Page 10 of Mr. Blackwood

Rodney stepped up at the same time that Lyndon, another security guard, stepped outside.

“Is everything good, Ms. Valentine?” Lyndon asked at the same time that Rodney asked, “You guys need some help?”

“There was a mix-up with my car service. This man offered me a ride home, which was fine because you vouched for him, Rodney. Except, I didn’t expect to be riding with someone else—someone I don’t know. Could you all recommend another car service, perhaps?” she asked, pointing from Lyndon to Rodney.

“Honestly, Ms. Valentine, this is your safest bet,” Rodney stated.

“Yeah. The fact that he’s taken interest in your safety speaks volumes. I promise that you’re in good hands with Mr. Blackwood,” Lyndon professed.

“I hardly doubt it, and I’m not sure I should trust him. He has a habit of letting his lips get him into trouble that he cannot handle,” she remarked, crossing her arms over her chest and narrowing her gaze at me.

I smirked and replied, “I can handle anything these lips get into.”

The color on her face turned a warm red.

“Ms. Valentine, I wouldn’t steer you wrong. Mr. Blackwood is the best thing you could bet on. You are his tenant, and he does own the building. Why would he not have your best interest at heart?” Lyndon asked.

I could tell from the way her eyes widened and her lips slightly parted that she was shocked and flabbergasted. She turned to look back at me, and I couldn’t help the arrogant smirk that settled on my lips.

“Really. Why am I not surprised?” She dropped down inside of the car, and Creed closed the door.

“Why didn’t you tell me who you were that night on the rooftop a week ago, and why did you give me such a hard time?”

“You’re so cute when your nostrils flare like that,” I replied.

“Can we be serious for a moment?”

“I was. Actually, I thought you were the one giving me a hard time. All I wanted was a kiss and a date. Was that so hard to make happen?”

“It didn’t have to be hard at all. All you had to do was simply respect my wishes and keep your lips to yourself. I have no idea where those things have been.”

“Nowhere they weren’t wanted. Give Creed the address to your home, or he’ll keep circling the block”

“Ugh! I cannot believe that I’m about to do this. You’d better not infringe on my privacy, sir.”

“I promise the next time that you call me ‘sir’ you’ll be on your knees.”

Her eyes flashed, and I saw the way her chest heaved. She wouldn’t admit it, but I could tell that she was turned on. She immediately turned away from me to give Creed the address before I spoke up again.

“I promise not to stalk you, Scout’s honor,” I stated, holding up my index, middle, and ring fingers with my thumb holding down my pinky.

“I somehow doubt you were ever a Scout.”

“You’re damn right about that.” I took a sip of my rum before I finished speaking. “Besides, I’m too busy to stalk anyone, but if you make things difficult, I might be inclined to pay you a visit.”

“How could I possibly make things difficult?”

“By denying me one date; that’s all I want.”

“I’m not giving you a date.”

“Do you like Caribbean food, Ms. Valentine?”

“I said that I’m not going on a date with you.”

“That’s not what I asked. You have a hard time answering questions. Do you like Caribbean?”

“Yes, I love Caribbean food.”