Page 40 of Love Overdose: St. Louis

“How old is he?”

“Ten. His name is Malik.”

“Malik,” he repeated. “That’s a strong name.”

My shoulders eased.

“He’ll be with his father next weekend,” I explained. “That’s why I know I’ll be free.”

“I see.”

“I don’t introduce him to men I’m dating. It isn’t personal.”

“It’s responsible.”

“I need you to understand that he’s the most important person in my life.”

“I’d expect him to be.”

I waited for a complaint of some kind. Maybe a, ‘why didn’t you tell me sooner.’ But none came.

“Do you want to ask me anything?” I said.

“I have questions.”

My stomach tightened.

“But I don’t need every answer today,” he continued. “You’ll tell me what you want me to know when you’re ready.”

The tightness loosened just as quickly.

“He has special needs,” I said. “There’s more to explain, and I will but I don’t want to rush through it while we’re making plans for sex.”

“We’re making plans for sex?”

My eyes widened, and I hesitated, then said, “Well, yes, amongst a good night out.”

“I know… I just wanted to hear you say it,” he drawled.

I bit my bottom lip and giggled. He got me.

“Back to Malik. You’re doing the responsible thing by holding out about Malik. A conversation about him deserves our full attention. And my attention is in the gutter, Frankie.”

I closed my eyes and tingled all over. “Thank you for understanding, and yes, yes, you’re right.”

“Are you panting?”

“Yes…”

“You should know, one night will not be enough for me.”

I sucked in a deep breath. “It’ll be enough to start,” I said.

A smile entered his voice. “Then Saturday belongs to us.”

7

frankie