“Grown my butt.”
I made it upstairs and rushed into my room. Part of me wanted to sneak into Ebony’s room and see her.
Relax. Take a shower and clean up. Must you act so pussy-whipped.
In the shower, I scrubbed the sweat and paint away. I planned to be all over Ebony this evening.
First we’d have to do all of the dating things. Yesterday, I’d reserved a table at a nice French restaurant an hour away from town. It was the only romantic spot that would be open for Christmas Eve.
Next, I bought some movie tickets. While Kevin and I sat in my truck, watching the packages, I scrolled through all the new movies out. I wasn’t sure what Ebony would love. I hoped that she would enjoy this one.
Not a Christmas movie at all, Murder Ink was about a romance writer that stumbled upon a dead body and propelled into a journey of finding the murderer as well as following in love with a guy that could either be the hero or the villain. Only a week out, it had earned high reviews.
I yearned to do something more extravagant for Ebony on our first date, but due to the holidays not much would be open.
She’ll love it. Stop worrying.
Nervous, I stood in the closet, worrying far too long about what I would wear. I must’ve appeared like a woman, pulling out this shirt and that, standing in the mirror, then shaking my head, and grabbing something else. I ended with a decision of black jeans, a thick black shirt, and black blazer. I had no proper suit to wear, not usually leaving my house at all in these past years.
This will be fine.
I sprayed on cologne and did my best to style my somewhat long hair.
I should cut this now. I have to start looking like a proper man again.
But then, I thought of how I relished in Ebony’s fingers running through it.
Maybe, I’ll cut it later.
A knock came at the door.
I opened it and my body froze in shock. “Damn, Ebony.”
She kept one hand behind her. But that wasn’t what took my breath away. She had on my trench coat, but it was wide open, and I could see every beautiful image that it tried to hide.
The red dress displayed every inch of her lush body. My fingers itched to tear it off. The top was held up by a strap across one shoulder that looked like roses. So captivating, my cock came alive in my jeans.
Her lips were painted red. A little color was on her eyes, but not too much. Her dreadlocks had been swept into an elegant updo. She was utterly captivating in every way.
“Are you ready?” she whispered.
“No.” I slipped my gaze down to those heels she’d worn. “Take that trench off and come inside my bedroom for a minute.”
She giggled. “Absolutely not. It doesn’t look like we’ll be in your bedroom for a minute.”
“You don’t trust me?”
“Not right now.”
“Then, you’re smart because I’m going to tear that dress off you.”
“Could you wait until the kids are in bed and we’re back from our date?”
“I’ll try.”
The hand that was behind her, she moved it forward.
“Thank you for this evening.” She held a bouquet of roses. “This is for you.”
I frowned.
“What?”
“I’m supposed to give you flowers, Ebony.”
“Yeah, but you’ve done a lot already. Just take my flowers.”
I groaned but was still happy. “This is the only time you give me flowers.”
She saluted. “Yes, sir.”
I brought the flowers into my room, found something that could be a vase, filled it with water, and placed them in. Once I was done, I set the flowers next to my bed. I hoped they wouldn’t die soon. When the kids and her left, I would want to stare at those roses and think of her.
Smart, Ebony remained out in the hallway.
Had she come inside; I would have had her bent over the bed.
I left my room and gave her my arm.
She looked up at me. “You really want your trench back now?”
“Of course not. I’m hoping you’re putting your scent all over it.”
She smiled.
We left the house, but not with several questions from Jalen, smart remarks from Kevin, and a couple of tunes from Mabel and Poppy. Thankfully, Salt and Pepa was too busy begging Kia for popcorn to add to the chaos.
We got into the truck.
She snuggled on my side, and my body hummed.
“What did you do today?” she asked.
I started the truck. “I finished the house for you. It’s ready to move in, when you’re ready.”
“That’s good.”
I gritted my teeth. “Of course. . .”
“What?”
“You still need furniture. That could take time.”
“True.”
“I. . .” I cleared my throat and drove us out of my yard. “I wouldn’t mind you all staying for a few months. It would let you take time getting the furniture you want.”