Lunchtime Chronicles: Passion Fruit

Zain winked at her. “Don’t worry, Brandy. I won’t bite.”

“Aww.” She winked. “I was hoping you did bite.”

A deep laughter left those full lips. It was just as intoxicating as his voice. Carrying the statue, he walked around me and headed in the direction she pointed.

“Yes. Yes. Look at God.” Brandy watched him. “We definitely need your help this evening. We’ve got all types of things you can lift, bend over, and put down.”

Laughing, he walked by the kitchen. “This way?”

“Yes,” Brandy and I said in unison.

We both watched that muscled ass move under those dark jeans.

Brandy whistled and then lowered her voice. “This is a serious hottie alert. Is he single?”

“You’re just going to invite strangers into my house?”

“Yes. If they look like that.”

“Girl—”

“I’ve got my gun.”

“But no bullets.”

“Don’t worry.” She strolled away.

I closed the door and marched off to deal with the new stranger and my crazy bestie.

We met up in the small room across from my office that I’d decided to make into a meditation room. Upon being a newly single mother, I began to deal with more stress. Meditation saved me. It kept me balanced and calmer than at any other point in my life.

Zain held the statue in the center of the room. “Where do you want it?”

“All over my body,” Brandy said.

I pointed. “Please, put it in that corner. And thank you.”

Zain carried it to the corner, bent over, and set it down on the ground.

Mmmhmm.

He rose and turned our way.

Brandy clapped. “You really did a good job with that.”

He curved those lips into a sexy smile. “Do you have more things that need moving?”

I shook my head. “No. We’re—”

“Oh, yes. Tons of stuff.” Brandy pointed at the ceiling. “She thinks I’m going to help her put together her bed. Hell no. I brought her a sleeping bag just in case.”

I waved my hands. “Brandy, leave him alone. I’m sure he has—”

“Show me where the frames are.” He shrugged. “I can put your bed together.”

“Yes, sir.” Brandy snapped. “And when you’re done with her bed, you can put mine together.”

“Oh.” He quirked his brows. “You’re moving here too?”

“No. I live in the West.”

Confused, he leaned his head to the side. “But your bed isn’t together?”

“Oh, it is. But I’ll break it apart by the time you get there.”

“Brandy.” I frowned and looked at him. “Sorry. We’ve had wine.”

“That’s fine.” He shook his head. “I’ve had beer and I was bored. I would love to help. It gives me something to do.”

“Well then in that case, I would love to have you over here.” I pointed to the wine. “Would you like a glass?”

“Yes, please.” He headed off.

“Yes. Yes.” Brandy watched him.

When he left the room, I nudged her. “Have you lost it?”

“Yes. And I hope I don’t find it.”

“He’s trying to be nice and you have him working.”

“We’re going to get his big sexy self to do all the work.” She winked. “And we’re going to grab a chair, sip wine, and enjoy the show.”

“You’re going straight to hell.”

“That’s right.” She showed a wicked smile. “And I won’t have any panties on when I go.”

“What the hell does that have to do with anything?”

“I won’t need any panties in hell. It’s all types of sex down there.”

“Just. No.”

3

My Bed

Nadia

I

n my bedroom, Brandy and I sat on one side.

Taking a sip of wine, Zain took in all the bed frames across from us.

The whole place was a mess. Clothes, shoes, and boxes scattered around one side. The separated parts to the bed lay in the center of the room. On the other side, my king mattress and box spring rested against the wall.

Zain assessed the space and then sipped from his glass. “This is good wine. Very sweet.”

Brandy beamed with pride. “My family has a winery outside of the city. I brought over several of Nadia’s favorite bottles.”

Picking up a screwdriver, Zain glanced my way. “What’s your favorite bottle?”

“Passion.” I blushed. “It’s called that because it’s made with passion fruit.”

Brandy added, “And after one glass you’re liable to fall into passion.”

Zain nodded. “I’m not a wine guy, but I could drink this all night.”

“Oh really.” Brandy rose from her chair, stumbling a little. “I’ll be right back.”

Nervous, I asked, “Where are you going?”

“I’m getting him more wine.” Brandy strolled off. “You two call me, if you need me. I’m good with pointing and telling people where to put stuff.”

Zain took another sip and returned to work.

Uncomfortable, I fidgeted with the bottom of the glass. “Thanks again for doing this. It’s a big help.”

“I’m glad I can be at your service.” He looked over his shoulder. “By the way, welcome to the neighborhood.”

“Thank you.”

“If you ever need me, come on over and knock. I’m home in the evenings by seven. I stay in all night.”

“Really?”

“Why so shocked?”