In a perfect world…
Then his dark orbs traveled over to me just before he let my mother go. They were penetrating, yet impassive. My heart couldn’t have been racing in my chest because I could no longer feel it. In fact, I couldn’t even feel the air sloughing through my lungs. Oddly, I did feel the flutter in my belly and intuitively grabbed it. Stenton slowly rounded my mother and gaited over to me. My legs continued to tremble as the distance between us shortened. Then he was standing right in front of me, towering my protruding frame.
“You think I can get a few hours of your time?” poured from his silky baritone.
My mouth collapsed, but for a while nothing could come out. Eventually, able to move, I peered around Stenton and squeaked, “Ummm… Momma, I’m gonna chat out here with Stenton for a minute. I’ll be in in shortly.”
Stenton’s eyes never left me when he corrected me. “Actually, we’re going for a ride.”
“Oh, that’s nice, Stenton!” my mother gushed.
My father chimed in, “You know today’s a special day.”
“Yes, sir, I do. In fact,” Stenton clarified with his marble eyes still locked to mine. I couldn’t believe he remembered my birthday. “I’m hoping to spend the last few hours of it with her,” he managed to make it sound far less sensuous than his eyes relayed…and I wanted to believe.
“If you must,” my father drug out, consented as he walked off, leaving us in the driveway.
“Just call us if you’re going to be late coming in,” my mother threw over her shoulder, following behind her husband.
Once the door slammed shut, I stood frozen, captivated under his gaze. He wore a brown goose, dark jeans and Timberland construction boots. We stood there, gaping at each other. I was still jarred by his presence. I didn’t know how to behave around Stenton. I was never really accustomed to being with him. He was still all new to me; I hadn’t known him long. His arm reached out and his big hand cupped my round abdomen. My belly fluttered and I didn’t know if it was simply my body reacting to his touch.
“Do you mind, Ni?a?” he murmured.
I hadn’t heard that name in months. Hadn’t felt the warmth of the sentiment behind it in just as long. Why was he doing this to me?
I swallowed. “N-no.” I cleared my throat, trying to calm my shaky chords. “Not at all.”
After swiping the globe of my tummy, Stenton reached for my hand and walked me over to his car. With a few grunts, I managed the low drop getting into the passenger seat. Once he managed his long frame inside, he turned to me.
“I guess this wasn’t the best car choice of the evening considering your condition.” He cracked a wary smirk.
I attempted to let go of a grin. I wasn’t sure if my breathing had returned. Stenton pressed a button and the engine came alive, reverberating in my chest. We drove for nearly thirty minutes before we pulled up to a valet at a restaurant.
“Glad that you arrived, Mr. Rogers. Our hostess is awaiting you,” the valet greeted when Stenton threw him the keys and rounded the car to take my hand.
He laced our fingers and guided me into the restaurant where there was a brightly smiling hostess, welcoming us in by name and immediately leading us to our table. When were seated, the waiter immediately came over to hand Stenton a wine menu.
Before looking into it, Stenton peered over at me and asked, “What are you drinking nowadays?” He gestured towards my protruding belly.
“Water will be fine,” I informed the waiter.
“I’ll have water as well,” Stenton informed the waiter, handing him the menu back.
Once alone, Stenton sat up in his chair and inclined, placing his elbows on the table. “So, happy birthday, Elizabeth,” he murmured, his teeth appeared and his eyes squinted in a jovial slant.