Page 17 of Gaining the Heart of a Gemini (BLP Signs of Love #15)

Determination.

Even though it was my birthday, I had a surprise for Parrish. I’d been secretly working on something for her and finally had things in motion. I was eager to share it with her, so immediately after Patrick and I handled our problem, I headed home to shower before going to her house.

On the way home, I called my mother to thank her for sharing Abuela’s recipe with Parrish.

While the cake was good as fuck, it was the thought and effort behind it that truly meant something to me.

Those cakes weren’t easy to make. It was a tedious process, and for Parrish to take the time out to do so for me hit me differently.

When I arrived at Parrish’s house, she was waiting for me on the porch, bouncing on her toes. I couldn’t help myself as my eyes immediately went to her breasts. My mouth watered at the thought of sucking on her nipples. I’d gotten a taste of Parrish, and she had become my craving.

An enticing aroma emitted from her house the closer I got. It smelled like one of Abuela’s old meals, and I couldn’t help but smile.

“What you got in there smelling just as good as you?” I questioned, kissing her forehead.

Parrish’s hands were behind her back. She didn’t answer my question as she brought her hands around, revealing a tiny box. “Happy birthday, handsome.”

“I told you not to get me anything.”

“And I chose not to listen. Take it.”

She basically shoved it in my hands. I opened it up to find a diamond studded pinky ring. My fist went to my mouth as I examined it. It sparkled just right in the sunlight, almost blinding me.

“Damn, Mami. This is nice as fuck. Gracias.”

“De nada.” She beamed. “I noticed you have almost every piece of jewelry except for a ring. I thought this would be a good teaser for your wedding ring.”

“Don’t tell me you’re going to have me shinning like this.”

“Like the diamond you are. Ready for your next surprise?”

“I don’t have much of a choice, do I?”

Parrish giggled and grabbed my hand. “Nope. Now close your eyes.”

I did as she asked, allowing her to lead me inside the house. Immediately, I was able to capture the aroma. “Tamales, refried beans, Spanish rice, and there better be some authentic guacamole.”

“How in the hell did you detect all that?”

“One of my favorite meals.”

When I opened my eyes, I was shocked to see Parrish had decorated.

On the far wall there were balloons that read out ‘happy birthday’ in gold with smaller gold and black balloons surrounding it and on the floor.

The table was set with all the food and things to make margaritas. It was simple but meaningful.

My arm snaked around her waist. “You did all this for me?”

“Of course. I told you we were going to celebrate you.”

“How long did it take you to cook?”

“Just know I’ll never cook Tamales by myself again. Your abuela was a strong woman whipping it in the kitchen with these meals.” Parrish snickered. “I’m tired, but a strong margarita is calling my name.”

“Leave that to me. I hope you can handle your liquor because Abuela taught me how to pour heavy.”

I pecked her lips and went over to the table. She fixed our plates while I made our drinks. Every so often, I would steal glances at her pretty ass, wondering if this was what our life would be like now. If it was, I wouldn’t be mad.

We sat down, and I blessed the food. I wasted no time mixing my beans and rice before taking a hefty bite, nodding in approval.

If the tamales were hitting, I was likely to fire my chef and marry Parrish right then.

Intently, she watched me as I took my first bite.

I tried keeping a neutral expression, but they were too good not to.

“You’re two for two today, Mami. This is good as hell.”

“Your abuela has some fire recipes in that book. It might have me in the kitchen more often than normal.”

“I don’t see anything wrong with it. We can cook together and create some recipes of our own.”

Parrish smiled. “I’d love that.”

“How’s your margarita?”

“Strong as hell but so, so good. I’m trying not to drink it fast. I have a feeling you’re trying to get my drunk.”

I set my fork down and stared at her. “I don’t have to get you drunk for you to say yes to the things I want to do to you. From the way your nipples are poking through your shirt and how you keep swallowing, I bet I could lay your ass across this table and have my way with you.”

“As much as I’d love that, our foreplay is going to start with a game of cards.”

“What kind of game?”

“I bet you’ve never played Phase 10 before.”

“You underestimate me,” I told her, taking a sip of my drink. “Just let me know when you’re ready for me to tap that ass.”

“Oh, just like you did with bowling?”

“Keep all that talk for the game. What’s the rules? How many rounds are we playing?”

“I was thinking a strip tease. We can play until the loser is completely naked, or we can no longer handle the tease.”

“The game won’t last long then.”

Parrish tipped her head to the side and asked, “Why not?”

“Because you can take a sock off and have my dick hard. With this tequila in my system, you’re in for a wild night, Parrish.”

“Mmm. Well.” Parrish raised her glass to me. “Happy birthday to you.”

“I appreciate you, Mami. Thank you.”

June 17 th

“Where are we, Klay?”

I glanced over at Parrish, swaying my head from side to side. “I already told you I’m not telling you.”

She kissed her teeth and sat back in her seat with her arms folded. “You can’t even give me a hint?”

“Why do you want to ruin a surprise by me telling you?”

“I don’t want the surprise to be ruined, but I’m anxious because you told me not to wear makeup. You know I love a good beat, so I’m assuming we’re doing something active.”

That was far from the truth, but I would let her think that.

Ten minutes later, we arrived at our destination.

We were in Downtown Harley Grove, close to my shipping business, at Parrish’s new shop.

She had no clue it was hers. Our mothers, Karmen, and Loyal helped me get everything set up.

They schooled me on the products she used, the brushes, vanities, colors, and anything else we could think of.

It had been in the progress for weeks, and I was grateful it was finally finished.

Hand in hand, we walked up to the door.

“Close your eyes,” I instructed.

Parrish side-eyed me before doing as I said.

I typed in the code, granting us access inside.

Once we were in the middle of the shop, I let her know she could open them.

The sharp gasp she inhaled almost made her choke.

Tears rested on the brim of her eyes as she walked around in a circle, taking everything in.

“What is all this, Klay?”

“It’s all yours, Mami. With you selling your house soon, you need a new spot to take your clients and build your clientele. My business is close by as well.”

“When did you even have time to do all this? You’ve been so busy at Grove Shadows.”

“We have some wonderful women in our lives to thank for that. I handled the business aspect of everything while they assisted me in the decorating and shit. I peeped some of the things you had at your house, but I needed to know more.”

I caught Parrish as she jumped in my arms without warning. She peppered kisses all over my face, thanking me in between each one. Her happiness was contagious. The smile on her face and happy tears in her eyes was worth everything. I’d do it a thousand times over just to see it again.

“That’s not your only surprise.” On cue, Parrish’s favorite makeup artist, Rue Bands, walked in with her team. Parrish’s eyes ballooned, and her mouth was wide open. I kissed her cheek and whispered in her ear, “You better close your mouth before I put something in it.”

Her eyes lowered, but she kept her mouth open. Freaky ass. I kissed her cheek again and placed her on her feet.

I stood off to the side as Parrish introduced herself to Rue.

They explored the shop together before getting started on Parrish’s makeup.

Rue shared different makeup and business tips with her while giving her samples of her line.

It cost a pretty penny to fly her and her team in, but seeing Parrish’s reaction was worth it all and more.

An hour and a half into their session, my phone rang. It was Patrick, so I excused myself and stepped outside to take his call.

“What’s up, Patrick?”

“Klayton.”

I didn’t like his tone. Patrick released a heavy sigh, and in the background, I could hear my mother crying. My heart plummeted to my stomach, and my mouth went dry. I ran my tongue over my teeth, afraid of the next words to leave Patrick’s mouth, so I didn’t say anything.

Patrick caught on and said, “Get here as fast as you can.”

I nodded as if he could see me and hung up.

My hand tightened around my phone as I fought the urge to send it flying across the street.

The lump I couldn’t swallow before had returned, so I took a deep breath and tried to go back inside.

All the strength I had was used to open the door and stand there.

It took Parrish a moment, but when she saw me, she jumped out her seat and dashed over to me.

“Klay, what’s wrong?”

My cheeks were warm as tears streamed down my face. I used one hand to wipe it, but it was no use. They continued to flow like a river.

“We gotta go see about Papi.”

“Okay. Go wait for me in the truck while I help Rue get her things packed up.”

Parrish quickly turned on her heels and explained everything to Rue while assisting her in packing. I couldn’t move. I didn’t want to, or I’d be too far away from her. There was nothing more I needed than to be close to Parrish. I feared the worst if I wasn’t.

Deep in my soul, I felt time was ticking for Papi. The seconds were moving by faster than we could grasp, and I prayed we made it to him on time.