She stood in front of the mirror with butterflies in her stomach checking out her reflection. She decided to take Aaliyah’s advice and girl it up a bit. There were no sweat pants or ponytails today. Nope. Imani wore a black and white striped cotton maxi dress that showed off her generous curves without looking like she was trying too hard. It was simple yet flirty.
Of course, she’d been attracted to guys that hadn’t felt the same way, but Imani really didn’t care about those guys. However, there was something about Garrett that was intriguing; something that called out to her. She knew he should be off limits. Imani should probably hide out in her room until after his flight left, but she wouldn’t. She wanted to see him one more time.
Maybe . . . just maybe after a night of sleep, he’d want to start something a little more than just friendship. If their relationship did grow to be more, Imani knew Garrett seemed like the type to give an earth-shattering orgasm.
She closed her eyes and shivered at the thought of it, then blew out a long, slow, breath. Imani tried to talk herself down. “Get it together, girl.”
After another moment, she took one last glance in the mirror before heading to the kitchen for breakfast. As she walked down the stairs, the doorbell rang. Imani yelled out. “I’ll get it.”
She picked up the pace and went to open the door. “Who is it?”
The person on the other side responded. “It’s Lucy’s Appliances.”
Imani opened the door.
“Good morning, ma’am. We have a delivery for Michael and Felicia Jones.”
Imani leaned back and called out to her mother. “Maaaa!”
Felicia was already rounding the corner when she’d heard the doorbell. “Good lord, girl. Why are you yelling?” Her mother did a double take at how dolled up, albeit casually, Imani was.
Imani smiled cheekily. “You and Daddy have a delivery.”
“Mmmhmmm. I see you.”
Imani laughed. “What?”
“What indeed.” Felicia nudged Imani to the side as she turned and eyed the delivery man. “I’m sorry, there must be some mistake.”
The man looked down at his clipboard. “This is not Michael and Felicia Jones’ address?”
“It is but . . .”
Garrett managed to sneak up behind them. “Oh, good. The delivery is here. I didn’t think they would make it before I left for my flight.” He smiled at Felicia then turned to Imani. His eyes lingered on her for a good ten seconds before remembering his surprise.
She blushed like a silly teenager.
“Deliver what?” Michael came to the door interrupting the private moment.
Garrett grinned. “I wanted to thank you and your family for your hospitality. I hope you don’t mind, but I took the liberty of purchasing a top of the line, stainless steel, professional range, Sub-Zero refrigerator, and dishwasher for you and Mrs. Jones.”
Felicia’s hand covered her mouth to keep from shouting. Then, she turned to Michael with pleading eyes, hoping he would accept the gift.
Mr. Jones didn’t know what to say. “Something like this is too expensive. We did what we did for you out of the kindness of our heart. We don’t expect nothing in return.”
“That’s what made me want to give you this gift all the more. I can never repay you for what you’ve done for me. This is just a small token of my appreciation.”
Michael rubbed the back of his neck wanting to accept it but was still a little apprehensive. “You sure it won’t set you back any?”
Garrett’s smile spread across his entire face. “I promise, it won’t set me back.”
Michael looked at Felicia who was about to pass out from holding her breath with hope. “Then, I guess, it’ll be okay. Plus, Felicia is over there about to pop a blood vessel. If I say no, I might be on the couch for the next week. Thank you.”
Garrett was genuinely glad to help. “I’m happy I could do it.”
*****
Felicia was dying to make Garrett a meal using her new appliances, but the car taking him to the airport had arrived. He would miss dinner. Thanksgiving was a month away, but they wouldn’t know it tonight. She was going to cook up everything.
Imani was sitting out on the porch with her feet curled underneath her, wishing she had a little more time before Garrett left when he walked out of the door.
His eyes were always so intense. “Hey. I’ve been looking for you. I wanted to talk for a minute before I left.”
Imani eyed his carry-on and suit bag. She attempted to sound lighthearted. “I’ve been here writing out a few things.”
Garrett left both bags by the door. “Lists?”
Imani smiled in an attempt to hide her disappointment. “Yep. Your car is here.”
Garrett sat down unable to take his eyes away from hers. “I know.” He wanted to touch her.
It took everything not to give in to his natural impulses and press his lips against hers and kiss her senseless. He knew if he started, there’s no way it would end there. If his eyes were a mirror reflection of hers, he knew she felt the same burning desire.
Telling himself over and over again to step back, hadn’t lessened his craving for her.
