Free This Time for Real by Yahrah St. John Page A

word ‘was’ you mean past tense?”
    â€œYes, I do. You see,” Peyton paused for several moments before she spoke softly, “my husband David died in a car crash five years ago. And I’ve only casually dated since.”
    â€œI see.” Malik turned away. Now it all made sense. At least now Malik knew what he was up and against and could bow out gracefully. He wouldn’t compete with a ghost.
    â€œNo, you don’t.” Peyton grabbed him by the arm. When he turned around, Peyton didn’t like the look she saw in his eyes.
    â€œI don’t want or need your pity, Malik Williams. The reason I ran when you kissed me the other night is not because of David. It was because I’d never wanted another man as much as I wanted you that night.”
    Malik was stunned by her bold declaration. She and David had been so young they’d never really known anyone else but each other. But with Malik, she felt the passion of a woman fully aware of a man.
    â€œYou mean that?” he asked.
    â€œYes, I do.”
    Before Peyton could think, Malik crossed the short distance between them and pulled her into his arms. He captured her lips in an onslaught that sent fiery flames shooting through her. Malik was a seasoned kisser and did deliciously erotic things to her mouth, so that Peyton felt compelled to wrap her arms around his neck to keep from falling.
    When his tongue entered her mouth, desire rushedthrough Malik, and he brought Peyton’s body closer to his. She tasted so good and so sweet, Malik wanted to ravish her in the pantry, but the door swung open moments later to reveal Theresa beaming from the doorway. “See, I knew all the two of you needed was a little one-on-one time, if you know what I mean.”
    â€œYou’re such a matchmaker,” Malik said as he came up for air, but he didn’t move his arm from around Peyton’s waist.
    â€œAnd it’s a good thing that I am,” Theresa said, and nodded at Peyton’s top button, which had sprung loose.
    Malik immediately released her and Peyton buttoned her top. “If you two lovebirds are finished, we need your help cleaning up.”
    â€œAye, aye, sir.” Malik saluted her and turned to Peyton. “Sorry about that.”
    â€œDon’t be sorry.” Peyton leaned over and brushed her lips across his. “I wanted you to kiss me.”
    â€œReally?” Malik whispered. “Because there’s more where that came from.”
    â€œDown boy.” Peyton patted his shoulder.
    â€œWe’ll have to pick this up another time,” Malik commented.
    They returned to the dining hall and found most of the crowd had dispersed and the volunteer crew was cleaning up. They pitched in and wiped down tables and washed dishes. Afterwards, they sat down and took a breather.
    â€œWhew!” Malik said. “I’m beat.” After working all day and volunteering this evening, he was exhausted.
    â€œMe too.” Peyton plopped down beside him.
    â€œHow about we go on an official date tomorrow night?” Malik asked.
    â€œI’d like that,” Peyton said, smiling. She wanted to move forward with her life. “What do you have planned?”
    â€œLeave that up to me,” Malik said. “I’ll take care of all the details. Just be ready for me.”
    Was there a sexual overtone to his directive? Peyton wondered. “Oh I’ll be ready,” she replied.

Chapter 5
    T he next evening Peyton was more than ready. Surprisingly, she wasn’t nervous at the prospect of spending time with Malik that night. She welcomed it. When the doorbell rang, Peyton buzzed Malik up to her apartment.
    â€œHey.” Peyton swung open the door. “Come on in.” Peyton pulled him inside. He was looking ruggedly handsome, dressed in a royal-blue dress shirt, black slacks and a black leather bomber jacket.
    â€œYou look great,” Malik said. His eyes roved over