Page 10 of Bound to a Virgo Menace (BLP Signs of Love #3)

“Hevyn, live a little. We’ll all be there.

You need to get out and have some real fun.

” Hay reached across the table and covered my hand gently.

“You can’t keep using your business and fear to hide your grief.

That’s what’s keeping you from living and really exploring love with Peel.

I don’t wanna push, but you got a week to decide.

If you don’t, then I’ll be kidnapping you anyways. ”

Bryte laughed. “I will definitely be helping.”

“Me too,” Rusha agreed. She blew me an air kiss.

I sighed deeply. Hay always gave me the real but in a supportive way. That’s why I appreciated them so much.

“No need for the kidnapping, y’all. I’ll be attendance and ready to show my twerking skills thanks to Haylow.”

“Yass! Now, that’s what the hell I’m talking about,” Hay revealed with a big grin on her face. She raised her glass of mimosa up. “To black women living and thriving instead of surviving.”

“I’ll drink to that,” Bryte sassed.

“Me too,” Rusha agreed.

“Heavy on the thriving,” I declared and raised my glass.

Together we clicked our glasses then sipped. My family was right. It was time for me to live and get out of survival mode.

“You look stunning tonight, butterfly,” Cache expressed while he drove.

“Thank you, handsome, and flattery will get you everywhere, except the details of our date tonight.” I released a girlish giggle.

Cache nodded with his eyes on the road. “You got me good with that one. I guess I gotta be patient, huh?”

“Yes, you do, but just know that it’s something you really enjoy,” I revealed. “You planned the first two dates, so I wanted a chance to prove I was equally invested in us as well.”

Cache lifted my hand from my lap and kissed the top of it. “I feel you, beautiful. It’s cool. The best part of any date we have is that you’re here with me.”

“You say the sweetest things, Cache. You’re such a sweetheart.”

“I swear you’re the only person in the world that knows that. Truthfully, I prefer it that way.”

Gently, I caressed the back of his neck while he turned into the private parking lot of the venue.

“Why do you want it that way?”

Cache parked and faced me. His body was relaxed, but his deep brown eyes bore into mine.

“Butterfly, I’m not a nice man. I’m in a business where things could go left at any moment. In that environment, I have to be more cutthroat and ruthless than the next man. It’s my life or theirs, and I prefer it to be my life.

“The only person that needs to know how soft or caring I can be is you. The only safe place I want to have is with you. I’ve spent enough years alone. Does that answer your question?”

I nodded. “It does, love. You know I always appreciate your honesty.”

“It’s only for you.”

He leaned forward and kissed my cheek so he wouldn’t ruin my lip gloss. Cache stepped out his truck and pulled his blazer over his guns strapped to his chest. When he was done, he walked around and helped me out.

Hand in hand, we walked to the entrance where a security guard stood. He waved the wand over me first, and I was good. When it was Cache's turn, the wand beeped loudly. The guard looked at Cache. Cache faced him with his brow raised and hand overlapping his wrist. It was a true gangsta stance.

“Is there a problem?”

The guard swallowed hard. It was clear he didn’t want any smoke with Cache. The fear in his eyes and stiff pose was evident.

“No, sir. Enjoy your night.”

“I didn’t think so.”

He stepped away and laced our fingers before he guided us inside the nameless building. It was a big warehouse turned into a great delight for the evening. It was an event I’d looked forward to for the past couple of weeks.

The moment we passed through the doors, the fragrant smell of seasoned meats filled our noses. An excited feeling coursed through me. I just knew the moment we walked down the hallway and entered the room that Cache would love his surprise.

We exited the hallway, and seconds later entered the large dining room.

Cache stopped in his tracks. His eyes slowly swept over the wait staff dressed in black and white, the large crystal chandeliers, the fancy dressed patrons, and over the stations that served nothing but the finest cuts of steaks.

Hanging over each station was a sign that revealed which cut of steak was served and the toppings you could add.

There was also a big bar and a deejay booth that played an Afro beats playlist just loud enough for everyone to hear. Cache turned to me and shook his head.

“Ho-How? Wh-When did you plan this?” he stammered.

I eased closer to him and wrapped my arms around his neck. “It was my turn to show you that I’m just as invested in us as you are. I know you love steak, and it so happened that a mobile steakhouse came into town to showcase their expertise. It made for the perfect date.”

“You damn right it did, girl.” Cache held me tightly and buried his face in the crook of my neck. He inhaled my fragrance deeply and exhaled. “I’m so thankful you gave me a chance. I’ve never been treated with such care and thoughtfulness.”

“I told you. You’re safe with me just like I am with you.”

My love and I hugged a little longer before we went and indulged in all the savory and spicy steak choices available.