Irish blushed, peering at the small tattoo of a K near his ear.
“How are you going to do that?”
“I wanna take you on a date. Somewhere you’ve never been before.”
Playfully, she pursed her lips. “Now, how do you know I’ve never been to the place you're talking about?”
“Because I know you haven’t. It’s exclusive. Not everyone can get in.”
She feigned offense, splaying her hand across her chest. “Oh, so I’m not good enough to get inside your club?”
Chuckling, he replied, “It’s not a club and you're too good for everything, baby. Even for me.”
Warmed by his words, she asked, “When do you wanna take me out?”
“I have some shit to do tonight so tomorrow night it is.”
Irish was disappointed but kept it from reaching her face. “Okay.”
He grabbed her chin and kissed her again. “Now promise to answer for me when I text and call.”
“I promise, Papa.”
After one more kiss, he popped the locks. “A’ight, go head and unblock me. Don't ever do that shit again, Pumpkin.”
She chuckled, reaching for the door handle. “Don't hang up on me and I got you.” Irish yelped in laughter when he pinched her arm. “You punk. Don’t touch me no more.”
“Then stop playing with me.”
Irish blew him a kiss before closing the door. She headed into the store with a smile so big on her face. Papa had righted his wrongs, which meant she would be wrapped in his arms by tomorrow.
Cali hung on tightly to Rio’s hand as he helped her out of the car. Pulling down her bandage dress, she grabbed her purse and followed him inside the lounge. Rio had planned this elaborate date night that consisted of dinner along the ocean with a five-course meal that had her ready to burst from her dress. Not wanting the night to end so soon, he drove them to a lounge that had just opened a month prior.
The couple walked inside, hand in hand, as smoke danced in the atmosphere. Rio ushered them toward an open booth and took a seat.
“You look so fucking good, baby.” Rio peered at her with his lustful eyes. “I can’t wait to bend you over later on.”
Cali shuddered at the thought of him entering her. This feeling was so unfamiliar to her, but she welcomed it, hoping it would never leave. This time around, Cali felt like a real wife. One that wanted to invest in her marriage. The shades that had shielded her eyes were finally snatched away. She suddenly realized the beauty in Rio. Removing all the distractions caused her to see that this man before her was her person.
“Thank you.” She blushed. “You look good too.”
Rio donned a white-collar shirt, black slacks, and designer Oxfords. A diamond Cuban link chain rested against his collarbone, and a Breitling watch was on his wrist. The accident seemed to make him look even better.
“Only ‘cause you on my arm.” He smiled. “What you want to drink?”
“I’ll take a Mai Tai.”
“A’ight, I’ll be back.”
Rio slid out the booth and walked over toward the bar. She smirked at how he was stopped by a man that he knew. That seemed to be the theme these days. Everyone always came up tohim when they were out to say how glad they were that he had made it through. Cali didn’t mind the interruptions since she appreciated seeing how people loved on him.
Bopping to the music, Cali grabbed her phone from her clutch. Noticing an unknown number text her, she opened it and grimaced immediately.
555-9311: I tried getting over you, Calia, but you stuck in my fucking head.
Her gaze went over toward the bar where Rio was still engaged in his conversation. Cali had done her best to block Braye from her life. She’d restricted his number and even blocked him on her social media accounts. She looked at the screen just as another text came through.
555-9311: It’s fucked up how you get to ride off in the sunset with that nigga while you left me with a broken heart. You really ain't shit for that.
