I knew he loved this city and his life was here, but I was his life, too. I was the only one who could help him, motivate him, and keep him on track. I was not and never had been a drinker. He needed to get away from the guys, the nightly drinking, and break the pattern.
That evening he packed a bag and told his roommate he would be gone until he could return to work. I felt at peace knowing he would be with me. No more wondering what happened to him, if he was okay, or if he was drinking.
Sadness showed on his face as we drove through the city, heading toward the airport. “You’ll be back, Kayden—this is only temporary.”
“I love this city, but I want to be with you. I wish we lived here together,” he said.
I squeezed his hand, knowing we would be back. Our time in New Orleans wasn’t over just yet. We made the flight bound for Florida. Kayden was fidgeting in his seat on the plane. “What’s wrong, baby?” I asked.
“I hate to fly.”
“Really? You flew to see me and never mentioned it.”
“I didn’t want you to think I’m a pussy, but I loathe flying,” he told me, looking out the window.
“I’ll hold your hand. I hate flying, too. I was so scared once that they gave me a little pair of wings before I got off the plane.”
“That’s funny,” he laughed.
I slapped his chest. “Quiet, mister.” I rested my head against his shoulder, gripping his hand as the plane ascended. The cabin of the plane was dark, and the city lights twinkled outside the window.
“Wanna join the mile-high club?” he whispered in my ear.
I swallowed hard, thinking through his proposition before answering, “We can’t. We’ll get in trouble.”
He chuckled at my words, “You’re always worried about getting in trouble. Come on, the fear always makes it hotter.”
“No, no. I can’t! It’s too scary,” I said, shaking my head against his soft T-shirt.
The plane shook from turbulence, and Kayden flinched and grabbed the armrests. “Wow, you’re more scared than me. Who knew I’d ever find someone more afraid of flying than I am?”
“Don’t laugh. That shit’s scary,” he said.
I closed my eyes for the rest of the flight. Kayden stroked my arm, more for his comfort than mine. Exhaustion didn’t even begin to explain what I felt, but I knew I would sleep in Kayden’s arms tonight.
Kayden and I dropped our bags in my room and undressed. We crawled into bed, skin on skin, and I nestled against him.
“Good night, Kayden,” I said, reaching up to kiss his lips, and then I nuzzled back into his chest.
“Night, Sophia. I love you,” he replied as he kissed the top of my head. I reached up and scratched his goatee. I tangled my fingers in his facial hair until I felt his body twitch before slipping into my own oblivion.
30
Kayden
Making a Home
Icould feelSophia crawling out of bed to turn off the screeching alarm. She was trying to not wake me, but the alarm volume had done the job for her. I watched her dress by the glow of the television. I waited for a kiss, but she started to creep toward the door.
“Morning, beautiful, were you going to leave without giving me a kiss?” I asked her.
“Oh, baby. I wanted to let you sleep,” she said, turning around.
“Don’t ever leave without kissing me and saying good-bye.”
“I’m sorry. I won’t do it again.”
“Kiss me.”
