A Sneak Peek ... The Long Game

It made me uncomfortable to have my love life discussed this way. At this rate, Ayisha would soon be wearing a halo and I was the one who'd have to do a full-time job of repairing what little reputation I had left.  

The only positive thing in this situation was that Ayisha knew me, so none of this surprised her. I relaxed because this was one of the good things about being with her like this. Although I wasn't great relationship material, she accepted me for who I was and was willing work with me as I was right now. That single fact made me love her. 

I definitely could see myself with her long term. This was a shock for me, since a little over a month ago, I didn't have any thoughts or plans about my future other than the next female who'd be in my bed. 

Mama patted Ayisha's hand before getting up to clear the table. Despite Mama’s protests, Ayisha helped her move the plates and cutlery to the kitchen. 

When they didn't come back after their last trip, my father peered at me over his glasses and I knew I was in for more advice. "Mess with that girl and I'll kill you myself, although you're my only son. I don't understand how you treat women this way and you have a sister." 

"Donna can take care of herself," I said in reference to my sister who had been working overseas for several years. "You might not believe me, but I treat my women well." 

He shot a glance at the kitchen doorway. "Women?" 

"You know what I mean. Ayisha is the only one I'm seeing now." 

"At your age, you really—" 

I felt myself getting tense. This scenario was getting old. I was tired of having to defend myself in the place where I usually felt most relaxed. I put up both hands. "Papa, trust me, I'm not about to hurt Ayisha or anything like that." 

His gaze didn't waver as he looked at me. "My only worry is that you won't be able to live up to her expectations. I've never heard of a leopard changing its spots." 

"Well, it's a good thing I don't have to prove anything to anybody but Ayisha." 

My mother's voice put an end to the conversation. She and Ayisha, plus the dog, came back into the room. 

As we ate slices of bread pudding laced with raisins and rum, I watched Ayisha. She pulled the cake fork out of her mouth slowly and then licked a crumb off her lip, all while she stared at me. The front of my jeans grew uncomfortably tight and I shifted. 

As if she knew what was happening to me, Ayisha smiled. She dragged her teeth over her bottom lip as her eyes lit up. The woman knew exactly what she was doing to me. Under the table, something nudged my foot. I thought it might be Cookie, until I looked across at Ayisha and a mischievous grin greeted me. 

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