When he got back to his feet, he shook his leg out. I remembered him telling me it bothered him since he got out of routine and at this moment I wanted to rub it for him, but I didn’t.
I finally had a moment to admire him in his outfit; a black button-up with the two top buttons undone and a burgundy vest on top of it. His coffee colored slacks hugged his muscular thighs and I had to avoid looking at the bulge that did not attempt to hide itself. He completed the ensemble with a pair of black and burgundy Dukes, looking just as edible as he’d said I did.
Just before we headed for the front door, he picked up his coffee colored suit jacket and slung it over his shoulder. Damn, I did love a man in a suit.
14
Jada
The rose petals and soft candle lighting made the evening feel a lot more intimate than I expected. We went to Dark Dragon, but it had been transformed into a place of seduction, complete with a special menu for the evening.
It kind of made me fall in love with the place all the more. I'd brought Jaiden two other times over the past month and a half, and the owner came up to me once.
Her name was Desire, and she had a deep love of children. She wanted to say hi to Jaiden and see if she was enjoying everything. I hit it off with her immediately, and she gave me a few ideas for recipes I could make at home.
She told me about the couple who she worked for prior to opening up her place. They had three children, two of which had health issues. She grew fond of them the longer she worked there, and they were part of the reason she had the heart-healthy options.
I told her about my family members who suffered from heart disease, and we bonded; ended up talking about Atlanta. That's where the family was and where I went to school. There was an instant friendship, but I hadn't been able to hit her up since our encounter. To be here and see the vision she brought together for a night of love and affection was kind of amazing.
We were seated in a secluded part of the restaurant, which made me slightly skeptical, but Jaiden was with me, so Tra'Mel wouldn't try anything sexual or seductive with her there. Not that I didn't want him to make at least one advance.
"Compliments of the chef," a waiter said, leaving a bottle of champagne and apple cider on the table after we took our seats.
I didn't see the same thing for other patrons as we walked through the restaurant, so I knew we were getting different treatment. I just didn't know why.
The waiter opened the champagne and poured Tra'Mel and I each a glass, then opened the apple cider and poured a cup for Jaiden. She smiled and probably felt like the miniature queen Tra'Mel told her she was. My baby was a queen and I would never let someone make her think otherwise. After the waiter sat her cup in front of her, she looked at me and I nodded. She picked it up and took a sip from her straw.
"The chef will be over in a moment," the waiter said as he backed away.
"Wait, why is the chef coming?" I looked at Tra'Mel a little panicked.
I mean I met the owner that one time, but why was the chef coming over tonight? He had an easy smile on his face, sitting opposite Jaiden, keeping her locked in between us. He reached over and took my hand.
I let him and he kissed the top of it.
"Don't worry. She's an old friend."
Oh hell. Of course he knew her. Who didn't he know?
The beautiful caramel-complected Desire walked over to the table. She had on glasses and her short, curly hair sat atop her head in a cute, lazy style. She wore a black and red plaid skater skirt with a dark red lace-mesh cropped sweater. A long necklace laid over the sweater, and you could see bits of her tattoos peaking out. She looked effortlessly amazing.
Tra'Mel had an ear-splitting smile when he saw her and stood to give her a hug. She kissed his cheek, and I scrunched my face. How well did he know her?
I saw a man of similar complexion to Desire walking over. He had locs tucked haphazardly under a beanie. He wore glasses as well and a wolf tattoo peaked from under his cuffed sleeve. The scruff on his chin gave an edge to his nerdy look and I had to look away because I nearly drooled.
Tra'Mel turned to me and put out a hand. I eyed it nervously, and he gave a look that said woman stand up and stop being a brat.
I brought Jaiden to my side, and we stood next to this beautiful couple in front of us.
"You must be Jada Lorenzo." The man said. I nodded and held on to Jaiden's hand. She felt short between the four of us, so I lifted her up on my hip.
"It's so nice to see you again Ms. Jaiden Wells." Desire said.
Jaiden grinned. Desire chuckled, but Tra'Mel looked confused.
"I should probably tell you I've already met this lovely lady here, Mel," Desire said. "Oh, and Jada, my apologies. Last time when I told you I was the owner, I forgot to mention I'm also the head chef."
My eyes grew a little. I should've known, but I was very much distracted by her beauty and overall nice demeanor back then.
"My name is Midnight," the man said. “I’m the head baker and the owner's boyfriend." Desire smacked his chest. He caught her hand and kissed it. I half-smiled.
"Nice to meet you, Midnight," I said. "Desire did mention you and your exquisite ... desserts."
Midnight laughed and Desire smacked his chest again. I extended my hand to them and Desire pulled me into a hug instead.
"I'm a hugger, surprised you don't remember." she said pulling back.
"I knew you were beautiful, but wow." Midnight said.
I raised an eyebrow at Desire, and she shrugged with a masked smirk as her eyes slid to Tra'Mel. I looked to him as he inched closer to me.
Jaiden wanted down. I put her back into the booth, and she went over to her cup of apple cider. Tra'Mel's lips touched my ear before I could turn back around. I had to grip the edge of the table because my legs threatened to stop working.
"Missouri, Desire's sister, took photos of the team a few times on a special contract. I became friends with her and when her sister moved to town, and opened a place, of course I made sure to check it out. Been cool with these two ever since."
I nodded and told myself not to melt into a puddle at his touch. His hand snaked underneath the cardigan and rested on the small of my back as I turned back toward Midnight and Desire.
"Since my friend here had a date for the first time since I've known him, I thought I'd make you guys a special meal for the evening."
"Oh, you don't have to go out of your way, Dez." I said.
"Nonsense," she waved me off. "If I knew you were the delectable dessert he kept mentioning, I would have made sure to prepare something even better."
My eyes grew a fraction as I cut them at Tra'Mel and his cheeks reddened, but his face stayed neutral. Did he mention our former sex life to her? Midnight whispered something in Desire's ear, and she nodded.
"I'll stop teasing," Midnight popped her on her ass, and she squealed. "Ahem, I like you for him. I know I only met you that one time, but I get vibes from people and I know a little of the backstory on you two," I looked at him from the corner of my eye again and saw his cheeks reddened more. "Now, have a seat and enjoy tonight. I'm going to head back and finish your appetizers. I have a nice heart-conscious meal planned for you all and Midnight is finishing up a lovely dessert."
I shook my head but thanked her. She kissed my cheek and whispered in my ear, "If he acts up let me know, I'll set him straight." I hugged her, and she waved to Jaiden before walking off with Midnight.
Tra'Mel and I worked our way back into the booth and I looked at him. He was all smiles.
"What did she say?" he asked.
"Don't worry about it, that's between her and I, but ... you are too much," I lifted my champagne flute to my mouth and took a hearty swallow before sitting it down and licking my top lip. “Thank you for this."
"Anything for you, JJ. Anything." he said and sipped his champagne.
"Tell me something, Mellow. You've been talking about me to your friends?"
He took another sip from his cup.
"Uh," his cheeks turned another shade of red. "As a matter of fact, I have."
I played a nameless tune on the seat next to me with my fingers, but nodded and kept from smiling. Maybe he did seriously want to date me. I still had reservations about it, though.
My phone buzzed in my clutch, but I ignored it. Not only was I on a date, I was enjoying myself. Whoever it was could wait, if it were dire, they'd call again.
We fell into easy conversation talking about the art piece I recently completed and what was next on my list. We talked about how his facility had been doing since he opened it and his therapy regimen for his leg.
Our appetizers came – two heart shaped fruit kebabs for Jaiden and a heart-shaped, roasted avocado, kale Caesar salad for us – and went, but the conversation never ended.
We talked about his NFL career, his father and how he felt when he first got injured. We brought Jaiden into the conversation as often as we could, but she focused more on her coloring. When she didn't want to talk, we left her be.
Our conversation turned to family and our relationships with them. We discussed talking with D'Nae about us. He mentioned that she recently told him she had a thing for him. I knew I needed to talk to her now, I couldn't put it off any longer.
He taught Jaiden how to say I'm tired – Mo las – and good morning – bonmatin – in Kouri-Vini. He started working on teaching her how to say I love you – Mo linm twa – but it frustrated her, so he said he would try again another day.
"Mo linm twa, Jada," He said looking at me before turning back to Jaiden. My heart pounded in my chest. "See, that's how you say it, but you would say Mo linm twa, mamm."
Jaiden nodded, then went back to coloring. I couldn't take my eyes off him. I wasn't sure if he was using it as an example, but I felt my hands start to shake, so I hid them beneath the table when he returned his attention to me.
We continued talking through dinner – roasted heart-shaped potatoes with grilled chicken for Jaiden and seared lamb in a raspberry sauce for us – before we were joined by Midnight and Desire for dessert.
"Do we have the pleasure of eating this beautiful dish with our chef?" I asked as they sat in the booth with us.
Midnight smiled but shook his head. "No, I just want to see if you enjoy it."
"Nah dawg, you got to eat at least one bite with us." Tra'Mel said.
"He made it special just for you guys." Desire said.
I smiled and picked up a fork, handing it across the table to Midnight. Jaiden bounced with delight. She wanted hers and she wanted it now. She had a strawberry shortcake in a cute red-tinted cup.
"You can have some, mamas. Go 'head." She beamed.
"Mesi, mamm." She'd already started incorporating what she learned from Tra'Mel into her vernacular. Wow.
Tra'Mel and I had what looked like a large peanut butter cup, but it was all chocolate. The bottom layer, a fudge brownie and the upper layer, chocolate cheesecake topped with three strawberry slices, whip cream and a drizzle of caramel.
"We are going to eat this because I already know it tastes amazing, but you have to have at least one bite with us, like Tra'Mel said." I encou
raged.
Desire nodded. “After you guys."
Tra'Mel caught a forkful of the dessert and directed it toward me. I took the chocolate in my mouth and instantly entered cocoa heaven. The entire bite melted against my tongue and did wonders for my taste buds. I moaned and Desire clapped.
"That is the same reaction I had when I tasted it," she said. "Okay, I hope you guys enjoyed everything. Finish up and go have some more fun elsewhere." She winked.
"Oh no you don't. I'm glad you tasted it already, but you still have to have a bite with us." I said around the remnants of chocolate on my tongue. Desire chuckled before using the fork I gave Midnight to take a bit of the dessert and put it in his mouth.
"As good as you, baby." He said and she blushed. They were too cute.
"Alright, alright. Thank y'all for the lovely meal." Tra'Mel said.
I took another fork from the table and gathered enough of the dessert on it for Tra'Mel to taste.
His eyes were on me the entire time as his mouth covered the fork and pulled back. The muscles in my stomach tightened at the groan that left his throat as his eyes slid closed, and he licked his lips.
"I'm sure after that they'll definitely have some fun tonight." Midnight teased. I fought a smile by biting the inside of my lip.
"I have a daughter," I said. "No time for that kind of fun."
"We shall see about that." Tra'Mel mumbled and I looked at him from the corner of my eye. He covered a grin by putting another forkful of the dessert in his mouth.
"Will I be able to get this again?" I asked as Desire and Midnight got to their feet to leave. They looked back and Desire winked.
"Yeah, it'll take a few hours to prep and everything, so let me know the day before you want it. It's called Midnight's Desire." Midnight said and pulled Desire into his side, kissing her neck.
I blushed, nodded and went back to eating with Tra'Mel. Jaiden offered me some of what was left of her strawberry shortcake, saying it was "dewishous."