I looked down at my outfit, thankful that I’d put a little effort into my appearance today. I would have hated to sit across from him in my normal attire of jeans and a t-shirt while he was in a suit. Today, I’d worn a red-and-white floral blouse with pair of black high waisted, flare-leg trousers, and flats.
“You tired of my cooking already?” I jested.
“Never. I thought it would be nice to take my lady out for dinner.”
I blushed. “Your lady?”
“Well, maybe not officially. I want you, Alayah. I’m willing to wait until you’re fully ready, but I need you to know that. Do you have a problem with being my lady?”
I shook my head. “No, but when did you decide this?”
He stepped back and took my hands. “I told you I had feelings for you back in high school. I never acted on them because I didn’t feel like it was a right time back then. Being around you since you’ve been home has proven to me that those feelings never went away. It took me a while to realize that you are the reason I chose a career as a lawyer.
“Every time I step into a courtroom, I fight for people whose voices have been taken from them and they can’t fight for themselves. I wish I would have spoken up about the things I suspected were going on with you. I wish I could have done something to help you back then—an anonymous call or something…”
I placed a finger to his lips. “You couldn’t have helped me. I was so afraid that I probably would have lied to avoid the backlash. When you’re terrified of someone, you do anything to keep them satisfied so things don’t get worse, Killian. That was me, just trying to survive until I could better my situation. That’s no guilt for you to hold.” I cupped his face and pecked his lips. “You were exactly what I needed when I needed you, and I don’t take that for granted.”
Wrapping my arms around him, I hugged him tightly. He buried his face between my neck and shoulder as he hugged me back.
“I’m so happy that you’re home, baby,” he whispered.
Pulling away, he kissed me with so much passion and desire. It wasn’t until the sound of someone clearing their throat behind us that we parted. I looked back to see my uncle.
“Hey, Uncle Clive,” I said, turning around to face him.
“Baby girl. Mr. Lake.”
“Mr. Easton.” Killian extended his hand to shake his. “How are you, sir?”
“I’m well.” He pointed between us. “Is this officially a thing?”
“We’re still working on it, Uncle Clive.”
“I see. Well, do me a favor, son.”
“What’s that?” Killian asked.
“Try not to tongue my niece down in front of me. She may be grown, but she’s still my baby.”
Killian chuckled. “My apologies, sir. I couldn’t help myself.”
“Umm-hmm.I’ll see y’all on Saturday.” He kissed my cheek. “Love you, baby girl.”
“I love you, too.”
He walked away, and I turned back to Killian.
“You ready to eat?” he asked.
“I’m ready.”
Chapter 26
Killian
“Killian!”
I looked up from the coffee I was pouring to see Erica rushing toward me in the break room. I’d just gotten to work and had enough time to put my things down and grab a hot cup of Joe before she rushed me.
