“It’s getting to know you, understanding you, so you can be who you are,” he explains, his deep voice vibrating with conviction. “And I get the privilege of standing beside you while you live in your greatness.”
He pauses, his expression growing sheepish. “I can’t live amongst humans. I have a bit of a temper.”
I giggle at that. “Well, judging by the way that sheriff freaked out in the bar, I’m going to say I believe you.”
“I want to keep showing women my size how beautiful they are,” I tell him, my own passion rising to match his. “They don’t have to feel like a lesser human because they have a bigger body.”
Jabari moves closer, his fingers brushing against mine, sending electricity up my arm. “Could we figure it out together? If I could find a way for you to keep your dreams, would you stay and give me a chance?”
I look up at him, feeling a wave of warmth. How on earth am I supposed to say no to that? He’s so sweet, adorable, and charming—but also a bit messy and clueless about social interaction. Why not? What’s waiting for me back in Detroit? A failing business? The horrible dating market?
“Alright,” I hear myself saying, “if I’m not going to lose myself being fated to you, then I would like to try.”
I barely finish the sentence before I’m suddenly lifted off my feet and twirled around in his arms. He bounces around the deck with me, his face lit up with pure joy.
“Thank you, thank you, Mother Fate!” he exclaims, spinning me like I weigh nothing.
“Will you please put me down?” I laugh, pressing against his chest.
Just as my feet gently touch the deck, I jump at the sound of Kade’s voice from behind us.
“Well, that’s a relief,” she says dryly. “Now, all we have to do is make sure he doesn’t do anything stupid while we wait for the ship to dock, which should be in a few more hours.”
Jabari groans, but I grab his hand, amazed at how his entire demeanor softens instantly at my touch.
“Well, I’m hungry,” I announce. “Why don’t you show me your best cuisine since you’ve been practicing?” I suggest to him.
His face lights up with a smile that could outshine the stars above us. He leans down and plants a kiss on my cheek, then starts pulling me across the deck.
“I know how to make many meals, but my favorite to make is pasta,” he says eagerly.
“Oh...” I glance back at Kade, who’s slowly walking behind us, her eyes fixed on Jabari with clear concern. She’s clearly worried he might do something impulsive on the cruise ship.
Jabari warned he had a temper. I make a mental note to dig deeper into that during dinner. Hopefully it’s something I can handle. But the way my heart quickens when he looks at me, the way his touch sends warmth through my body—there’s something between us that feels right, despite all the uncertainty.
Maybe this wild turn of events is exactly what I needed.
9
JACKIE
Ismile as I watch Jabari work his way through the large commercial kitchen, his massive hands surprisingly delicate as he measures ingredients and prepares our dinner. Despite his size, he moves with a natural ease, completely in his element among the stainless steel counters and industrial equipment.
Kade looks thoroughly unamused, playing with her phone a few feet away. She’s texting and occasionally calling someone named Leah, who I’m assuming is her fated mate. The way Kade’s face softens when Leah’s name appears on her screen, the blush that spreads across her cheeks—it’s sweet to witness.
“I miss you too, baby cakes,” Kade murmurs into her phone as she records a voice message, her normally authoritative voice going honey-sweet.
Jabari glances my way with an irritated expression. I can tell he doesn’t appreciate being watched over like a child while he’s trying to impress me.
I walk over to the massive pot where he’s melting and mixing different cheeses for baked macaroni and cheese. The rich aroma makes my mouth water. Gently, I run a hand over hisbroad back, and he looks down at me with a smile so tender it makes my heart skip.
“I’ve never dated a man who can cook,” I say, then giggle when he grunts and frowns, clearly displeased by the mention of my past relationships.
It’s oddly endearing, and I’m surprised to feel a similar jealousy rising within me at the thought of anyone else being close to him. Jabari has this sweet innocence about him, despite being centuries old. It’s as if he hasn’t been affected by the cynicism that comes with modern dating.
“I think it’s great that you learned how to cook for me,” I say, genuinely touched by the effort he’s put in.
His face brightens at that. He takes the wooden spoon, dips it into the melted cheese, and lifts it to my lips for a taste.
