She looks down at her bowl and I can feel the dip in her mood at the mention of her family. I cover her hand with mine and she inhales, swift and quiet. That’s definitely awareness. Something feels like it’s shifting between us. I can’t decide now if I need to console her or kiss her.
“We’re grateful for the extra,” I tell her. “If I don’t sneak into the kitchen for a midnight snack, I’d like to take whatever they don’t to work tomorrow.”
“I’m glad you like it.”
“It’s safe to say we more than like it, Tanisha.”
We more than like everything about you.
Her skin is softer than anything I’ve ever put my hands on. Is she this soft between her thighs? On the underside of her breasts? I need to find out. Soon.
I’m still thinking about it after dinner has been thoroughly consumed and I send the boys to the showers to clean up and brush their teeth before getting their pajamas on. They’ll get an hour of television if they’ve done their homework. Maybe two. And then bed.
Bed. I need to get Tanisha alone in our bed. Not just with the lights out so we can both pretend to be sleeping.
“I can help,” she says, picking up her bowl and walking to the kitchen, leaving me to follow in her wake.
“What you can do is relax. You made us a feast and we’re already spoiled. Now go get comfortable in our room and watch one of those shows you told me you liked.”
She looks up from her position at the sink. “You remember that?”
“I remember everything you’ve told me. Including the fights you’ve had with your roommate over the remote.”
“Joey isn’t a fan of reality shows,” she admits with a tender smile. “But he watches them with me anyway.”
“I’ll watch them with you.” I don’t know where that came from, since I have no desire to see real housewives argue over drinks, no matter what city they’re in, but I’m jealous of that smile. I need it directed at me instead of the friend she’s so close to.
And I think I’ve just found my solution. What do they call it? Netflix and chill? Sounds like a plan to me.
“You will?”
“Let me get the boys settled,” I tell her. “But start me off easy. Maybe something about houses or accountants who whittle. Because I’ve been thinking about learning the skill. Does that exist?”
Her smile slays me. She’s so damn pretty it hurts. “I think I know a few you might like.”
“It’s a date then. I’ll meet you in the bedroom within the hour.”
We have a date. It’s time for me to start seducing my wife.
Chapter Five
> Tanisha
J-Pop: You can come with us.
T-Diddy: I’m not a hobbit, Joey. We just had this conversation at our meeting. You remember? The one you left three minutes ago?
J-Pop: Three minutes is a lifetime. New Zealand isn’t all about hobbits. Bring your kids and the hubby. How weird is our life now? We have kids. We’re not just watching them or hiring people to watch them. Speaking of, should I stay to do that in-home visit we were talking about?
T-Diddy: I can handle the Stein family. We’ll be fine for a week without you. You deserve a trip before Elliot has to be all baseball, all the time.
J-Pop: Did I tell you we’re stopping at home for a few days so he can meet Rick and Matilda? He wants to bring them balloons. It’s our thing now.
T-Diddy: I approve of your thing.
J-Pop: I can’t believe you said that. I miss you.
T-Diddy: Literally just saw you. Now go. And hug your parents for me.