Page 29 of Dima
“I’ll do all I can from my end. Watch your six.”
“I love you, Unc.”
“And I love you.”
My uncle was clear as day telling me that going back undercover was a gamble, but it was one I was willing to take. Pulling out now would mean I would probably never see Maeve again, and she didn’t deserve that. I needed to see her at least one last time. The bigger question, though, was if I should warn Bishop or stay out of it.
I texted Maeve to see if we could meet at my place later. When she agreed, I headed straight home. I couldn’t wait to see her gorgeous ass face, and since we didn’t fully get a date the other night, I had something up my sleeve.
I was a little behind schedule. I’d told Dima I would be at his apartment around seven, but my nail appointment lasted longer than I thought it would. I had taken my nail design to another level this time, and I was obsessed.
They were long stilettos with a fairy-inspired design. I wanted the theme to give enchanted forest, and that was exactly what it gave. I’d been with the same nail tech for years, and she always brought my vision to life. For this look, she used raised gel and decorated the nails with mushrooms, flowers, moss, and leaves. I gave them one last once-over before I knocked on Dima’s door.
“What’s up, gorgeous?”
He swung open the door, wearing some gray sweats and a crisp white tee. My eyes darted straight to the print in his sweats that was too big for me to ignore. Dima was blessed in all the right places.
“Hey, handsome.”
I loved when he blushed and that one little dimple popped out. I didn’t believe in complimenting men, because some of them were already too damn high on their own supply, but Dima was different. I would compliment him every moment of every day to see that sexy ass dimple.
“How has your day been so far?”
“It’s been good, but I can see it’s about to get better.”
It was my turn to blush when Dima stepped to the side, and I could see what was behind him. He’d decorated his entire living room for what I assumed was a date night. I followed him as he led the way further into his apartment.
The coffee table had been draped in a white tablecloth. There was a single red candle lit in the middle of the table and two pillows on either side. There was a bouquet of sunflowers on top of the pillow that I had now identified as mine. The food was already out on the table, and I hoped it didn’t get cold while he waited on me.
“Oh my God, Dima, this is gorgeous.”
“I’m happy you like it. I didn’t like that we had to cut our date short last night. I thought I would make up for that by cooking for you. You like salmon? I probably should have asked before I cooked it, huh?”
“I love salmon, so no worries. I hope it didn’t get cold waiting on me.”
“Nah, I waited until you said you were close before I plated it. Have a seat, baby girl.”
Dima picked up the flowers and handed them to me, and I sniffed them on instinct. They were gorgeous and smelled sogood. I took my seat as he went over to his side of the table and did the same.
“This food looks amazing. Let me find out you’re a mechanic and a chef.”
“Nah, I’m far from a chef, but I do know my way around a kitchen. That was one of the things my mama taught me early. She said a man should always be able to feed himself if he needs to.”
“Your mother is right about that. It’s nice to have a woman cook for you, but it’s also nice to know you won’t starve without one.”
“That’s exactly what she said.Ain’t no woman gone be able to starve my baby.’”
Dima mocked his mother, and we both laughed. Boy moms didn’t play about their sons. I couldn’t help but wonder where she was now since this was the first time he’d ever told me anything about his family.
“Where is your mother now?”
“She don’t live here anymore. She left the country when I was young and never came back. My father raised me for the most part.”
“I’m sorry to hear that, Dima. I can’t imagine what it feels like to have a mother still walking this Earth and not being able to see her whenever I like.”
“It used to bother me as a kid, but I understand why she did it now. My father wasn’t a good husband. Hell, he’s not even a good man. Getting away from him saved her life.”
“And do you still keep in touch with your mom and dad?”
