Malik lets out a brief chuckle before taking a step forward, closing the distance between us and taking my hands.
“Go out with me,” he says. Not asks.
I stare up at him. Incomprehension, incredulity and complete shock battling for the control of my mind. I swallow the lump in my throat.
“You want me… us to…?”
He nods at my unfinished question.
“I really want to spend some time with you.”
I’m still blankly blinking up at him.
Malik comes even closer, his intense body heat mingling with mine.
“Get to know you…,” he whispers, low and seductive, leaning in to bring his face only inches from mine.
“W… why?” I ask in an unsteady voice.
Without missing a beat, Malik answers, “you’re gorgeous. You have an amazing laugh. And,” he marks a pause before finishing in a low, velvety tone, “you’re mine.”
If my eyes grow any wider, they’ll pop out of my skull.I’m his? What does that even mean?!
“I’m not sure I…”
“You have someone?” he asks, his tone turning dark.
I shake my head, but before I can say anything, Ana pipes in, head still buried in the cavernous trunk, her skinny arms rummaging around, “nope, single as the pope.”
I chide her, “Ana!”
But Malik’s bark of laughter drowns my protest. I turn a meaningful gaze to him and he has the decency to clear his throat, looking contrite. That gives me the opportunity to regain a modicum of composure.
“Are you asking me out on a date?”
My tone is still incredulous.
He scoffs, and even that sound is manly coming from him. His bewitching eyes flare with a flame I can’t interpret, and I’m not exactly sure I want to.
“I’m asking for your time, Lisa. Any amount you’d be willing to give me to start with.”
He leans over and brushes my lips with his. Just a barely there feathery caress. There and gone in a second. I bring the tips of my fingers to my mouth. Running them over the tingling skin. And Malik gives me a smug grin.
“Do you have plans tonight?”
My darn niece jumps in again before I have time to respond.
“Nope, she was just gonna come have dinner with us.” Then she adds, “like every Saturday and Sunday.” Ruining my street cred’ for eternity.
This time, Malik lets out a loud laugh. His up-tilted eyes squinted to almost close, his beautiful, straight, white teeth on full display. He’s so fucking handsome. So full of life.
I arrange my face into a frown and let my eyes ping from one to the other.
“I’d love to go out with you, Malik. Give me your phone, I’ll share my number.” Turning to Ana, I add, “you, young lady, are in big trouble. Wait till your mom hears about this.”
I’m tempted to add a wagging finger, but refrain from the extra layer of drama. Because, in reality, I’m fighting the ginormous grin, ready to take over my entire face. Ana smiles hugely at me, and this time it’s not a teasing grin. It’s kind and affectionate.
“I think mom will be very happy when she hears about today,” she says softly.