Page 77 of Lyric Squared

“Oh, now you’re ready to get off the phone?”

“I am. Have a good time. Be safe and tell Lyric I’m sending my best wishes. Also tell her that she’s not too good to bring her high yella tail by here and speak,” Nanny fussed.

“Aight,” I replied, finally resting on the bed, “I love you, Nanny.”

“I love you, too, son. I’ll talk to you when you get back.”

“Bet.”

I ended the call and the music began playing through the speaker. When I stood from the bed and began putting away our clothes in the drawers, the volume decreased slowly, drawing my attention away from the task at hand. When I looked up and saw Lyric standing near the speaker, I couldn’t hold back the smile that appeared on my face. Not even if I’d tried.

“Hi,” she said to me, a hand on her hip.

The polished Lyric had been stripped. I was left with a bare face, curly hair, glossed lips version of her that I loved even more. As I gazed from across the room, I silently prayed to God for the strength to keep my hands to myself and my dick in my pants as I’d promised. The shit would be hard. Literally and figuratively.

“You’re gorgeous, Lyric.”

“I feel naked.”

“Because you are,” I reminded her, tilting my head toward the towel wrapped around her body.

“Not that, silly. My face.”

“It’s most beautiful this way. Let it stay until our trip ends.”

“I don’t know, Keanu.” She shied away.

“For me, please.”

“Okay, but no pictures.”

“Why not?” I chuckled. “It’s our first trip together. Why wouldn’t I start my training as the perfect photographer now and get a head start?”

“The perfect photographer?” She tossed her head back in laughter. It was the most precious sound I’d ever heard.

“Yeah, the nigga responsible for all of your fly ass Instagram pictures that you love to post.”

“How would you know, Keanu? You don’t have a single social media account, never have.”

“Laike. Shit, Luca. Kale. They keep me updated on what’s going on. I’ve seen a few of your pictures over the years.”

“Did you like them?” she questioned, toying with her fingers as she waited for my response.

“As a matter of fact, I did.”

Not wanting to keep her waiting long, I answered. Of course I liked what I’d seen. I loved them, to be honest.

“I loved each and every one.”

Lyric paused, allowing her eyes to roam our space and then return to me.

“Did you unpack us both?”

“Yes. Your things are to the right and mine to the left. I grabbed this for you,” I told her, pointing at the cream, strappy cotton material. “I figured you’d want to be comfortable.”

“I do,” Lyric agreed. “Thank you so much. I would’ve gotten us unpacked.”

“So could the host, but I preferred it be me. I’m going to jump in the shower while you finish getting ready.”