by Ali Vali
“Okay, are you a vegetarian?” She took Willow’s hand and led her back inside.
“What happens when a woman you’re out with answers yes to that question?” Willow stayed close and placed her hand in the crook of Tucker’s arm.
“I tell them I’ll meet them at their favorite restaurant while punching the address to Ruth’s Chris into my Uber app.” The way Willow laughed made her smile. “But since you haven’t answered the question with an affirmative, I’ll take a chance and surprise you.”
“Where would a vegetarian be surprised?” They got to ride down alone again in the elevator and Tucker took the chance to come closer.
“Toups’ Meatery.” The answer made Willow laugh harder and fall against her as if to hold herself up. “What? They have fantastic vegetable sides.”
“You’re a refreshing cliché, but don’t take that the wrong way.”
“Okay,” she said, taking Willow’s hand, gratified when Willow grasped hers in return. “What’s that supposed to mean, then?”
“You seem to know what you want and are unapologetic about it. You’re also a carnivore who doesn’t rattle easily, and you look comfortable in your own skin.” Willow threaded their fingers together and followed her outside.
“What’s clichéd about that?” The black Yukon was waiting and she opened the door for Willow again.
“You only usually find those qualities in men.”
She nodded and didn’t resist when Willow took her hand and placed it in her lap palm up. “Is that a turnoff for you?”
“Are you kidding?” It sounded like Willow was tweaking her a little but she wasn’t complaining. “I could probably learn a few things from you.”
“That would require you to spend time with me.” They left the Uptown area for one of the other older neighborhoods in the city closer to City Park. “I’m all for that, if you’re wondering.”
“I’ll have to take you up on that if only to see where you take me if I admit I’m vegan.”
“I love a challenge, so don’t say it if you don’t mean it.”
“Will work interfere, do you think?” Willow accepted her hand when they arrived, and she faced her on the sidewalk.
“I don’t believe so, but I’m willing to wait until our project’s done if that’ll make you more comfortable with the idea.” She released one of Willow’s hands and caressed her cheek with the backs of her fingers.
“That’ll be like…two years. You’re that patient?”
The way Willow phrased the question made her think her new friend wasn’t at all into waiting for the things she wanted.
“I guess if I’m going to be honest…” She moved her hand to the curve of Willow’s jaw. There was no reluctance in Willow’s gaze before she closed her eyes as Tucker bent her head and kissed her. All Tucker did was press her lips to Willow’s, but that simple move was so good, she wanted to skip dinner and go someplace more private. “Patience isn’t my thing at all,” Tucker said, resting her forehead against Willow’s.
“You don’t waste time, do you?” Willow’s hands were under Tucker’s coat and she wasn’t moving back, so Tucker kissed her again.
“If I misjudged and fucked up my chances here, I’ll take you home, but I’m not sorry.”
“You’re such a poet,” Willow said, tugging her toward the door. “Let’s eat before I ask you to take me home.”
“Do you see a good-night kiss in my future?”
“Either that or a lesson in all that patience we were talking about.” Willow turned so she could help her with her coat again, and the hostess showed them to the table. “I haven’t decided yet.”
“Let’s pray the sides are really good then.”
“Go with the double cut pork chop. You might need your strength later.”
Chapter Three
“Baby, this isn’t normal behavior,” Monique said as she wiped Jim Bob’s face with a warm soapy towel.
It had taken fourteen stiches to close the cut, and the ER doctor had placed a bandage over Jim Bob’s entire eye. They’d cleaned the wound, but the rest of his face, neck, and upper chest were still covered in blood. He’d stripped his shirt off and thrown it in the trash, grateful Grady wasn’t old enough to see him like this and understand what was going on.
“I hope you meant what you said.” He smiled when Monique finished wiping the mess off and sat on his lap.
“About what in particular?” Monique had a way of calming him down by placing soft kisses in a random pattern all over his face and neck.
“I need to go out to the car for a minute.”
“Right now?” She pressed down firmly on his groin and smiled. “I think if you relax and stay put you’ll feel better.”
“I think so too, but it’ll only take a second.” He ran outside in only his jeans and retrieved the ring box he’d gotten three weeks earlier and put it in his pocket as Monique fussed at him from the doorway.
“Get back in here, crazy man, before we add pneumonia to your list of problems.”
He took her by the hand and walked her to the den where Monique had a fire going. They’d picked this house together, and he’d enjoyed doing some of the work himself. The sweat he’d put into the projects he’d completed had made it home. He hadn’t had that sense of well-being since he’d left his mother’s table when he’d gone to LSU.
Monique appeared amused when he sat her in the wingback he enjoyed reading in. “I realize I’ve done a lot backward when it comes to you.”
“Did I complain about anything? You make me happy, so don’t start doubting yourself now,” Monique said as he got on his knee.
“No, you haven’t, even though you have the right to.” He kissed her to erase the worry in her eyes. “I met you, and you changed my life by giving me something I never knew existed. It’s something I can’t buy no matter how much money I have, and it’s something that makes me selfish for more.”
“What’s that, my love?”
“Love.” He wanted to cry from the truth of it. This young, beautiful, amazing woman loved him, and it had nothing to do with personal gain. “You love me, and I want to spend the rest of my life showing you how much I love you in return.”
“You do that every single day.” Monique pressed her hand to his cheek and softly kissed his lips. It was the same as their first kiss when he’d taken her to lunch for the fourth time.
“If you keep talking, I’ll never get to the proposal part of this,” he said, and her hands went up and covered her mouth. “Monique, it feels like my life really started the day I met you. You’ve filled my world with happiness and hope, and you’ve given me the gift of a beautiful boy. You’ll make me the happiest man alive if you would share your life with me. Will you marry me?” He got the box out and opened it.
“Yes.” She laughed when he placed the ring on her finger.
“Divorce shouldn’t ever be a part of any proposal, but I called Jefferson when I was at the hospital, and he’s calling the attorney he referred me to, so he’ll serve Ivy with the papers. Don’t think it took stitches to get me to commit to that,” he said as Monique kissed his hand, tears running down her face. “I talked to him a year ago, and he got started on the separation to make it as equitable as possible. Tonight is simply speeding up the end result, and I was going to wait until I was free to ask you, but I couldn’t wait anymore.”
“You’ve already made me happy, but this is over-the-top. Grady’s going to love having Daddy around all the time.”
“Neither of you will want for anything.”
“All we want is you, baby, and thank you for this.” Monique held her hand out and started crying when she stared at the ring. “It’s beautiful.”
“Does this mean you don’t mind starting that wanting-me-around-all-the-time now? I’m not going back, but if you want to wait until we’re married, I’ll bunk with Tucker.”
“Willow’s moving in for few months,” Monique said, wincing slightly. “Believe me, I wan
t you here, but I told her it was okay until her new place is ready. If you don’t mind her living with us for that long, I’m all for it.”
“Don’t worry about it. She’s your sister and it’s good you offered since she’s as important to you as Tucker is to me, but we both know I’m not her favorite person. I’ll stay with Tucker, and eventually we’ll have to introduce them since we’ll be family.” He smiled, wanting to put her at ease, but he felt guilty he’d kept Monique a secret this long. It was beyond time to make things right.
“I’m sorry,” Monique said. “Maybe now you’ll share Grady with Tucker. I know you were ashamed—”
“No,” Jim Bob said vehemently, placing his hand over her mouth. “I never have been ashamed of you or Grady, my love. It’s more that I was ashamed of myself for putting you in this position, and for being the kind of man who has an affair and hides behind his own cowardice. I can understand why Willow hates me so much. I shouldn’t have made you wait this long.”
“Don’t say that.” Monique wiped his tears and kissed him. “I fell in love with you because you made it impossible for me not to, and Grady was the greatest gift you could’ve given me. Aside from Willow, I’ve been alone for so long, and I was blessed when you came along. You understand me, and more importantly, you listen to me.”
“You’re being too generous, and we both know I should’ve left Ivy the second we slept together. I’ve been a coward, and before you argue that point, I’m sure Willow will totally agree with me.” He came closer when Monique spread her legs wider. “I want to be here for you and Grady, and I’m not putting off my responsibilities any longer.”
“Put all that out of your mind tonight, and let’s celebrate,” Monique said softly. She reached down and unbuckled his belt before reaching in his pants. “Being with you and looking forward to being your wife is all I want to remember about tonight.”
“I love you, darlin’.” Never in his life had he craved someone like he did Monique, and when he entered her there was only her in his heart and in his head. Nothing else mattered.
“I love you too, and I will for the rest of my life.”
* * *
Tucker rested her head in her hand as she watched Willow finish her half of the gigantic pork chop they’d split. It was seldom she took a woman out who actually had an appetite and wasn’t afraid to indulge it. She’d always been baffled by that, and considering she was a woman, the answer should’ve been more readily apparent as to why women refused to eat when they were hungry, but it was like trying to grab onto fog. The answer was elusive.
“What’s that smirk for?” Willow cut a piece from the last bit and fed it to her.
“I seldom smirk, if ever,” she said after swallowing.
“Okay, what are you thinking about?” Willow fed her another piece. “God, I’m full, but this is too good to waste.”
“I was thinking about women and their appetites.”
“Really.” Willow stopped before she gave her the second-to-last piece. “What kind of appetites? And do some heavy contemplating before you answer since I have the steak knife at my disposal. You’ve gotten all the slack you’re getting tonight.”
“I’m not a letch, remember?” She reached for Willow’s wrist, bringing her hand forward. “You know I’m a woman, but I was wondering about something.”
“I do know you’re a woman,” Willow said, wiping the side of Tucker’s mouth with her thumb. “If you were a man, I wouldn’t be here allowing you to clumsily flirt with me.”
“Ooh, that stung.” The insult made Tucker laugh and nod as she swallowed. “I was simply enjoying the fact that you like to eat and don’t act like every bite is way over some unrealistic limit.”
“I don’t usually eat like a sumo wrestler, but I really did miss lunch.” Willow suddenly appeared mortified.
“Don’t get self-conscious on me now.” She took Willow’s hand when she put her fork down. “It wasn’t a judgment.” Willow stared at her when Tucker lifted her hand and bit down gently on her index finger. “I’m sure you’ve been told plenty of times what a gorgeous woman you are.”
“It’s more like, You sure are curvy.” Willow said it like it was a curse.
“I’m sorry, is that a bad thing?” Willow’s answer made no sense. Who in their right mind didn’t find curves sexy?
“Depends if you’re into stick models or the other option.”
The night had definitely taken a turn off the fun highway into eggshell-sensitivityville. “Do you promise not to stab me if I tell you something?”
“Sure,” Willow said, as if she’d asked her to swallow a Louisiana-sized cockroach for a million dollars.
“You’re smart—I realized that earlier in that meeting.”
“Thanks,” Willow said, smiling when Tucker bit her finger again.
“Come on, stop interrupting while I’m trying to indulge my lecherous side.”
“Sorry, please continue.”
“You’re also a gorgeous woman with curves that make me want to fall at your feet and beg for things I’ve got no business begging for so soon.”
The waiter picked that moment to butt in. “Dessert?”
“If you’re interested in a tip other than me expounding on your sucky timing, wrap up a piece of the doberge, and run.” The young guy sprinted away, making Willow chuckle. It was a good sign. “Hopefully you’re not pissed enough with me to not want to share that cake.”
“I might let you have the whole thing since he’s probably back there spitting in it.” Willow pushed her plate aside and leaned over. “But I’m willing to chance it for a twelve-layer cake with salted caramel, peanut butter, and bacon.”
“You’ve been here before?” That might have been an opening to ask Willow out again. “I’ll have to up my surprise game next time.”
“I’ve only been once, and it was one of those dates where I didn’t eat much,” Willow said and blushed. “Why I told you that I don’t know, but I’m not giving up any femme secrets, so don’t ask. God knows who you’ll share them with, and someone will come and take my membership card along with my favorite lipstick.”
The waiter came back and dropped the bill and dessert without saying a word. That move made them both laugh as she placed three hundred-dollar bills in the folder and held her hand out to Willow. “Let’s find a waiterless place to share that. If I’m eating cake, I’ll be less likely to put my foot in my mouth.”
“You said I was gorgeous, which isn’t exactly insulting.”
“I’m glad that’s all you’re choosing to keep from that conversation.”
“Not a chance, good-looking. I remember every word.” Willow pulled her outside and motioned for her phone. “Unlock this thing and start thinking of witty remarks for later. I’ll help you with a big hint and tell you my appetite isn’t up for discussion.”
She did what she was told, then wrapped Willow in the front of her coat after Willow entered her address. Their ride arrived five minutes later and brought them to the Warehouse District. Willow took her hand again and walked her inside. Her loft was on the third floor and gave new meaning to efficiency living. The only private space in the open room was the bathroom, and to see the rest only took turning in a circle.
“Cozy,” she said, placing the cake on the miniature table. “Are you moving?” There was a stack of boxes in front of the stove, which either signaled a move or that Willow didn’t cook.
“I bought a place in the Garden District, but I don’t want to talk about it now.” Willow came closer until their bodies were pressed together. “Do you want to indulge in that begging you mentioned earlier?”
Tucker came close to ripping her coat sleeve off when she hurried to get out of it, but she didn’t come off too dorky since Willow was having the same problem. “Are you sure?”
“God, yes,” Willow said, hanging on to her as she kissed her. “I’ve wanted to do that since I ran into you because I was looking at your ass. I’d closed my eyes,
but when I opened them, there you were. Or more to the point, there was your ass.”
“Really?” She moved her hands down so she could start inching Willow’s skirt up. “I don’t think anyone’s admired my ass before.”
Willow smiled when Tucker lifted her up and carried her to the bed. “You can’t be serious,” Willow said. She helped as Tucker started undressing her, sighing when she finally stepped out of her skirt. “Aside from this gorgeous face, it’s your best feature.”
“I don’t think I’ve ever been objectified like this, and I’m definitely loving it.” The buttons on her shirt seemed to become more of a challenge the more turned on she got, but Willow didn’t have a problem with her pants. “Let’s talk about it later,” she said, falling forward when her pants dropped and got tangled in her boots, making her lose her balance. “Much later.”
Willow laughed when she struggled to get free of the clothes and boots but quickly started moaning when Tucker sucked her nipple through the lace of her bra. She felt the nipple harden and Willow thrust her chest up. All she wanted now was to be naked.
“I love the pineapple boxers,” Willow said, snapping the waistband of her underwear. “Will you give them to me if I promise to do something nice for you?” Tucker rolled off Willow and lifted her hips to remove them, but Willow beat her to it by ripping them off. “My, my, you’re something else.”
Tucker shivered when Willow ran her finger down her neck, to the center of her chest, to the top of her sex. “I’m not the only one, and I have to touch you.”
“Are you sure this won’t affect work?” Willow asked as her finger dipped lower.
Tucker bit her bottom lip in an effort to not channel a horny teenage boy. She really was about to start begging. “I’m not an asshole out to mess you up.” The fact that she could still form words was a minor miracle since her clit was hard enough to chip ice. “And if we stop now, I’m probably going to damage something. That’ll be really hard to explain at the emergency room. You don’t want that on your conscience, do you?”