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“It’s not even a definite. They are just asking for a price list and menu.”
“It is definite if you want it. I haven’t met anyone who can put love on a plate like you, baby. Don’t stress yourself. You got it.”
“Thank you, baby.” I blushed.
“How ya pretty ass doing other than that?”
“I’m good. I just talked to my sister and getting ready to start baking.”
“Sis’ getting married for real?”
“Yeah, she is.” There was a brief pause before he started to speak again.
“Speaking of sister, Pria is coming in tomorrow for a few days.”
“Nice! It will be good to have someone here.” As soon as I said it I realized how insensitive it sounded.
“Baby,”
“I didn’t mean it like that. I understand.”
“Do you?” he asked.
“Of course I do. Now let me bake. I love you.” I tried to rush off the phone.
“Tell me again.”
“I love you, Prince.”
“I love you too, woman.”
I disconnected the call and smiled, prancing through the kitchen. Was I really thinking about long-term things with this nigga? Years? Marriage? A thought that was so foreign a few months ago was such a potent reality now. Even with Devin and his empty promises, it was never something I fantasized about. His words never connected with the truth. Now Prince? He delivered time and time again. He secured me and I was falling into my softness more each day.
I spent hours baking and prepping for tomorrow’s sales. I made dinner but ended up just placing it in the microwave like I had been the past few weeks. Prince texted that he would be late and I was dog tired on my own account. I don’t know what time he came in because I drifted to sleep waiting on him.
In the middle of the night my eyes peeled open. The first thing I felt was his embrace. The perfect heaviness of his armaround my waist pulled me in the perfect spooning position. The scruff of his beard laid against my ear. His affection overwhelmed me always but lately I’d just been waking up in the middle of the night appreciating how different my life was, How good it felt to be in his presence even when he was unaware. I would lie still afraid to make a move. Holding my breath because I didn’t want it to end.
His hand moved and rubbed the side of my body. Even in his sleep he couldn’t stop touching me. I felt his lips move and I closed my eyes tightly. Lord knows I didn’t mind the conversation with Prince. Those were always the best but I wanted to cling to this moment for dear life because he was right. As good as our sex life was, our intimacy was better. So much better.
“You sleep?” his deep voice spoke as lightly as he could manage. When I didn’t respond he nestled me even closer. A moment passed before he spoke again.
“You are a beautiful woman. You are strong, Le. You can do whatever the fuck you put your mind to. You will never have to worry about being alone. I’m here and you can depend on me. Whenever you can’t stand, I’ll stand for you. Bless her God. Heal the parts of her that hurts that she hasn’t even told me about. Give her peace and every goal that she is reaching for I pray you give her favor to receive it. Last, strengthen us together. Make me the man I need to be to be worthy of such love. Amen. I love you, Le.”
He kissed my neck just behind my ear, and seconds later, a light snoring returned. My heart was in shambles. How could love get any better than this?
***
“Hey Pria,” I said as I walked toward the door and saw her come through it. Pria broke out into a full-blown jog and embraced me. She had just landed and Prince took a break to pick her up. I told him I would be they had a lot to talk about.
“Oh my God! How are you doing, sister?” Pria squealed. I saw Prince standing in our doorway gauging how I took her. Pria was a sweet girl. Was she a little over the top? Of course she was but I wasn’t one to talk. She held this innocence that was so foreign to me
“I’m good girl. Atlanta must be treating you well because, baby, where are the hips coming from?” I teased.
“Y’all chill out.” Prince stepped up in big brother mode. “Her ass needs some more clothes on as it is.” I swiped my hand in his direction.
“She looked fine.”
“I told him that.”
