₦airaland Forum

UncleJudax:
Sadly, no love is unconditional. Although you have the right to believe otherwise.

Sadly... Believing that is why "conditional love" still thrives.

Apina:
That's were she and those of you in support get it wrong. outside the love of God, there's no other being who's love doesn't go with conditions. That aside, feminism is a misconception of roles. Women should demand to be treated as humans with rights like every other human and not using men as the yardstick. If they want the same roles as men, who would fill in for theirs?

You see, I talked about "unconditional love", I did not talk about "Feminism". That's all I want to point out.

In her response, she told the man, “Keep your love, because, sadly, while I love to be loved, I will not accept your love if it comes with these conditions.”


That response, I echo it. If your love has conditions, please keep it. Let me be me. Thank you

Tuham:
This line got me... Wondering
Been in that situation until it was too late

Wow, that is so heartbreaking. Sometimes courage fails us when we need it most. But hope you are braver now

♥

“I’m going to ask her tonight. I can’t wait another day. She loves me.” Theodore bubbled with uncontainable excitement beside Declan as he waited for his pizza. “Can you believe that? Kome Douglas is in love with me. My God!”

“I am still staggered that she said those words to you.” Declan took the pizza pack and stepped away from the line. “I can’t believe such things happen. I take back every thing I ever said to you and just roll back my tongue in my mouth. She’s the real deal. Like the major real deal. Happy for you, man.”

Theodore grinned at the back pat. “I am more than happy for me. Exhilarated for me.” He chuckled and almost stopped to do a spot-dance where he was but checked himself. “I don’t know how to ask her though. She said we’d cuddle together and savour the moment. It’s not even yet three months since we started dating, maybe she’d think it is too soon if I proposed tonight.”

“Too soon? Uh-uh, I don’t think so.” Declan shook his head and aimed his hand to unlock his car. “She said she’d been waiting forever for you to tell her you loved her, right? Well, I can bet my last penny, she’s been waiting just as long for you to pop the question.”

“You think?” Theodore stared at him over the room of the car.

“Hey? It’s Theodore, right?”

Theodore swung his head around and swallowed a sigh at the sight of Linda, Kome’s girlfriend. They’ve met thrice now and each time, she was always the mega snob who liked to pretend she forgets his name.

“Hello, Linda.” He turned fully and gave her a friendly enough smile. She was Kome’s friend.

“Hi.” She flicked a glance at Declan and when the other said nothing to her, returned her gaze on him with a snotty flip of her hair. “Getting pizza?” She asked, her tone patronizing. “Shouldn’t that be off your menu list?”

“I put it back on when a certain amazing woman told me I shouldn’t be worrying about my weight.” Theodore returned with a genial smile.

A chuckle came from Declan.

Linda tightened her lips. “That woman would be Kome, right. Think she’s really serious about you, Theodore?”

“I don’t think, I know.”

She snorted out a laugh. “Please, don’t be delusional. Your type could never match a woman like Kome Douglas. She is way, way above your class.”

“I don’t have a type, Linda.” Theodore consciously loosened the knots of irritation and held on to his smile. “And Kome is not above me. We belong to different social classes, yes, but she is not above me. I consider her too good for me though. I’ve never known a more selfless, generous and loving woman in my life.”

“Touching words. I almost want to believe them.” Linda scoffed. “Your plans won’t work. Trust me. C.A. Douglas will see through them and he’ll never hand his daughter over to a…” her tone, and eyes, turned condescending, “man like you.”

His stomach walls clenched, as did his fists. But Theodore maintained the cool smile. “I think you judge people by your own standards, Linda, and that is so wrong. Still, we will have to wait and see how the future pans out.”

“I see you don’t deny your plan is to marry Kome.” She taunted.

“Of course he doesn’t deny it.” Declan spoke from behind him. “He loves Kome and she loves him right back.”

Linda swung her eyes to him, and they flashed with annoyance. “And wouldn’t this be a case of birds of a feather?” She sneered.

“No, Theodore is a better man than I am. A man who deserves Kome. A man who was prepared to take a chance no matter what the odds were.” Declan’s voice was quiet, with respect and affection. “Me, on the other hand, usually believed everyone should stay in their place.”

“Then you wouldn’t be wrong, Mr…?” Linda arched her eyebrows.

“Declan.” Declan supplied. “But no, I’ve decided that I was wrong. And it is all thanks to your friend, Kome. She’s made me see that in matters of love, and maybe in other things, a man and a woman are just people, no difference, no class, nothing separates them, not if they love one another. And Theodore and Kome do that—they love each other.”

“Love?” Linda let out a derisive laugh. “You guys are pros, aren’t you? Pros at charming rich women, getting them hoodwinked and swindling them, right?”

“Met those types, haven’t you?” Something in Declan’s voice shot up Theodore’s eyebrows as he silently listened to the exchange. “What did they do? Broke your heart?”

“My heart?” Linda let out a hiss. “Like I’d allow anyone beneath me a mile close to me.” She flung back her hair and stepped back. “I am only sorry for Kome. She’s so gullible. Pity.”

And with that she strutted off. Her heels clinking on the concrete ground as she marched, nose in the air, towards the Pizzeria’s entrance.

“See that type?” Declan asked, his eyes still turned in her direction even after she’d disappeared inside. “That type is the reason I was bent on warning you off Kome.”

“Aha.” Theodore watched him with studying eyes. “You thought her beautiful, didn’t you?”

“Thought her beautiful?” Declan scoffed, pulled open his car door and dived inside. “Please. She is so not my type. Not my type.”

“Okay.” Theodore acquiesced and shut his own door. But he knew that look in Declan’s eyes.

♥

He was impatient to see her, and so he went early to pick her up for their movie date.

She was outside her gates, seeing off Alex Osaki-Daniel. Something kicked against his stomach walls, it wasn’t jealousy, Theodore knew that. He trusted Kome too much to be jealous—or even more truthfully, he sort of understood her relationship with Alex Osaki-Daniel well enough to not get a jealous rising from seeing her with him.

The kick against his stomach walls wasn’t jealousy. It was due to a sudden reminder of what Linda had said. Will C.A. Douglas really welcome a man like him for husband for his daughter when men like Alex Osaki-Daniel were available?

And wasn’t a man like Alex better for her?

“Hey, Theodore.” She turned from the disappearing taillights and aimed an alluring smile at him. “You rightly timed me. I just got back minutes ago. Mum and I spent longer time together.”

Theodore wished her smile didn’t always want to make him sweep her into his arms. “Looks like Alex rightly timed you too.” Oh God, why did those stupid words tumble out of his mouth?

“Hmm?” She cast a glance at the street and then back at him. “Oh, he was lucky to have me driving in just as he was about to drive out.”

“Lucky him.” There was no need for the gnawing pain at the pit of his stomach, Theodore told himself. Yet he couldn’t erase it, or the heaviness that suddenly loomed over him.

Kome hung her head and looked at him with somewhat narrowed eyes. “Yeah, lucky him. He needed to some info on the project DAC is handling for his family’s company. Not beginning to have a problem with me being friends with Alex, are you, Theodore?”

“No.” Theodore felt ashamed of his behaviour. But that didn’t eliminate the fear that had been lingering and that had now taken root. “I don’t have a problem with you having any kind of friends, I guess I was just—” he broke off and stepped back. “He is more like the type who should be with you, isn’t he?”

“Is he?” Kome frowned. “What do you mean by that, Theodore?”

“Nothing.” God, what is wrong with you, Theodore? “Just that he’d be better for you, wouldn’t he? He’s a millionaire, you’re a millionaire…” he shrugged. “You both have same background. No class difference.”

“No class difference? Are you suffering from some kind of belated self-esteem issues, Theodore?” Her narrowed eyes turned puzzled.

“I—” He was being stupid. Crazy. Yet the nag that she deserved better lingered. If he loved her he’d want better—the best for her. “I should go. I’m sorry.”

“No, you stop right there, Theodore Malik!” Kome ordered, her tone annoyed. “You get back here and you tell me what the heck is the matter with you!”

Theodore turned, looked at her standing, hands on her hips, eyes blazing under the night lights and his heart swamped with love for her.

***

We have eBooks in the store like: WAITING FOR LOVE . KISS BY MOONLIGHT and MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN

Lankyannie:
They are oooo,more dn mad sf.if nt 4dz bad belle adenkunle gold nd ycee dt are deceivn simi upandan,d chemistry 4dn mature since nah.we d simfalz fans rili wanto see dm dating officially.thank God 4dt,we wil be xpectn more updates 2day ryt?

I replied your comment yesterday. Then had to modify it so as to use the space to make the update. For some reason, the "Reply" button isn't working on NL from my browsers. All right... enjoy today's episode. Cheers

CHAPTER SEVEN

♥

He was in love with her. He’d known that a long time. And he’d been dying to tell her for just as long. But he couldn’t just say it. It just won’t come out of his mouth. He opened his mouth to say it and then something else stumbled out. It was maddening—and shameful. A grown ass man can’t tell the woman he loved he was in love with her. Shame!

Now he wanted to propose to her too.

Theodore sighed and felt the ring box he had in his pocket. God, how was he going to say it—ask her? He started stuttering anytime he thought of it, how were the right words supposed to leave his lips? What were the perfect words to ask the woman you loved to share the rest of your life with you?

He lifted his tablet off the cushy sofa and opened the Google webpage. His fingers moving rapidly across the onscreen keypad, he entered his query—top 10 ways to propose to a woman? A string of responses dropped down and he punched open the first one.

Be yourself. Was the first recommendation. Theodore shook his head. That’s not going to work. Not when he was likely to trip over his tongue. He scrolled to the next recommendation—Candle lit dinner. Now this one had possibilities. She loved romantic ambiances. She loved candles glowing and lighting up the dark. Maybe out on her patio. A special bottle of wine. But that was too regular. They’d done it a couple of times now; it was fresh every new time, but still…

He shook his head and went for the third recommendation. Place where you first met. The Union Marble House? Heck no! That’d be so… ordinary. So unromantic. So lacklustre. So… public. She wouldn’t like that. She was the private-moments type. She’d want to be alone with her man and have them gazing into each other’s eyes, holding hands and then hear him ask her.

So why doesn’t he do that? Right here and now?

“Sorry. I got cornered by a call from mum.” She strolled in from the kitchen, carting a tray of drinks. “She needs my help with something, so I’ll have to cut short our time together.” She pulled a face and then grinned. “But we have the movie date, so I’m not so put out.” She set his drink on the coffee table beside him and reached for his tablet. “Anything trending online?”

Theodore snatched back the tablet, fought down the quick flush and tried a blasé smile. “Oh, just the regular.” He set the phone to his left and picked his drink, gulped instead of sip.

“Really?” Her eyes were narrowed and she was eyeing him with a studying look. “Theodore, are you hiding your tablet from me?”

“Hmm?” He set down the glass and aimed a big smile. “Hiding my tablet? No. It’s here.” He gave the device a pat. “So your step-mum wants to see you now?”

“What’s on the tablet, Theodore?”

He stared at her unblinking eyes and felt his tongue roll to the roof of his mouth. “What’s… on it? Like information?”

Kome held out her hand. “Give me the tablet, Theodore.”

“Give you… my tablet?” His hand covered around its edge and his heart began to thud. “Like right now?”

“Right this very minute.”

“Um…” Heck no! That wasn’t going to happen. The wonders list page was still open. “Why?”

“Why?” She dropped her hand and angled her head. Her eyes went even narrower. “Are you hiding something from me, Theodore?”

“Hiding something—like on the tablet?” He shook his head. “Nope. Are you hiding something from me, Kome?” Okay, that was a stupid question.

Her lips puckered forward and then shifted slowly to the side. “Is there something you should be telling me, Theodore?”

Oh God! Women, even when they were not your mother, had the same mother-power to pin you down and demand you confess to them.

Theodore was sure the dampness he could feel on his forehead was sweat, and it felt heated. “I got nothing to say.” He blurted out.

“Mmm-hmm.” Her lips even rucked together the more.

God, where did they learn to do that puckering thing with their lips? His sisters were masters in the art of lips-puckering, and it never failed to unnerve him.

“You’re not doubting me, are you, Kome?” Didn’t someone say attack was the best defence?

“Doubt you? No.” She gave her head a definite shake. “Know you’re up to something? Yes. Wondering what that something is? Yes. Plan to find out before this day is over? Mega yes.”

“I love you.” He blanched immediately he heard his own words. “Oh dear Lord…”

But she cut him off with her loud shriek. “What!” Then she flung her arms about him. “You finally said it.” She pulled back, kissed him on his mouth, and flung herself back against him, wrapping her arms about him. “I’ve been waiting—since forever.” she giggled and squeezed tighter the hands around his neck. “I told Ted if you didn’t say something soon, I was going to beat it out of you. Told him that just last night. He gave me his straight-eyed look and I knew he wasn’t rooting for me. He’s decided he’s on your side.” She giggled again and hugged him even tighter.

“Ah…” Theodore slowly brought his hands up and very slowly circled them around her. “I am guessing you are not objectionable to my being in love with you? Like head over heels, mindlessly, crazily in love with you?”

Kome inched back. Slid up her hands and framed his face. She was beaming. “Objectionable? Heck no! You are my soul-mate, Theodore, and I love you. I loved you even before I really knew you. How crazy is that?”

“Perfect crazy.” Theodore kissed her. “I love you with all my heart. So much it scares me.”

“Nothing to be scared of. You and me, we belong together.” She kissed him again.

Ask her. His heart whispered the thought. His head echoed it. His tongue rolled to the roof of his mouth and camped there.

And her phone rang.

“Oh, that must be mum. I told her I’d be on my way soon. She’s just making sure since she knows you’re here.” Kome chuckled and slid out the phone from the square pocket of her check dress. “Yeah, mum, I’m leaving him and coming to you.” She laughed and winked at Theodore.

“I’ve got super-hot news for you. Mmm-Hmm.” She nodded at something her step-mum said and grinned. “See ya in a bit.” She set down the phone, gave him a quick kiss and a quick hug. “I got to run off. Mum’s impatient. Tonight. Tonight we will stay in each other’s arms and savour this moment.”

“Tonight.” He promised, rose with her. “You’re the best thing that ever happened to me.”

“You’re the best thing that happens to me every day.” She whispered and then kissed him again and pulled him towards the door. “Let’s save some sweetness for tonight.”

***
Had to cancel my reply to lankyannie's comment to enter this update instead. Something is wrong with NL's Reply button from my own end. Okay... hope this uploads

Lankyannie:
Dz is how 2hearts lyk simi nd falz wil be madly inlove wid each oda nd ppl lyk dz declan nd d hugo boss gal wil be puttn sand in dia well soaked ajebo garri out of jealousy or wt so ever.i av a feeln dt d 2love birds ar goin 2quit on dia love cus of dz nanscence buh i trust ma kome shaaaa,she wil nva allow theodore 2feel lyk a servant or av inferiority complex.am so lovn dz ma kome lady.TMdavidwest,op d phcn yaff gvn u pulenty lyt cus we rili nid more.kip it kumin ma nd more data/wi-fi 2ya modem nd lappy.

hahahahahahaha... you killed me with the Simi and Falz comparison... shuo! Who told you those two are "madly in love"? Lmao

PHED has come back o... let them not misbehave again sha.

♥

“I can’t believe that woman is still keeping you around.” Declan said as Theodore slipped his phone back into his pocket. “I thought she’d be done with you by now, but it’s been two months—man, you must be giving her some good sexual healing.”

Theodore tossed him a severe look. “We have not had sex. Our relationship is more meaningful than that.”

“She’s not been in your bed all this time?” Declan let out a low whistle. “Oh God, I knew it. She’s not serious about you. She probably doesn’t even believe you two are in a relationship.”

“We are in a relationship and we both know it.”

“Dude, I don’t mean to burst the bubble you are swimming in, but if our millionaire lady hasn’t been in your bed, then she probably just considers you,” Declan lifted his hands and crooked his thumbs, “just a friend. And frankly, pal, that might not be such a bad deal because it’s way better than having her use you for just get-off services.”

“Could you stop talking about her like that?” Theodore demanded, annoyed and hating that they were discussing Kome at all. “She is not that kind of woman—I mean, not the easy-to-lay kind. She’s a lady, and an open-hearted, sensitive one at that. If we are not having sex, it’s because we prefer to wait. And contrary to general crude belief, sex isn’t the defining factor in a relationship.”

“Chill, man, I’m not trying to talk down on Kome. Jeez, I know her too. I know she is friendly, nice and a thousand times less uptight than most of these rich heiresses.” Declan exhaled and shook his head. “I just don’t think she feels the same about you as you do her, Theo. For heaven’s sake, she is C.A. Douglas’s daughter and she runs one of his companies! You think they are going to welcome you arms wide-open into their home?”

“Actually, I have met C.A. Douglas and he was courteous, friendly and with no airs at all. And his wife, Kome’s step-mum? She was all gentility, friendliness and made me feel totally welcome in their home. So, I daresay that I have been welcomed arms wide-open to their home already.”

“And on this fine occasion, did Kome introduce you as her man? Did she say, ‘daddy, meet my boyfriend, Theodore Malik. He’s just the Financial Comptroller at Loanan’?”

She hadn’t said that. She’d introduced him as a ‘special friend’. “Why are you so against my relationship with Kome, Declan?” Theodore queried instead, avoiding the nibble of worry that had ticked off. “What do you have against her?”

“Absolutely nothing. I, in fact, like her. Like I said, she is nice and not all class-uptight.” Declan sighed. “Look, man, I am only worried about you. You have fallen big time for this lady and—” he let out another sigh and lifted his shoulders. “It can’t end well for you, Theo. The wealthy and middle class don’t mix very well. You’re going to end up hurt and hurt in a big bad way.”

“I love her, Declan.” Theodore said quietly. And wished his heart flutter so with worry.

“That is why I know this isn’t going to end well for you, man.” Declan said, his worry plain on his face. “Just let her go. Put her out of your mind, forget her.”

“I can’t. I don’t want to.” Theodore thought of her and the love in his heart almost overwhelmed him. “I want to propose to her. I already have the ring.”

“Oh, dear Lord, please don’t do that.” Declan looked thoroughly horrified. “She would say no and that would totally destroy you.”

“What if she says yes?” Theodore wanted to believe she would—he did believe it. At least, his heart did. “She might. I feel like she’s in love with me too.”

“Has she said that to you—that she’s in love with you?”

No, she hasn’t. Neither of them has used the big L word yet.

“Your silence tells me she hasn’t.” Declan said quietly. “Listen to me, Theo, I know you love this woman but I don’t think your feelings are reciprocated. Maybe she’s sweet on you, you know, feels some kind of attraction and probably likes you. But that is it and that won’t be enough to ever say yes to any marriage proposal from you. You and her are worlds apart, man, and no matter how nice she is and how friendly and genteel are parents are, that’d be playing in their minds when marriage is mentioned. That, for people like that, is a deal breaker.”

Theodore said nothing, just stared at the near mute television screen, his attention not at all on the news relay going on on the CNN channel.

♥

When he saw her later that evening for their dinner date at her home, when she slipped into his arms and offered him a welcome kiss, he told himself he shouldn’t be worrying.

***

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Lankyannie:
Ok ma'am buh try nd do smtin bout dt site thingy cus i rili wonna read mercenary wife.hw much can sm1 pay 4ur e-books?

The price differs. Do send me a mail, so I can give a price list: tmdavidwest@gmail.com.

Missmossy:
Keep it coming, beautiful story.

Thanks

oluwaseun15:
Wow,nice story,more grace and inspiration

Amen and thank you

CHAPTER SIX

♥

“Is that right?” Kome let out a soft laugh as her toes curled at the effect of his voice crooning into her ear. He was telling her that he was thinking about her. “Guess what?” She whispered, tracing those curled toes along her sofa. “I am thinking about you too.”

“Oh my, you make me want to turn Declan into dust just to get rid of him.” He murmured with a wishful sigh. “I want to be with you. That is greedy since we were just together last night—but I can’t help it. You make me greedy for your company, Kome Douglas.”

“I am greedier, for I want more than just your company.” A derisive snort came from the seat next to the sofa but Kome ignored Linda. “Come over later.” She invited impulsively. “I’ll get rid of Linda and make us dinner. How does sweet potatoes fries and chicken gravy sauce sound to you?”

“My mouth is watering.” He said with a soft moan that made her smile. “Seven all right?”

“Seven perfect. See you then, Theodore.” She blew a kiss into the mouthpiece and waited a breath before setting down the phone. “Gosh, he makes me go mush by just hearing his voice.”

“Please tell me you’re not serious about that guy, Kome.” Linda turned on the plush armchair to rest eyes filled with distaste at her.

“About Theodore?” Kome chuckled, still feeling all soppy from having just spoken with him. “Oh, I am very serious about him. And he is quite serious about me, that I can assure you.”

“You don’t need to assure me about that, I can tell.” Linda’s mouth twisted into a cynical line. “In case you are too mawkish-brained to see what is clear as light, that man is only with you because of who you are. As a matter of fact, that is why he is so serious about you. You’re an investment to him. A long-term investment he surely plans to cash in.”

“Good God, Linda, you can be so cynical!” Kome made a tsk and rose from the sofa to pick the plate of cookies. They needed more. “It is actually sad how you judge people like they are only mindless money-grubbing beings. Because you know what? People are generally not like that. No doubt there are people who value money more than relationships and the persons in their lives, but not everyone is like that.”

“And I am guessing you think this… this—”

“Careful, Linda, I won’t tolerate you insulting Theodore in any way at all.” Kome warned in her most quiet tone. It was her zero-tolerance tone. “You will use his name when you wish to refer to him, or don’t refer to him at all.”

“Good heavens! Kome, you are so hyper over this man.” Linda let out a hiss, dumped the empty bottle of wine in the bin and marched over to the refrigerator to grab another. “Christ, Kome! This is not the type of man you should be hanging out with. Notice how the gossip blogs went gaga over catching a glimpse of you two at the movie premier last week? That is the kind of thing a man like him wants—cheap publicity from dating a millionaire’s daughter. Kome, get it real. This man is only with you because of who you are, nothing more.”

“Theodore’s least interest is my money. He doesn’t care how much of it I have, where they are invested, or how much interests every investment yields.” Kome strolled back into the living room and back to her sofa. “He even told me he believed in the almighty pre-nup.”

“He’s already talking pre-nups? See where he’s headed, Kome? Not interested in your money my ass!” Linda muttered something under her breath, snapped off the cork of the bottle of wine and started filling her glass. “He doesn’t believe in any goddamn pre-nup—how could he? That idea barely exists in Nigeria. He’s just buttering you up, Kome. Sweet-talking you until he can lay his hands on your millions and starts syphoning every single penny.”

“No, he is not, Linda.” Kome disagreed. “Only lazy men go after a woman for her money, and Theodore is the most hardworking man I ever met. He has dreams, ambitions, and he is not waiting on anyone’s wealth, in any form whatsoever, to make them come true. He is independent, self-sufficient and he is a man with a great deal of self-respect. And in case in all the years we have known each other you did not realise this, let me clarify this for you—I am not some kind of dim-witted woman who would not know when a man is with her for her or for her money. I am not the kind to be taken advantage of, or the kind to be easily fleeced.”

“And you think the women who have been fleeced, as you put it, did not think that they were too intelligent to be swindled?” Linda scoffed. “Please Kome, realise that these guys are smooth players. They are pros in this kind of game—”

“And I am telling you, Theodore isn’t that kind of man.” Kome snapped, getting irritated. “And you know what else, Linda? I believe in what is mine being my husband’s. When I am married I will want to share all of me—all of me—with my husband, and that includes whatever money I have. Just as I would expect him to share whatever he has with me, so I expect it of myself to share all of my possessions with him. That is the kind of love I believe in. That is the kind of marriage I envision for myself.”

“Then I’m sorry for you, for this man is going to reap where he did not sow and you won’t realise what an awful mistake you’re making until it is too late and he has left you penniless.”

Kome stared at her. And then let out a deep belly laugh. “Oh my God, Linda you’re such a cynic and with no faith at all in the good that can be found in others. Linda, Theodore is the sweetest man there is, so thoughtful, so kind—he is always surprising me with gifts. Like every single morning, there’s always a surprise package from him, no matter how little. And when I give something back to him, he never stops protesting and is always embarrassed. He seriously goes red-cheeked when I give him presents. He believes in a man taking care of his woman.”

“Like I said, they’re pros in this kind of game, Kome. The only kind of rich girl marries poor boy and it’s for real love I believe in are the ones that happen in the sentimental pages of romance novels.” Linda picked a cookie, tossed it in her mouth and stretched back into the armchair.

“Anyway, I can’t for the life of me understand why you would choose a man with serious weight issues to be with at all. I mean, these guys are usually weak in bed. They are known to have like microscopic winkies and no stamina at all. I can’t tolerate a man who won’t give me real satisfaction, uh-uh.”

Kome laughed. “Well, Theodore does give me satisfaction. And no, we haven’t had intimacy yet.” She added at Linda’s quick glance. “Theodore is a devout Christian and he believes in waiting intimacy till the wedding night.”

“Oh-oh, that is a sure sign of a man who can’t deliver.” Linda snorted. “Girl, na one-chance you enter so. If his lack of money and no class don’t have you picking your running shoes, let this I-am-born-again crappy excuse send you to your heels oh.”

“Nothing is sending me to my heels about Theodore, Linda. I’ve been waiting for a man like him a long long time and now I’ve found him, I’m only waiting for the final deal.” Kome sent her a wink and then laughed at her hiss. “You need to seriously loosen up, girlfriend. There are good men out there and they don’t all wear Hugo Boss.”

“Then they are not good enough.” Linda retorted tartly.

***

My sincere apologies for late entries. It's PHED that is the causer

Maryclaire1:
I couldn't wait up for your updates anymore and I thought to myself you should have this lovely piece on your page.I was not disappointed when I logged in I was so elated that I started reading at ones...it was so very on point not too long I had dis grin all through while reading it..it's a good read for me..the characters i so love...you got me hooked to your books ma'am..you are an amazing writer I must say..more wisdom to you...

Thank you so much, Maryclaire1. At last, someone from here who rightly accessed my blog... *phew*. Lol.

Thanks for the praise, dear lady. God bless you plenty

OlufemiWhit:
Hope say dis story neva end ooo.....

No, e never end. I go finish am. Make PHED refurbish me light first. Be patient, oh.

Lankyannie:
TMDavidwest,y iz it dt i cnt access life and spices wid ma fone(small fone)Abeg 5nd a solution 2dat cus i rili wonna read ur book nd try 2do d nidful here cus man pikin blood dn reach 100degree.

Lol. I will do my best. No power where I am, else I would have updated. I don't work with mobile devices which I'm using to reply.
Be patient, okay?
Cheers

samyfreshsmooth:
wow this is so sweet....its just like it happens in movies



oh and pretty ma'am TMDavidWest i just stole some funny romantic words from this last update....hope u dont mind

Go right ahead, Samyfresh. But be sure to use it "rightly" *wink*

♥

She had a hard time deciding on what to wear. Kome had never looked on herself as the type to suffer what she liked to term: wardrobe confusion. But at the end, after two hours forty-five minutes of leaving the office early and going through more than half the dresses in her closet, she settled for a Jovani water-coloured striped fit and flare dress, accessorizing with simple jewelleries and a three-inch high Asos sandals.

She didn’t know where he was taking her, but she sort of had an idea though. He was a man who listened and who noticed details, so she was fairly certain her idea would be the correct one. And she was excited. Deliriously so.

“I am going on my first official date with Theodore, Ted.” She confided in her Teddy bear. “Isn’t it marvellous?”

Old Ted stared, eyes unblinking, back at her.

“I think it is too.” Kome beamed. Then sighed wistfully. “We had lunch together yesterday. It was my best spent lunch hour ever. We didn’t see today though. He sent a message with apologies that he was in a meeting. So sweet with his apologies like we had prior plans to lunch together. It was so sweet.”

Kome clasped her hands together and stared dreamily at her image in the mirror. “It was like that very first time we met. Him saying sorry over and over again and brushing aside all of mine. Telling me he was the one at fault. So sweet.” She sighed and looked at Ted. “His hand briefly touched mine that day and I felt something. I felt it, something I can’t quite yet define. Maybe tonight our hands will touch again—maybe. Then I will know.”

She looked at the mirror image again. “I want him to look at me and to see me. To see me, to want me—to love me.” A giggle floated out of her mouth, and her eyes twinkled. “Oh yes, Ted, I am thinking love. Have been thinking love a while now.” She winked at her image, turned and strolled to the bed. She picked her purse and bent to give old Ted an affectionate kiss. “Don’t go to sleep without me, Ted. I’m sure to have tantalizing news when I return, okay?”

Chuckling, she put out the lights and walked out of the room. The knock at the front door came just as she entered the living room.

“A man who’s always on time.” Kome gave him a slow smile when she opened the door. He had on a pair of simple black cotton trousers and a short-sleeved shirt. And looked so good. “You’re beginning to charm me, Theodore.”

He smiled, shyly at first, and then it dazzled. “I am honoured that you would find me charming, Kome.” He raised his right hand. There was a single rose strand on it. “For you. You are always beautiful. More beautiful than this rose.”

A ripple of so many feeling shattered inside of her. “Thank you.” She breathed in the rose. “Beautiful. You’re such a sweet man, Theodore. And believe me when I say that it is amazing quality in a man.”

“You leave me speechless, Kome. And before I start stuttering and ruin the gallant image you have of me, I suggest that we be on our way.” He crooked his right hand and held it forward. “Will you permit me to escort you, Miss Douglas?”

“I’d be delighted to be escorted by you, Mr Malik.” She slipped her hand through his and stepped out.

The door secured, they walked to his car and he very gallantly opened the door for her and shut it after she entered.

“You’re a careful driver.” She commented as they cruised towards the Lekki Phase 1 estate.

“When one is bearing a treasure, one must be careful with how they move.” He cast her a glance and smiled. “That would be me trying for a charming response, but the truth is that I am somewhat over watchful when on highways, or expressways. My immediate elder sister says I drive like a half-blind old woman.”

Kome laughed. “I don’t think it’s that bad. Or bad, at all. Still, I, um, do recall that my grandmother used to drive just as carefully before she passed on.” She added, tongue pushed against her cheek.

“Ouch! Why, thank you.” He shook his head at her with a mock glare. “Now, don’t get too comfortable on that seat, I can go from grandma-careful to fast and furious real fast. There’s a Michael Schumacher hidden somewhere in this big guy, I warn ya.”

Kome threw her head back in laughter. “Oh, I’m warned. But shouldn’t it be Vin Diesel or maybe Paul Walker hidden somewhere in you?” She teased.

“Uh-uh. It’s the real deal Michael going fast and furious on real tracks. That’s the kind of hidden talent I got inside of me.” He honked his horn and overtook a blue Kia hatchback. “See that? Uh-huh, that’s one of my secret moves.”

“Oh my, I was so nearly blown away back there. You can go that fast? Holy smock! I literally heard the whistle of the breeze.” Kome doubled over in her, clutching her stomach.

“Aha, I see what you’re doing here, Miss Douglas. I see it all right. Laugh it up.”

“Oh God, that got me in stitches.” Kome struggled to hitch back her laughter. “You’re so hilarious, Theodore, who knew?”

“And who knew you had such a beautiful laugh.” His eyes momentarily on her were quietly intense. “You have a big roaring laugh for one so slender built.”

“They tease me at home that it is the only big thing about me.” Kome said, feeling her heart flutter. “I don’t think it sounds very unladylike though.”

“I like it. It is natural, it is real, it is free.”

Something caught in her chest. “Thank you, Theodore.”

“Thanks are never needed when one only speaks the truth.” He turned his head, smiled at her before he punched on his horn. “We’re here. Top flat is mine.” He nodded to the one storey building.

“Right. Place looks nice.” She managed to move her eyes and to study the stone and brick layered building. “Your street doesn’t seem to have suffered the flooding.”

“We’ve been lucky. Better drainages possibly why.” He stopped the car at the side of the building and turned to her. “Ready?”

“Impatient.” She responded.

He chuckled. “You’re a woman who says your mind, aren’t you?”

“If it doesn’t hurt.” She smiled, reached for the door handle.

“I like it.” But he touched his hand on hers lightly to stop her. “Let me do it, Miss Douglas.”

And he got down, went around to her side of the car and pulled open the door. “Welcome to my humble abode, Kome.”

Still feeling that light touch, Kome curved her mouth in a demure smile. “Thank you, Theodore.”

He led her up the stairs. And the first thing Kome noted when they walked into the balcony was the table set with an unlit candle at the centre of it and a vase of the most gorgeous flowers.

Kome felt everything inside of her melt into tender softness.

“Oh, Theodore.” She turned to him. “This is so beautiful.”

“The candle is not lit yet.” He said softly. “Come get the match box with me and our dinner?”

She nodded, beamed. “Yes.”

His living room was amazingly elegant and Kome said so. “Oh, this is elegant. So contemporary and comfortable looking. Hired a decorator for it?”

“Nope.” He shook his head. “Did it myself.”

“Hmm, another hidden talent like the Michael Schumacher thing, I see.” She teased. “What other hidden talents should I be expecting, Theodore?”

“How about we discover them over dinner?” He passed her a match box. “Hold this for me. No striking a match.” He warned.

Uh-uh.” She shook her head, grinning as she followed him out again.

With the candle light, the table glowed with a romantic ambiance.

“I so love this. It is like I am in my dreamland.” Kome whispered, her eyes on his.

“I cannot offer you the stars, for the skies are without them tonight.” He said, his voice low and droning. “But I hope you will be enchanted by the food and wine.”

“I am enchanted by you.” Kome’s eyes rounded in instant horror. “Oh God! Did I say that aloud?”

He stared at her. And then he reached for her hand. “Kome, this might be the craziest thing you ever heard on a first date, but—” he moistened his lips. “I like you. I like you, like a whole lot. Like really, really, do more-than-like-you like you. How inappropriate do you find that statement?”

“Sweetest statement I ever heard.” She curled her fingers around his. “I knew that if we held hands I will know. I told Ted I will know.”

“Ted?”

Kome laughed. “My teddy bear and biggest confidant.”

“Oh.” He smiled. Then angled his head. “You call him Ted? That’s kind of short for Theodore, you know.”

Her cheeks heated and Kome let out an embarrassed laugh. “It’s a general name for teddy bears. You know, teddy… ted, like that, goes with the name...” she expelled a breath. “I’ll ‘fess up. I bought the teddy the day we—I walked into you at the Marble House. I was resuming work the first time and was all nervous and mostly panicked, I walked straight into you and you were so kind, so sweet about the whole thing. Congratulating myself on my first successful day at work, I stopped at a store on my way home and bought the teddy bear and…” she lifted her shoulders. “It kind of suited to call him Ted. But I’ll never call you Ted. I so love the full name: Theodore.”

“And I so love hearing it on your lips.” His hand caressed her own.

“I like you too, Theodore. I like you, a whole lot.”

“Oh God, I must be the luckiest man on earth.” He raised her hand to his lips, kissed it tenderly. “Not lucky—blessed.”

And he leaned across the table and kissed her lips. Just one tender kiss.

“I knew your lips would feel this good. Told Ted that too.”

He chuckled. “You’re so perfect. So perfect for me.”

And he kissed her again.
 
***

We have eBooks at the store and at varied prices. Check them out: TM’s eBOOKS

queenitee:
I love this story

Sorry I quoted you along with Samy. Touch screen overreacting. Thanks for loving my story, queenitee

samyfreshsmooth:
u've gat to be f-ing s-ing fr-ing d-n k-ing me??


is this the same david west i know of?


i thought she was a he o


all the same ma'am i just wanna say i love ur amazing stories.....i have read alot of ur works 4rm ur blog and oda forums though i was selfish enough to not read and not commend u 4 ur hard work....and i hope u can pardon me 4 dat




really ma'am u're 1 fascinating extremely talented writer


and am gonna follow this to the end....thumbs up

queenitee:
I love this story

Lol. I guess it's the "TM" part confusing people... which of course is why I love it. Lol.

Thanks for appreciating my works, Samy. I hope it doesn't end with free-reads. My talent slips into Premium reads too, so you can check me out on Okadabooks *wink*

OlufemiWhit:
Really lovely story.......

Thank you, OlufemiWhit

CHAPTER FIVE[b][/b]

♥

They were at a restaurant, one not afar off the Marble House building. Kome had a feeling he wanted to remain at a close proximity to their offices as was possible. She understood that. His position was sensitive enough that he might be needed at any time. But that he’d chosen somewhere else, anywhere else, and not the cafeteria for their lunch was a pleasure.

She didn’t mind the place. She never cared much about places or things, just about moments. And she had this moment with Theodore. A moment he had initiated. That was what made it special. It wasn’t the place, or the time, or the food they were eating—it was having to be with him, because he wanted to be with her.

“You have a look in your eyes.”

Kome surfaced from her thoughts and smiled slowly at him. “I do? What kind of look?”

“Dreamy.” He smiled too. And his dark brown eyes warmed. “Wishful. Here with me, yet someplace else.”

“I am, or was, in my dreamland. It’s a world go to when I have many secret wishes.” She picked her glass of water and drank. Then she set it down and studied him. “You’re very observant, aren’t you? You notice things. You pay attention to details. Like the fact that I wear shades of white at least twice every week to work. Like hearing me say chocolate is my favourite. And now, noticing my look and reading it right. I think it’s an impressive quality being a man who is aware and sees things.”

“Being detailed is essential for an accountant, else he will get in trouble not noting those things that might contain loopholes.” He paused, his eyes steady on hers. “But maybe I notice these things about you because—I want to.”

“You want to?” Her heart did a jump in her chest. “You want to notice things about me—why?”

He stared at her for a moment. Then he moved his shoulders ever so casually. “You’re the kind of woman a man notices.”

“Oh.” She smiled faintly, picked her fork, poked it into her fish. “Most men, and people generally, don’t notice me. I mean, don’t notice people like me. Not really. They have us pegged. They have this ingrained idea about who we are. Daughter of a millionaire, has everything she wants, never has to work for anything. Can snap her fingers and the world is hers. Never has to know lack, pain, disappointment, heartbreak—practically has the perfect life. Hmm.” She gave her head a shake, cut the fish into her mouth and started chewing.

“But that is not you.” Theodore said after a moment of silence. “That is not who you are. And you’re sad that people don’t separate you from the generalities, and just see you.”

She stopped chewing, swallowed, and nodded. “Yes. That’s just it.” Her eyes narrowed in thoughtfulness. “You really are observant. Or maybe you know me better than most people do. At least, most people outside my family.”

“When you are enamoured by something, you usually look at it longer than you would necessarily do anything else.” He responded with a quiet smile.

“Are you enamoured by me, Theodore?”

He did not respond, not immediately. Then when he did, it was with a question of his own. “What is one thing about you that people don’t generally see?”

“One thing?” She pondered it. Not because it was hard to come up with an answer. But there were so many things, it was somewhat difficult picking just one. “That I am not just Collins A. Douglas’s daughter. That I am me—Kome Douglas. An individual. Just a woman.”

“So what is one thing Kome Douglas wants?”

“One thing Kome Douglas wants?” She laughed. “O, there are so many, but one thing?” She inhaled and then looked around. “Like being here, or any other place, for lunch or dinner, or for any kind of meal.” She shrugged. “If I were in my dreamland, where I make wishes and they come true.” She winked.

And he smiled. Ever so gently.

Oh, how she wanted to touch his face. Just caress the utter smoothness. “In my dreamland,” she went on, talking in soft tones, “when I am dining with a man, we are not at a restaurant, not one of any kind. We are two people alone somewhere, hidden away from the prying eyes of the world. We are on a balcony, a porch—a table is set, the sky is bright with stars, a candle on the table, two places set. Just for me and him. A simple dinner for two, no audiences. Just us.”

For the longest moment, he did not speak after she stopped talking. Just stared into her eyes, like he was lifting something out of her very soul.

Then. “Kome, will you have dinner with me?” He asked.

Her heart melted. “Yes.” She smiled. “When?”

“Tomorrow. I will pick you up. Seven-thirty p.m. all right?”

“All right.” She nodded, picked her glass of water and raised it to him. “Cheers, Theodore.”

He picked his own glass and chuckled before drinking.

***

We just started a new series on LS: NO PERFECT LIFE

♥

Kome woke up literally full of beans and with the biggest smile on her face.

“Isn’t this the best Monday morning you ever saw, Ted?” She beamed at her big teddy bear.

Old Ted just genially stared back at her.

Kome chuckled, smacked a kiss to its furry face and jumped off the bed. She hummed as she brushed her teeth. Sang as she enjoyed a quick luxurious bath in the tub. And swung her body to beats that were ringing in her head as she picked a black and ivory suit match for her first day of the week. Her strides were long and sprightly when she started out the house, and the big smile was still on her face.

“Why, good morning, Theodore.” She caught him just as he was walking into the building. “You’re bright and early today, and looking suave in that suit.”

His smile was as dazzling as hers and not at all shy. “Thank you, Kome. And let me say that you are looking exceptionally spectacular this morning. I am tempted to think that you should be on some runway, not the halls of an office building.”

“You’re too kind.” Her laughter rang out and her cheeks tinged with pleasure. And she stayed close when the elevator opened.

“I had the best time yesterday.” He said, then chuckled. A deep soft sound. “Guess I said that yesterday, multiple times. But well, it doesn’t hurt to say it again.”

“I had the best time too.”

“Would you like to do lunch together today?”

Yes! Kome did the break-dance in her head. “I sure would.”

“One p.m. good?”

“One p.m. is perfect.” Kome beamed.

The other occupants went from staring at them curiously to exchanging meaningful glances. But Kome didn’t care and it was clear that Theodore didn’t either for he aimed a wink in her direction when the elevator groaned to a stop at his floor.

“Have a good morning, Miss Douglas.”

“You too, Mr Malik.” Oh, she was so calling her step-mum to share the super great news. Theodore Malik just asked her out on a date.
 
***

STORY BLOG: Life and Spices.com

Lankyannie:
WOW.dz is rili a superb romantic story.TMdavidwest,ur head get full oil+reserve.u are rili a great writer dearie.may ur penmanship nva run dry.tanchu hadampson,4invitn me,ds story mk sense die.

Thank you, Lankyannie

Maryclaire1:
Thanks Rachealfst for the invite God bless ..this is so superb I'm so loving it.God bless u greatly ma'am ..u have got me glued to this.

Thank you so much, Maryclaire1

Hello everyone,

I am officially welcoming everyone who's joined in thus far. I am thanking all those issuing the invites. God bless you plenty. Today's episode has been posted and I hope you all enjoy. Cheers

CHAPTER FOUR

♥

He wasn’t going to be nervous. All right, he was already nervous, so that admonition wasn’t going to work, Theodore sighed and pulled the collar of his Polo shirt. Maybe he should have worn something a little more formal. But she’d said informal dressing and the Polo shirt over Chinos with his mocks on his feet was as good as informal as he could go and not look like an overfed toad.

No undignified thought about yourself, he warned himself. Self-confidence begins with a healthy dose of self-esteem. And self-esteem sprung from an appreciation and acceptance of who you are. That used to be his mother’s lesson and right now, it did what it usually did for him—made him to straighten his shoulders and stare more confidently at the interlocked driveway that led up to the house she’d sent as her address.

He picked the hamper from the passenger seat, stepped back and secured the car. Then he started towards the house. The security guard allowed him in after an introduction and as he went through the iron gates, Theodore realized two things.

The first being that she obviously lived alone in the duplex house that put a nervous tweak at the back of his neck. And the second, that the only car parked within range of the house was his own.

Was he early? Theodore checked the watch on his left wrist and assured himself that he wasn’t. It was one twenty-five and she’d given time at one-thirty. Five minutes wasn’t too early. Maybe her other guests were the usual Nigerians who believed in African time.
He knocked on the solid oak door and fixed his best smile.

She opened a minute and half later and that best smile wobbled. She was dressed just as informal—the most informal he had ever seen her, at least. But there was nothing informal about the way the split-front pearl coloured dress slung down to her long, lithe form. She was beautiful, breathtakingly so.

“Hi. So glad you’re here.” Her smile was wide, warm and winning. “Come right in.” She gestured just as widely and stepped away from the door.

“Thank you.” Theodore found his voice, after having to clear it. “And another thank you for inviting me.”

“Thank you for accepting.” Kome said lightly. “Please this way.”

She led them through a foyer into the living room. The room was exactly what he’d expected, posh and elegant. And completely suited her.

“Your living room is lovely.” Theodore said, looking from it and back at her. “And let me take the chance to say that you too are looking the same.”

“Thank you on both counts.” Her smile twinkled. “Please make yourself comfortable, won’t you?”

“Oh yes. But first, this is for you.” He raised the hamper several inches up. “I hope you don’t find a hamper in August too ridiculous.”

“Actually, I find it adorable.” Kome received the hamper with a delighted expression. “It is heavy. And I think I can catch a glimpse of chocolate cookies in there. Someone whispered to you I have a weakness for chocolate?”

“Maybe I have good ears.” Theodore smiled, pleased that she was pleased. “You did say something to that effect to your friend yesterday.”

“Ah, a man who notices.” Her smile flashed. “A great quality, Theodore.”

His skin warmed. “Thank you. But I might be a man guilty of poor timing now, it seems.” He added lightly. “I seem to be here way earlier than anyone was supposed to be.”

“You’re just right on time.” There was a brief pause as her eyes lifted to his. “And no one else is expected. You are my only guest.”

“I am?” Theodore was surprised. Greatly so.

Kome nodded. “Uh-hmm. I thought it’d be nice for two usually alone-at-weekends people to spend an afternoon together. Hope you don’t find it an imposition now realising you’re the only one here?”

“An imposition?” He was her only guest? She thought they should spend the afternoon together? “No.” Theodore vigorously shook his head. “No imposition at all. I am, in fact, honoured that you would think to invite me to your home. That you would consider spending an afternoon with me.”

Her mouth parted, like she wanted to say something. But no words came. And Theodore couldn’t stop staring at the rosy red fullness.

“Would you like chopped mixed fruit salad as an entrée?” The question was blurted. And her voice was a trifle unsteady.

Theodore nodded, cleared his voice. “Yes. Chopped mixed fruit salad will be perfect for entrée.”

“I’ll get it then.” For quarter of a minute she didn’t move. Then she laughed. Quick, soft—nervous. “Right away.”

The second she disappeared, Theodore expelled a long, hot breath and pulled at his collar. Holy God, he’d been nearly tempted to kiss her! Gosh, what was wrong with him, first time in her house and he wanted to ruin it by entwining his tongue with hers?

Jesus!

He exhaled again, then tracked back to a plush cushioned single sofa and lowered into it. Don’t allow your hormones ruin things, man. Keep it together. Keep it one-pace-at-a-time together.

She carried over a tray with a white dish to the dining area where a polished cherry wood four-sitting table was set.

“Over here, Theodore.” She called. “This is my little dining room. I actually have a bigger table in my kitchen, but this is more comfortable when I have company.” She gestured to a chair. “Hope you do like fried rice and chicken? That is our main meal.”

“I do love fried rice.” He lowered into the chair next to her own. “Rice dishes are usually favourites of mine. Of course, I’ve been cutting back on them because of the carbs...”

“You have a good body build, Theodore.” She passed him a bowl of fruit. “You shouldn’t be worrying about carbs. You shouldn’t be counting your calories. At least, I don’t think that you should be.”

Theodore stared at her, his hand transfixed in the air. “You think I have a good body build?”

“Uh-hmm.” She nodded, her eyes were soft, and earnest.

Theodore swallowed. “I... I should at least be thirty pounds lighter than I am presently. Fitness and health nuts would say that I’m really overweight, bordering on obese.”

“Your six-feet-one, I think...”

“You know my exact height?”

She coloured. Theodore noted the rise of colour over her fair skin.

“I saw the game you and your friends came up with months back on Facebook.” She said with a light shrug and picked her fork. “I also know your scale size. Saw your last entry about still being stuck at two-sixty. I figure it’s not a bad place to be stuck in.”

She lifted her fork to her mouth but her eyes did not leave his as she chewed.

“You don’t care that I’m overweight?” Something was tickling in his throat.

“I don’t think that you’re overweight at all.” Her voice was all shades of soft. “I think you’re perfect as you are.”

“You do?” The ticklish feeling slithered to his stomach. “You’re not being nice to a big guy, trying not to hurt his feelings, are you, Kome?”

She smiled, shook her head. “Nope. I’m being point blank honest. I usually am.”

“Point blank honest.” He nodded. She thought his size perfect as it was, and she’d wanted to spend an afternoon with him. Okay Theodore, you can take it from here. “Hmm, this tastes good. Does it have wine in it?”

“Your tastes buds are skilled. I love a sprinkle of wine in my fruit salad. Also in vegetable salad.” She laughed.

He grinned. “It sure has a nice bite to it. I like it.”

“I’m glad you do.” She smiled, lifted another fork to her mouth, then asked. “So apart from rice dishes, what’s in your list of favourites?”

You. But of course he couldn’t voice that thought. “RnB for music. Blue for colour. Action for movies and Crime and Detective for literature.” He shot her a wink. “I’m your regular predictable guy.”

“Looks like I’ve got a bit of ‘guy’ in me as most of that works for me, except for shades of white where colour is concerned.” She chuckled. “I don’t do whites full on, but its many shades just calls to something in me.”

Common grounds, great. “I noticed about the shades of white. You favour them no less than twice weekly in your work clothes.” He jerked his head. “And your wall paint is platinum white.”

“My step-mum recommends I try dark colours more.” She smiled.

“You have a good relationship with your step-mum?”

“The best. My sister and I, and my dad too, got lucky with her. We’re actually a close knit family.” She got up and picked their dishes. “Give me a moment to return with the main meal, will you?”

“Need any help?”

“Just get your appetite ready.”

“That is easily done.”

“Super.” She aimed a twinkling smile before sweeping off.

She was back in three minutes with another large tray and quickly set to serve them.

“Hmm, this chicken is amazing.” Theodore complimented at first taste.

“I marinated the chicken in tomato puree and lightly baked. My step-mum’s recipe and best thing I cook.” She angled her head to the side. “Tell me about your family.”

“My family?” He wiped his mouth and took a drink of his water. “Well, I’ve lost both my parents.” He gave a nod at her quick sympathetic apology. “Yeah well, my father many years ago and my mum, just three years back. I’m an only son with four sisters, and the last of the pack too. They are all waiting for Theo to begin his life as a man though. Marriage makes a man as my oldest sister never fails to tell me.”

“And Theo, what’s he waiting for?”

He held her eyes. “For that special someone.” For you.

“We all are.” Her gaze did not waver.

But his heartbeat did.

***

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