Page 22 of The Aries Alliance (BLP Signs of Love #14)

Reality II

The second Scarlett messaged me at work, saying she needed me, I was ready to run to her office, scoop her up, and carry her away from EFU.

For the past couple of weeks, we’d been teasing each other with curt messages and calls, but it wasn’t enough to satisfy my hunger for her.

After the week I had, I needed to reconnect with her and comfort her, as I promised her I would.

When Scarlett didn’t pick up her phone, I concluded that she might need some space. I worked out and watched some TV until she messaged me. We flirted for a few moments, but I wanted to look in her eyes and check in on her.

Me:

Join me for dinner?

Scarlett:

Where?

Me:

I’ll come to you. Chinese food okay?

When she didn’t respond immediately, I wondered what she was thinking. Did she want to see me, or was I a pastime like that Lil’David dude? Before I could overthink, a notification popped up.

Scarlett:

Yes. Want me to fix anything else?

Me:

All I need is you.

Although I was usually blunt to the point of being rude, I’d never been honest or gentle with a woman so fast. I looked forward to serving Scarlett.

I rushed home, showered, and ordered Chinese takeout for dinner. By the time I pulled into Scarlett’s driveway, I was more than ready to be whatever she needed me to be.

I took a big breath as I rang the doorbell, one hand holding the bag of lo mein, Sesame chicken, and mixed vegetables. After a quick look at my reflection in the front door pane and a swipe of my hand over my fresh haircut, I flexed my back muscles.

Scarlett’s sweet fragrance filled my nose as I took in the fullness of her when she answered the door. I couldn’t help but lick my lips as she wowed me in the same billowy robe she wore at the cottage. The low V gave me a generous peek of her perky breasts, which weren’t contained.

“You’re stunning, baby. Absolutely breathtaking.”

Scarlett blushed.

“Really, War? Where’s your shirt?” Her mouth gaped as she checked me out from head to toe.

I removed my polo in the car, wanting Scarlett to know I was ready to be whatever she needed tonight.

“I don’t wear shirts when I make house calls.” I brushed my free hand over my freshly moisturized chest, then propped it high against the ledge of the door, giving Scarlett a view of my body I knew she couldn’t resist.

“You’re lying.”

“The only way you’ll know is if you let me make more house calls.”

“Hmm. Come in.”

She smiled and rubbed my abs gently before ushering me into her modestly sized kitchen. Scarlett took the food from my hands and set it on the counter.

“You have a nice place.” I looked around, admiring how neat everything was.

Scarlett had a thing for black and white, since every piece of furniture in her living room was one of the two colors. Red accents, such as pillows, rugs, and picture frames, were the only pops of color in the space.

“Thank you. It’s nicer now that you’re here.” She wrapped her arms around me and kissed me on the cheek, reminding me how tender she was in person.

I kissed her on her opposite cheek. When she released me, I stepped into her kitchen and made myself useful, reaching for two glasses in the cabinet before going to the refrigerator and pulling out a pitcher of iced tea.

“Have a drink with me.” I poured the tea and handed Scarlett a glass.

We clinked glasses and took sips. I set my glass down and crossed my arms, taking in the fullness of Scarlett.

“You’re glowing.”

“That may or may not have something to do with my present company.”

I closed the distance between Scarlett and me again, leaning in to nip her sweet neck. She reminded me of a plush pillow that I wanted to fold my tired body into. I palmed her round ass and juggled it with my hands.

She teased her fingers over my back and then held me by the shoulders. Her smile had me grinning right back at her.

“Thank you for dinner.”

“I had to come. It was urgent.”

Scarlett raised her eyebrow.

“Urgent?”

“Yes. My partner in justice needed me. From day one, I told you I’d be like your man.” I held Scarlett’s chin and kissed her lips gently.

Scarlett stroked my cheek with her fingers.

“Tonight’s my self-care night. I guess I can shift my plans for my partner in justice.”

“We’ll self-care together.”

“That’s not how self-care works.”

“We’re not traditional, so it’ll work for us. I’m going to cover you whether you want me to or not.”

Silence filled the air, as if Scarlett was processing my words. Within seconds, tears filled her beautiful brown eyes. My heart bled for her as I wiped her falling tears with the pads of my fingers.

“What is it, love?”

The term of endearment felt right in the moment.

“I have a hard time trusting most people, but you hear my heart. This must be what restoration is all about. Thank you.”

I wrapped my arms around Scarlett and held her tight. I would walk to the ends of the Earth, barefoot on hot coals, to soothe her wounded soul. She was worth that and so much more.