“I been knew your name.”
That made her stomach bubble with giddiness. She had no idea that Noble knew anything about her. All this time of obsessing over him, she was relieved that he at least knew her name.
“If you know my name, then you would know that I’m Jovanis’ wife and we’re very much in love.”
A deep rumble of laughter echoed from his mouth. It was masculine and would’ve been infectious if she wasn’t bothered by his comment on Jovanis.
“Yeah, a’ight. Move out the way, so I can go.”
“No, not until you tell me why you said that.”
Again, his stare engulfed her like he was attempting to devour her with his eyes. He had to be the sexiest man she’d ever laid eyes on. It wasn’t just his beautiful masculine features but his presence. It was commander in chief of every woman he was around.
“Get in and I’ll tell you.”
Stunned by his order, Irish looked and noticed her car being pulled to the front of the hotel.
“It’s cool. They’ll just go park it again but you might have to tip bigger,” he advised. “Now get in.”
Irish’s feet moved before she processed his order. Rounding the car, she got in on the passenger side, drowning in his spicy scent. He drove away, and Irish wondered what the hell she had gotten herself into. She should’ve ordered him to stop the car and let her out but being in such close proximity to Noble caused her to stay silent. He leaned back, whipping the car like he had invented the art of driving. Sounds of Fabolous’Soul Tapesbumped through the speakers as Noble kept her in an agonizing anticipation.
“So?”
“So, what?” He kept his head forward.
“Why would you say my husband is a fairy?”
Noble was tickled by Irish’s reaction to his remark. The gawking, the running after him, and her not thinking twice to get inside the car with him were red flags. His statement had knocked her off her four-inch heels. Rightfully so, he had just accused her husband of being gay.
“Because that’s what he is.”
“He is not,” she denied with such defensiveness that she could’ve been his lawyer.
“Then, why you almost jumped on my back when I said it? How come you sitting on the passenger side of my whip if it’s not the case?”
Irish didn’t realize that her reaction had given away what Noble suggested. She had to work on her body language if she wanted people to think Jovanis was a straight man.
“Because you just accused my husband of being afairy—your term, not mine.”
Pulling up to a stoplight, Noble gave her his full attention. Irish was a bad bitch. Way too gorgeous to be on Jovanis’ arm. Noble was no hater, but she definitely raised his stock by being at his side. How could one not notice Irish when she was such an odd beauty? Her natural ginger hair against her toasted brown skin paired well like peanut butter and chocolate. There were so many freckles on her face that Noble knew he would lose count if he tried counting. Her almond eyes were decorated with ginger eyelashes, giving her such a unique look that Noble couldn’t stop staring at her.
What Irish wasn’t aware of was that her secret interest in him had been mutual. The first time he spotted her, he asked about her relationship status but was letdown when he was notified that she belonged to Jovanis. Not one to interfere with a marriage, he kept it pushing. Still, Irish had an ‘it’ factor that piqued his curiosity. It couldn’t be ignored and now that he had gotten her attention, Noble was confused on what to do with it.
“It’s cool, Irish, it can be our lil’ secret.”
“There is no secret to keep,” she stressed, folding her arms across her chest. “I don’t know where you got that information, but it isn’t true.”
It had to be hell being a man’s beard. What was her incentive? Was it a fair exchange or was Irish being robbed of her loyalty? Noble had no clue. He resumed driving, making his way to the hood.
“Do you understand what I just told you?” Irish asked in her raspy tone. Even her voice was unique.
“I got you, Irish.”
“And how do you know my name?”
“The same way you know mine.”
“Hmm.” She cuffed her knee with her hands and gazed out the window. “What are we doing in Havenwood?”
