Free Risky Pleasures by McKenna Jeffries and Aliyah Burke

and Deiter. He was such a sexy man. And she wanted him for herself.
    “That was delicious, Archer. I’ve never had homemade vanilla ice cream in mango sauce before. What do you make it with?” Arissa’s comment brought her attention back to the conversation.
    “It’s made with—”
    She didn’t listen as they discussed the variations of the recipes. Delicia studied Deiter—he had a smile on his face. Deiter looked at her and leaned closer.
    “She has a thing for food,” he whispered.
    “She does. Even as a kid.” Delicia snickered.
    “Tell me about it?” Deiter sounded curious.
    Delicia filled him in on the misadventures of their family and food. Deiter chuckled and interjected in parts asking questions. Before she knew it, she was telling him about her job.
    “Let me wash up,” Arissa said.
    “I’ll join you. You all wrap up the extra food. Archer, make sure you give some to Deiter for them to take home.”
    “Yes, ma’am.” Archer winked then kissed her softly.
    He walked away to the plates and bowls by the grill. Deiter stood, kissing Arissa, then went to join him. She and Arissa cleared off the table before taking the plates into the house. Arissa filled the sink and started to wash. She rinsed the dishes then put them on the drainer. Deiter and Archer brought in the rest of the dishes and placed them on the counter by them.
    “Here’s the food for your sister.” He touched her back.
    “Thanks. Go watch some TV or something till we’re done.”
    “Okay. Come on, Deiter, we’re being banished to the living room so they can talk about us,” Archer said.
    “Behave, you.” Delicia snapped a towel at him.
    Archer dodged, laughing as he left the room. Deiter followed him out. She and Arissa watched for a while.
    “I like seeing how you are with Archer. You all look happy.”
    “You do too.” Delicia said.
    “I am. Took some to get there, but it is worth it. Remember that, Delicia. No matter what,” Arissa said.
    “I will.” Delicia was silent for a while then said, “I like Deiter. He knows how to get people talking and is a good listener.”
    “He is. I love him, Lis. I really do.” There was a lot of emotion in her voice.
    “I’m glad. And I can see he loves you too. I can’t wait to see you walk down the aisle. Have you set a date yet?”
    “Not yet. We’re still enjoying being engaged,” Arissa said.
    “Once the rest of the family finds out, that’ll change,” Delicia warned.
    “Mom and the aunts love Warwick being so into the wedding. It’s driving Katiya batty. They’re too busy planning Katiya’s wedding to think about mine. Thank God.”
    “Please, you know the aunts love…heck…live for the planning and execution of a wedding.”
    “Oh, God. You’re right. Maybe we don’t have to tell them.” Arissa mused.
    “Mom probably already called them. They’re lulling you into a false sense of security.”
    “Shit. Maybe I’ll elope.”
    “Nope. They’ll never forgive you if you do. The wedding is a better alternative.”
    “Probably.” Arissa sounded forlorn.
    “Buck up. It won’t be so bad.”
    “I hope you say that when it is your turn.” Arissa glanced towards the empty doorway. “Which might not be too much longer.”
    “I don’t know where we are going. We’re just letting it happen.” Delicia ducked her head.
    Arissa didn’t say anything else. They finished cleaning the kitchen and headed to the living room. Delicia snuggled against Archer and Arissa sat in Deiter’s lap. They watched TV and chatted. After they left, Delicia got ready for bed. The sound of Archer in the bathroom reached her. She wondered what it would be like to have him as her husband.
     
    * * * *
     
    Days later, she waited for Archer in his living room as he got ready for their excursion. Delicia couldn’t get the thought out of her mind. The sound of the doorbell broke the silence.
    “Delicia. Get that for me,” Archer called from the bedroom.
    “Okay.” She went to