Page 90 of Taming a Menace

“Dance with me,” I said, sneaking up on her as she chatted with one of the bridesmaids.

“I thought this was a work trip.”

“All work and no play makes Key a dull boy.”

“There is nothing dull about him. That’s for sure.”

“I want to keep it that way. Dance with me before I have to go make more shrimp and grits martinis.”

“They are bomb, Keywan. I had one just a minute ago.”

“You got lucky. They’re going fast. I’m going to put twenty more out after we dance.”

“Do you need me to do anything else?” she asked.

“You’ve already done more than enough, baby. I didn’t bring you with me to put you to work.”

“It didn’t even feel like work. I’m having a great time.”

“That’s good. Thank you again for everything, baby love,” I said as I closed in on her and pulled her into my arms.

I didn’t recognize the song that was playing, but it didn’t matter. As long as Iyla’s soft body was pressed against mine, every song was my favorite song. I twirled her just to see her smile. She giggled and a huge smile split her face. My reward made my chest warm on the inside. She was the medicine for everything that ailed me. Fuck the therapy aspect. Iyla was what I needed.

“We’re almost done here. My assistants are going to finish up and do the clean up after we put out the last of everything.”

“This was fun. When is your next event or whatever? I want to come.”

“Really?” I quizzed.

I was taken aback by her comment. I knew she was enjoying herself but her asking to come to another event caught me off guard.

“Yeah I had a good time, especially being a taste tester.”

“I can always use a good tester.”

“I’m your girl.”

“I know that’s right,” I said, pecking a kiss on her face. “Are you tired? I have somewhere I want to take you when we leave here.”

“No, I’m good for a little while longer. Wearing flat shoes really helped.”

“Good. I’m about to get the last dishes set out. You take a load off. You worked hard today,” I said, releasing her once the song was finished.

“OK, I’m about to say goodbye to Kelly before we go. She was really sweet.”

“That’s cool. Meet me in the back when you’re done.”

“OK,” Iyla said.

I watched her sashay over to where the bridal party was dancing and having the time of their lives. For a split second, I imagined Iyla with her own bridal party. My mind even flashed to a scene of her in a wedding dress. I didn’t want anyone other than me waiting for her at the end of the aisle. I was her husband. Just as quick as the thought passed, I chased it away. What the fuck? What was I thinking? I needed a drink or something because clearly I was losing it.

It only took a few minutes for us to finish putting out the rest of the dishes. I’d made arrangements for a surprise for Iyla tonight. I just needed her to trust me enough to let me see it through. That was going to be the hard part. I was closing the lid on my trunk when I looked up to find the bride to be, Kelly, coming in my direction with Iyla right behind her.

“This beauty let me know that you guys were about to leave, and I just wanted to come back here and thank you again for everything. My girls are raving about the food. I told her if I wasn’t getting married soon, I would have tried to snatch you up for myself. A handsome man that can cook,” she said, fanning herself.

“All right now, I told you this one is spoken for.” Iyla chimed in.

“That’s right, Moon. Claim your man, baby,” I said, winking at Iyla before turning my attention back to Kelly. “Thank you. It was my pleasure to make your night special.”