Nodding, I told him the plan Demi and I had come up with. “I think it’s a good investment.”
Pop clasped his hands together. “I agree. I have to say, I’m glad that you’re thinking about your future.”
There was a time when I could care less about planning. I was living just enough for the next day. When I decided to get myself together, I’d been intentional about taking care of business. “Can’t be forty and doing the same fucked up shit.” My father had never been concerned with why, when, where, or how we talked. He simply kept the door open. And he preferred transparency over anything else, in words and in deed. “Have to make sure I’m setting myself up for easy living later.”
He stared at me. “I just want you to know that I’ve noticed. You might live by that keep-shit-quiet code, but I’m still your father. I know you. I’ve seen the positive changes.”
For a moment, I considered telling Pop about my feelings for Demi. But decided against it. “Thanks.”
“I’m proud of you.”
I paused, meeting his waiting gaze. It wasn’t the first time he’d told me that, but it felt like it. Swallowing past a lump in my throat, I nodded. “Thanks.” I cleared my throat. “Means a lot to me.”
Pop stood and embraced me. After a few seconds, I hugged him back. When he pulled away, he smiled. “Be careful when you come downstairs. Ms. Chastity has you on the brain.”
I cracked up. “That ship sailed a long time ago.”
“That’s what I told your mother.”
“Keep Ma away from Bliss. They’ll matchmake me to death if I let them.”
Tilting his head, Pop assessed me. “I don’t think that’ll be necessary.” He walked to the door. “See you downstairs. Your siblings are on their way, so you should probably get started on breakfast.”
Again, I was torn between letting Pop know about my plan with Demi and keeping it to myself. In the end, though, I let him go.
After I showered and shaved, I stepped into my bedroom. “Oh shit!” I clutched at my towel as Chastity sauntered over to me. “What the hell are you doing in here?”
Chastity opened her robe and let it fall to the floor, revealing her naked body. “I figured I’d wake you with a nice surprise.”
I gripped her wrist when she grabbed my towel. “Chastity, nah.” Normally, a glimpse of pussy would be enough to make me change my day, but notthispussy. And notthiswoman. “You gotta get up out of here.”
Chastity reached for my dick. I did a spin move, veering out of her way. “Come on, now.” I pushed her hand away. “Stop.”
She pouted. “Duke,” she wrapped her arms around my waist from behind and bit down on my back. “Before my divorce,” she licked my neck, “my husband shut me out of the bedroom.”
I maneuvered out of her hold, but she was like a magnet. Everywhere I turned, she was there, pawing at me. I grabbed a pair of pants out of a drawer, but she hopped on the dresser.
Wrapping her legs around me, she whispered, “It’s been years since I’ve felt passion.” I swatted her hands away, eyeing the open bathroom door. “And those damn kids… I help with homework, I drive to extra-curricular activities. It’s time for me to do something for me,” she whined, tugging at the towel.
“I agree. But not with me.” I yanked a shirt out of the dresser.
“Your mother told me you were single.”
“I am.” I picked her up and dropped her on the bed. “But this isn’t going to happen.”
Chastity’s shoulders fell on a sigh. “Are you serious?”
“Very.” I tossed her robe at her. “Put that on.”
She quickly slipped the robe on and tied it. Averting her gaze, she breathed, “I’m sorry. I must look crazy. I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I just haven’t felt like myself since the divorce.”
“That’s understandable.”
“Please don’t tell anyone I did this.”
“I won’t say anything,” I promised.
Chastity nodded. “Thank you.” She pointed at my towel. “I’ll let you get dressed.” She shuffled to the door. “See you at breakfast?”
