***
“Okay, Ma’…Dora.” But for the presence of her frowning husband, Ty would have hugged the hell out of Tanesha’s mother that very moment.
“Good. I don’t want to take any chances.” Dora smiled as she linked her hands with Paul’s.
“Have a safe trip then,” Ty said, stretching forth his hand to Dora but she rather drew him into a warm hug which ended when her cell phone rang. As Ty shook Paul’s hand, he couldn’t help but notice how pensive the older man looked. “I take my deals seriously, Sir,” Ty murmured. “I won’t break it.”
And that was all it took to bring a relieved look upon Paul’s face. “Good.” Paul nodded. “She does have a point but…”
“I understand,” Ty said, wondering if Paul would shoot him if he added that he would always make sure Tanesha was home before daybreak. Surely she could get a few minutes sleep before the so-called headcount. A look at Paul’s face however stopped him from adding that. He turned to smile at Dora when she rejoined them.
“May I be permitted to take Tanesha out this evening please?” Ty asked politely. ‘There’s a lot we need to talk about…”
“How about she having a sleepover at yours? After all…”
“Dora…” Paul growled, cutting his wife off.
“What?” She turned to look at her husband. “It’s a Friday. She doesn’t have to go to school tomorrow and he doesn’t have to go to work either. He did say they have a lot to talk about Paul. And we both know they do. All I’m saying is that they should relax and have that talk. He can bring her home tomorrow.”
Paul locked eyes with Ty for a moment. “Just this once, soldier.” The older man rasped.
“I promise, all we’re going to do tonight is talk Sir,” Ty said with all sincerity. There was a lot he and Tanesha needed to talk about. Yes, he would love nothing better than to fuck her brains out till morning. But they really needed to talk. “I’m sure you’ll agree with me that after three months, there’s a lot I have to say to your daughter. I mean I did deceive her. And in order to court her the right way, there should be no questions, confusion, or mistrust between us. It’s very important to me. Please.”
“Alright, alright, I get it,” Paul said tightly.
“Relax darling,” Dora said, rubbing her husband’s back soothingly. “Tanesha did tell me this morning that she plans on spending the weekend with you anyway.” She informed Ty who managed to mask his surprise. “She does have a lot of questions.”
“I’m not surprised,” Ty responded.
“Just make sure she’s safe,” Paul said curtly. He mentally kicked himself for not making his plans known to his crazy wife before having that talk with Ty. She’d effectively thrown all his tyrannous plans out of the window. No man liked the idea of someone fucking their little girl for goodness’ sake, Paul repressed the growl that threatened to come out.
“I’ll protect her with my life,” Ty vowed with gusto.
“Well, your life wouldn’t be worth much if something happens to her on your watch anyway.” The elderly man muttered, pulling out his cell phone from his pocket and stepping aside to receive a call.
Dora moved closer to Ty. “Go easy on her will you?” She murmured.
Ty tried but couldn’t suppress his blush. “I meant what I said, Dora. Just talk.”
Dora snorted. “Yeah right. Get outta here Ty.” She laughed as she watched Ty getting into his beautiful grey Mercedes-Benz G-Class luxury SUV.
And even as Ty waved at Dora, he couldn’t keep the grin off his face. His summon had gone better than he’d expected. Now, with the consent of her parents, he was going to court the woman he’d lost his heart to. Ty was the happiest man on earth.
***
“Are you sure you’re okay?” Ty asked for the third time that evening.
“I’m fine, Ty.” Tanesha smiled but Ty didn’t look like he was buying it. “Will you stop looking at me like that?” Tanesha murmured, staring down into her plate.
“Like what?” Ty asked, his eyes intense and curious as he tried to read Tanesha. He couldn’t help but notice how preoccupied she’d been the whole evening.
“Like…that. You know what I mean.” Tanesha popped a juicy scallop into her mouth and then speared another with her fork. “Open up.” Ty opened his mouth and accepted the scallop Tanesha offered.
They were having dinner in a very posh restaurant. Ty had picked her up from home after her parents had left for the airport, looking casual but classy in a button-down black shirt, black jeans, and unique grey ankle boots that looked expensive and so manly. He looked so fucking sexy Tanesha had to talk herself out of dragging him into her room and having her way with him. In a simple, chic, flowy, mini shift dress, with her long hair flowing down her back, Tanesha looked sexy yet modest. Ty couldn’t keep his eyes off her.
“It’s rude to stare you know.” Tanesha had said at a point.
“That dress… It’s rather unfortunate I’m going to strip it off you later tonight.” He’d murmured sexily, sending delicious shivers down Tanesha’s spine. “Where are your brothers?”
“They’re in their rooms. Leon doesn’t live here but he’s decided to come stay till my parents get back. They know I have a date but are not aware that you’re in. Let’s get out of here before…”
“I’d like to meet them.” Ty had stated.
“Ty…”
“I’m not leaving here till I meet them Tanesha.” Ty had insisted.
“Don’t say I didn’t warn you.” She’d muttered as she left to go and fetch her brothers.
And what an interesting meet it had been. Both brothers had been thrilled with the fact that their sister was going out with someone who had been honoured by the president himself. They didn’t give Ty the usual third degree they gave to other unfortunate males who dared show interest in her. Tanesha had been surprised and happy at how well Ty had gotten along with her brothers. In fact, they’d had so much to talk about that she’d had to drag Ty out of there to dinner.