My gaze lingered longer than it should have. I fought the urge to bite my lower lip—damn, he was fine. I clasped my hands infront of me, then changed my mind and tucked them behind my back.
“Thank you for tonight?—”
He lifted his hand, two fingers crooking toward him in a quiet command.
My feet moved before my mind caught up. I didn’t decide to walk to him—I just did. One step, then another, like my body had already made up its mind and forgot to ask for my permission.
Up close, his gray eyes were a pool of smoke—intense, pulling me into a haze I didn’t want to escape. For a second, I forgot how to breathe. He dragged his tongue across his bottom lip before biting it subtly.
Duke wrapped an arm around my waist, pulling me flush against him, closing a gap I hadn’t realized I was aching to cross. His movements weren’t rushed—it felt like he was giving me time to change my mind.
I didn’t.
No words needed to be said. He was waiting for me to make the next move—the one that would change everything between us. I knew how bad this could go, but at the same time, I was tired of letting fear control my life.
Instead, I rose onto my toes and kissed him.
Damn.I knew feeling her in my arms would change my perspective on some shit. But I didn’t expect to be replaying it like some teenager experiencing his first crush.
I released my hold on her, allowing her to take a few steps away from me.
“Let me see your phone.”
Her eyes widened, then she looked back and reached into her pocket to hand over her phone. I was able to easily get in and place my number inside. I texted myself, then handed her back the phone.
“I added my number and texted myself. I’m only a call or text away, and I mean that.”
She stood still, staring intently as if she was waiting for a tell sign that I was being dishonest. She smiled, letting me know, whatever she was looking for, she didn’t see.
“Thanks for tonight and I’ll hold you to it, Superman.” she responded, then turned to walk towards the door.
I stayed put watching her until she was inside with the doors locked. She gave me a smile and waved before walking further into the shop. I took that as my cue to leave.
The entire ride back to my place, all I could think about was how one kiss had me this damn distracted. Her new nickname matched her perfectly, even with the sweet taste of the tangy BBQ sauce from Big Moe’s.
She better be happy I was feeling her, the way she was tearing up my damn ribs. The vibration from my phone paused my mind’s infatuation with everything that was Solana. I pulled into the parking garage ramp to park my bike. Once I was parked in my space, I pulled my phone from my pocket. Two messages were on my screen, one from a number I didn’t have saved, and the other from Juelz.
I clicked the first message, knowing it had to be her. I didn’t hand out my number often, if not ever.
Unknown Number: Tonight was everything I needed. I hope you made it home safely.
I smirked and immediately save her number before replying.
Me: I’m glad I could do that for you. You know you fucked up though, right?
Sweets: “Shocked emoji” What did I do?
Me: Just be ready after closing tomorrow.
Sweets: I’ll see what I can do.
I backed out of our message thread and went to Juelz to see what information he had for me.
Juelz: We need to talk asap.
Me: I’m at my spot, pull up.
Juelz: Thumbs up emoji.