“I have people who can make that happen. Just tell me when you’re ready.”
“I will.”
“Every other Wednesday, I’ll have the laundry service I used to use come get you and the girls’ things and have them back by Thursday afternoon. Ever, if you don’t want to, I don’t want you to ever have to fold another piece. If you prefer being cooked for instead of the stress of cooking, we can hire a chef. With us livingin separate places, let’s make it a habit to eat dinner together every evening.”
“OK.”
“I’ll talk to Lyric and convince her to let me hire a cleaning service that will come twice weekly. It won’t take much because as clean as her home is, she hates the task.”
“I know.” Ever chuckled.
“So that won’t take much convincing.”
“It won’t.”
“My job is to make your life easier, Ever. Let me do that.”
“I’m going to try my hardest.”
“Compromise. It’s something we both have to do if we plan to survive.”
“No one has ever considered my needs or even cared to ask what I want out of a life with them.”
She lowered her fork onto the plate. She’d wiped it clean. That made my heart swell. Not only was she not afraid of busting down a meal with me, but she enjoyed my cooking. I admired the way she took her time eating, not in a rush to complete her meal, but taking the time to actually enjoy every bite.
“Because they were only willing to give bare minimum. I’m trying to max you out, love,” I proclaimed.
“Thank you.”
“Spend the night,” I pushed out, throwing caution to the wind. I wanted Ever in my arms and not just for the next hour. When I opened my eyes, I wanted her near.
“Then, Lyric will be right.”
“Did you assume I’d let you go?”
“I’ve never done this before.”
“You really don’t know me.”
“Obviously she does.”
“Very well.”
Ever nodded, not verbally responding but getting her message across. I sipped from the glass of Hennessy in front of me, combing over her body with my eyes. Her brown skin sparkled just like brown sugar. In the black attire, she looked splendid. I couldn’t believe how easily I’d stumbled upon her and on my first day out. She’d been set in my path for a reason and at the perfect time. There was no doubt in my mind that she was it.
“Come ’ere.”
Sliding back in my seat, I patted my lap for Ever to sit. She was making me believe that maybe physical touch was something I should consider as my love language, too, because I couldn’t keep my hands off her.
Ever stood from her chair, pulled her skirt down, and tossed her dinner napkin on the table beside her plate. She grabbed her glass of wine and headed in my direction. The wine that she was drinking constantly had loosened her up a bit. Her usually timid demeanor was replaced with a confidence that looked so fucking sexy on her. Yet and still, she was delicate and graceful.
Barefoot, she tiptoed in my direction, watching me watch her along the way. When she finally made it to me, I extended an arm after longing to touch her for much more time than I’d prefer. The curves of her body contoured to my grip as I squeezed her ass and watched it take its shape again once I released it. Her arm dropped onto my shoulder and circled my neck as she lowered onto me.
“Hi,” she greeted.
Her even breaths and heartbeat soothed me. She was comfortable. It was the utmost compliment for one’s presence. Her hardened nipples poked through the dark fabric, causing my jaws to fill with saliva as my appetite picked back up.
“I want to explore the world,” she disclosed before taking another sip from her glass.
