Lunchtime Chronicles: Passion Fruit

I’m so glad she said yes.

This morning, I arrived with a bouquet of roses. Her eyes brightened. She was dressed in dark blue jeans that hugged her curvy hips. Her red top exposed a perfect visual of cleavage. The sight so arresting, I almost tried to fuck Nadia on her porch.

I’m keeping her to myself.

Nadia didn’t want to give me a chance because I was her neighbor, but she would get over that soon. All I had to do was show her the beauty of what we could be.

I liked Nadia and those boys were definitely growing on me. It was time to start courting her properly—romancing her as much as possible.

So, I showed her all around Paradise City.

We stopped at Devil’s Bridge in the South. It was a stone bridge with an unusual design. People believed that the anonymous builder had made a pact with the Devil. The highest part arched unnaturally in the air, making it impossible to drive or walk over. The few that did were injured or killed.

We rode to East Paradise and entered Chinatown. I parked and we toured the Hao Fortune Cookie factory—family-owned and operated. The guide told us that they baked 5,000 cookies a day.

Since the North represented Paradise’s sex scene—red light district and brothels—we bypassed that area.

For lunch, I drove us to my favorite spot in the West. The restaurant was called Mermaids and provided a romantic experience for any part of the day. Walking into the space was like diving into the ocean. A hidden projector gave off a wave effect on the lovely blue walls. Breathtaking coral arrangements centered each table.

I made reservations for the rooftop patio. There we sipped Caviar Lime Juleps and enjoyed the view—white sand, a golden sun and crystal blue waters.

Nadia sipped hers. “I’ve never had caviar lime before, but this is so good.”

“It’s an interesting fruit. One that grows all over Paradise.”

Nadia gazed at a laughing couple running on the beach. “This is a perfect day.”

“I’m glad you’ve been enjoying yourself.”

She faced me. “Thank you for taking me on this tour of Paradise.”

“Do you like my city so far?”

She gave me a wicked smile. “I do, but the residents are the true prize.”

I cheered her glass. “They are.”

My phone buzzed in my pants. I checked it. Shark had been calling all day. I turned the phone off, noting to check with him later.

Our waiter brought over the Mermaid sample platter.

Nadia’s face brightened with joy, and I loved it all. The sweet widening of her mouth. The glimmer in her eyes. The perk of her cheeks.

“We have lamb lollipops here and small cups of Paradise she-crab soup.” The waiter gestured to the other side. “Mini lobster sandwiches. Spinach and shrimp risotto with mascarpone.”

“This all sounds delicious.” Nadia grabbed her fork.

“Enjoy.” The waiter left.

We dug in.

I grabbed a lamb lollipop. “I’m glad you said yes to our date.”

She was about to take a bite of her lobster sandwich, but stopped. “I like how you slipped in date.”

“It is a date.” I bit into the lamb.

Not disagreeing, she smiled and tried her sandwich. She groaned in delight. My cock jumped in my pants. White sauce dripped down her fingers. She licked it up.

I stopped eating.

When she caught me watching her, she blushed. “Sorry. This is really good.”

“I understand.” I placed my lamb down and licked some of the sauce too.

Her gaze focused on my tongue.

I can give you this tongue anytime you want, Nadia. Just ask.

I studied her. “I was shocked that you said yes.”

Her gaze went to my eyes. “Why?”

“Because you’ve apparently denied yourself a lot in your pursuit of success and good parenting.”

She grinned. “I’m trying to be disciplined.”

“Then, mission accomplished. Have fun.”

“But, I could be way more successful and the boys are still young.”

“Not as young as you think. And unfortunately in four to five years, they’ll be towering over you and ready to get out of the house.”

She sighed. “They’re already getting close to my height.”

“Which isn’t a great feat.” I chuckled.

“I’m not that short.”

“True. You’re perfect.”

Heat bridged between us.

I licked my lips. “I want to take you out some more.”

Silent, she leaned back in her chair. That brightness still glowed in her eyes. That made me hopeful.

“Nadia, I know you would rather not date your neighbor but, you’re too sexy to resist.”

She blushed again.

“Thoughts?”

“I. . .get it.” She nodded. “I think you’re. . .so freaking sexy. Irresistible. Muscles and. . .everything is on point.”

Now it was my turn to blush.

“However,” she shrugged. “There are other concerns.”

“Okay.”

“I have kids. You’ve already been around them. This is new to me.”

“I understand. And, you’re an amazing mother. Shoot. You remind me of my mother at times. I remember how hard she worked. How tired she would be at night. How no man was really there for her. At times, the guys stressed her the hell out. They made her cry. And many times, my brother and I were the only people to lift her spirit.”