Page 21

“Yeah, yeah, you’re welcome. How was your date?”
Thoughts of Jaden resurfaced, and Claudia’s face glowed. “It went well.”
“Does he have a job?”
“Yes, he has a job, mom.”
“Does he have his own car?”
Claudia dropped her head in the palm of her hand and chuckled.
“What?” Adeline asked.
“Nothing, yes, he has a car and a house of his own. Anymore questions?”
Adeline’s eyes rose in surprise. Finally, her daughter had managed to entertain a man who had some business about himself. Unless…
“Is he single?”
Claudia’s mouth dropped. “Mama, what kind of home wrecker do you take me for?”
“I didn’t call you that, you did. Just because he may be married doesn’t mean you had to know about it. I’m just asking.”
Claudia was shaking her head now. “There’s no way I would tolerate a man that is married.”
A small smile spread across Adeline’s face. She reached out and patted Claudia’s arm and laid back down. Claudia knew her mother thought of her the same way her sister, Desiree did, reckless. But she was set to prove them both wrong. She just didn’t know how to go about it. Adeline turned to face the wall, getting comfortable under her covers.
Standing to her feet, Claudia strolled out the room. “I want to meet him,” Adeline spoke up. Claudia’s footsteps paused. She wanted to meet him? Jaden. Claudia closed her eyes and sighed. She would love for Jaden to meet her mother but he wasn’t a boyfriend or even a possibility. They were just having fun, getting to know one another and building a friendship. But those are the makings of a beautiful relationship. No. Claudia shook her head. She couldn’t. The disappointment she would most surely find in her mother’s eyes after Jaden no longer came around would hurt more than finding pleasure in showing him off now.
Claudia proceeded to her bedroom when her phone chimed.
You didn’t call me when you made it home. Am I to assume you are safe?
Claudia smiled and stuck her tongue between her teeth for a slight suck. She sent a text back;
I’m sorry, you’re absolutely right. In my defense, I was caught up talking to my mom about you.She sent a smiley emoji.
Oh yeah, all good I hope.
Claudia typed back; Absolutely, but I’m keeping it a secret.
A few moments passed without a response. Claudia shed her shoes, clothes and headed for her master bathroom when a particular song rang out. Taking quick steps back to the smartphone, she scooped the phone up and answered.
“How can I help you, Mr. Rose?” Claudia sauntered back to the bathroom and paused leaning into the doorway.
“Sir,” he said.
“Excuse me?”
“If you are going to be formal with me,” his voice thundered. “It’s how can I help you, sir.”
A tiny smile formed on Claudia’s face. “Okay, how can I help you… sir?”
Jaden’s grin spread like a Cheshire cat. “That’s my girl.”
Claudia was experiencing all kinds of vibes right now. Her pulse had elevated, and her chocolate brown skin warmed. A simmering path of nerves settled amid her thighs and she squeezed them together.
“Now what were you saying about the conversation with your mother?”