Total pages in book: 118
Estimated words: 109178 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 546(@200wpm)___ 437(@250wpm)___ 364(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 109178 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 546(@200wpm)___ 437(@250wpm)___ 364(@300wpm)
It wasn’t long before they pulled up at a restaurant. Her face split into a smile, and as soon as they were parked, the smell of a damn good time filled the air around her. He’d driven them to a well-known BBQ dive that many of the locals and out-of-towners loved: Truth BBQ. And best believe it—it was the motherfuckin’ truth. She surveyed the area. Barely any parking and as usual, and there were plenty of people milling about waiting to be seated.
“I haven’t been here in years!” She reached for the door to jump out, but he told her to stay put. Moments later, he was at her passenger’s door, helping her out of his ride, then walking with her up to the establishment. He put his name on the waiting list. They waited for a little while, enjoying small talk and plenty of flirting.
“Sorry for the wait, baby. They don’t accept reservations, so…” He shrugged.
“Oh, naw, that’s okay. I figured they didn’t. I know they have some of the best BBQ in the city so I’ll do my time and wait.” He pulled her close, arm around her waist, then kissed the top of her head, placing an invisible gold crown upon her tresses which she’d parted down the middle and flat ironed, allowing it to flow like a dark brown poncho. Every time he touched her, she felt like the most precious jewel in Houston. Like glitter that never lost its sparkle. Like the next best thing since bright sunshine and sexy full moons.
“I love barbecue.”
“I remember.”
“I like that. You make me feel good. I really love it when we get together. I touch myself, I mean, I’m touched by the little things, too.” Her cheeks felt flushed. Did I just accidentally admit that I’ve been taking myself on clit trips and to Pound-town on account of him?! My vibrator has been getting a workout lately, that’s no lie, but that is my personal business! He threw her a mischievous, sneaky look. She playfully punched his shoulder. “You know what I meant!”
He laughed lightly, kissed her cheek, then reached for her hand. It was the sexiest, sweetest, and yet most innocent gesture.
“Len, do you remember when we slow danced in the pantry of The Red Rooster that one time?” He looked down at her as if he wasn’t certain. “Remember? I was in there crying. As usual.” She rolled her eyes. I was such a crybaby… going through bad times… “You rarely asked me what was going on after realizing I wouldn’t tell you what was wrong the majority of the times you’d catch me in there. This one particular time, you turned on the radio and we started slow dancin’.”
“I remember.” His deep voice rumbled close to her ear, making her insides purr.
“You were so much taller than me, but I managed to relax my head on your chest. I remember how warm you were… how you smelled like Cool Water and flour.” His lips curled at that.
“I was in charge of making the biscuits back then.”
“Yeah…You didn’t try to grope me or nothing like that. We just danced real slow. I kept crying for a while and then, I stopped. I felt alright. A sense of peace came over me. I remember the song that was playin’, too. It was—”
“Sam Smith’s, ‘Stay With Me.’” Raw love glittered in those gray eyes of his.
She brimmed with the tips of sunbeams, radiating joy from within, and the kiss of honey-flavored raindrops soaked into her soul, seasoning her with love.
“…Yeah. You really did like me more than a friend.” She whispered the words, the middle breaking like a twig beneath the weight of a deer hiding from prey.
“Of course I did. I knew you were goin’ through stuff though with your mom, and your father’s situation wasn’t any better. You were having problems. You trusted me after a while. Confided in me. I wasn’t going to mess that up by putting the moves on you.”
He wrapped his arms around her and buried his head against her cheek, swaying with her as he hummed that old Sam Smith song in her ear. By the time he was finished, her body ached for a more intimate touch.
“Wilde! Party of two!” the hostess announced.
She was still riding on cloud 9 when they were alerted that a table had opened up. In fact, the declaration sounded like a train trying to screech to a halt, snatching her out of the soft edges of the sound of his voice and embrace. She blinked a few times and approached the hostess right alongside him while ‘Rude,’ by MAGIC!, started to play. Once inside, their selections of meats were cut right in front of them and served on lunchroom style trays. They ordered their sides and beverages, but it was a hard decision. There were so many delicious items to choose from. It wasn’t long before she felt the bubbles of her fizzy drink tickling her nose as she snorted from laughter, both of their faces hot and red from the hilarity of their silly dinnertime discussion.