Black Sparkle Romance by AMARA NICOLE OKOLO Page B

career.”
    “What about your mother? Did she object to it?”
    He raised his eyebrows. “Of course not. In fact, she was thrilled because that meant I would come over to London since Nigerian universities do not offer photography as a major.” He sighed. “I didn’t want to leave grandma, but she assured me she would be fine. So I left. But in my final year, two weeks to my graduation, we got the news – she had passed away peacefully in her sleep. I was devastated. It was a miracle I passed my exams because I was so heartbroken I couldn’t study. After the funeral, I overheard some locals bargaining about buying the house. My mother didn’t really care about it; it wasn’t our family home. So from my savings, I bought it and refurbished it, and I’ve never left since.”
    She smiled and patted him arm. “She’s really proud of you, Dominic. It takes a lot to do what you did.”
    He covered her hand with his. “Well, I just poured out my history to you. Your turn.”
    She told him about her family in Abuja. Her dad was a construction manager at Julius Berger while her mother worked for the civil service. Mira was a fraternal twin and her brother, Michael, had recently married and wasliving in Port Harcourt. Dominic seemed fascinated by that last detail. “You are a fraternal twin! Damn, I didn’t know that.”
    “Yeah, we don’t look alike, though. He’s taller and darker than I am – a replica of my father.” She showed him a picture. “That’s both of us at his wedding. His wife had a baby four months ago.”
    “That’s awesome. I have twin siblings too – from my mother’s second marriage. They are identical to the last hair.”
    “Really?”
    They talked into the night, laughing and sharing details about their families, their interests, hobbies, their taste for classical music (they both loved Mozart’s Violin Concerto No.3 in G major), opera (Verdi’s Aida ) and collecting abstract art from upcoming Nigerian artists.
    Finally Mira checked her watch – it was ten o’clock. The rain was now just a fine drizzle. “I have to go now,” she said.
    “You could stay, you know,” he offered. “I have a guest room and promise not to come within a 50-metre radius of it.”
    She laughed but shook her head. “Thanks, but I’ll pass. I’ve got to get ready for work tomorrow anyway … now that Lauren is back she’ll need a heads up on the project.”
    “Oh, that’s true.” He stood up, grinning as he walked her to the door. “I’m glad we did this.”
    She smiled back. “Me too.” Then she remembered why they had come to his place and her face fell. “A-are yousure you’re not disappointed we didn’t …” Her cheeks felt hot with embarrassment.
    “Have sex?” he completed and laughed at her shyness. “Come on, I’m not some horny bastard. Yes, I am insanely attracted to you and I want you badly, but I respect your decisions. So no, I’m not disappointed. Ok, maybe a little bit disappointed. But remember, I’m not in this for just sex … I am in this for the real thing: to love and trust you, and for you to do the same too.”
    She looked at him for a moment, lost for words. Then she smirked. “Nice line. Bet it always sweeps the ladies off their feet whenever you use it, huh.”
    He shrugged. “Clearly, it isn’t working for one.”
    “Try harder,” she said and he laughed. They stopped at the door and, as she put out her hand to open it, he reached for her wrist. “I really don’t feel it’s safe for you to go back to Lekki tonight, Mira. Seriously. Why don’t you stay over and I’ll drop you off tomorrow?”
    She inhaled, her tummy squirming with warm desire. His big hand, encircling her waist, was strong and warm, sending pleasant ripples through her veins. Outside, a lone lightning bolt flashed through the dark night, and, without warning, it began raining. “It’s raining again,” she said in a soft voice. “Maybe I should stay the night after all.”
    His