I smiled faintly. “I’ll see you at Killian’s.”
They nodded and closed the door. Once everyone was in their respective cars, we left. Killian reached over and grabbed my hand.
“I know your heart is heavy right now, but we’re about to be around the people that love us. No matter how much was taken from you, you’re gonna get that back tenfold. You’re in a position to win in every season, baby. Nobody will take another thing from you if I can help it. I’ve got you.”
As we pulled to a stop sign, I leaned over to kiss him. I believed him when he said he had me. He’d followed through on every word he’d spoken since we’d reconnected, and I loved him for it. I didn’t have experience with men, but I knew from my uncle that there was nothing like a man who tells you what he’s going to do, then actually does that shit.
Putting the panic attack and helpless feelings out of my mind, I decided to focus on the good instead of the things that brought me down. Today had been a good day, and this evening would be better.
Chapter 28
Killian
Alayah’s spirits had lifted by the time we got to my house. My parents were already there along with Bridget, Ellie, and Collin. Of course, they had made themselves comfortable in my home. The Eastons had pulled up not long after we made it, and Kadeem said he and the fam were on the way.
When I introduced Alayah to my parents, my father offered her a warm smile and a handshake while my mother pulled her in for a hug. She was acting like she’d never met her. Although Alayah had never been to my home in high school, my parents were very active and showed up to school events, so they had met her before.
“It’s so nice see you, baby,” my mama said, rocking her from side to side. “I’m happy you’re home.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Lake. It’s good to be home.”
Ellie slid her little body in between them and raised her arms for Alayah to pick her up. She smiled as she scooped her up in a hug.
“Hi, Ms. Alayah!”
“Hi, baby.”
“We can watch our movie now.”
Bridget shook her head. “Please go watch that movie with her. She will not stop talking about watchingMoanawith the real-life Moana.”
Alayah giggled. “Can I help with anything first?” she asked my mother.
“No, baby. Bridget and I made all the sides earlier. We’re just waiting on the meat to come off the grill. Go on in there with my grandbaby. She’s been waiting on you.”
“Okay, Ellie. Just let me shower and change clothes first.”
“Okay. Hurry back.”
“Mr. and Mrs. Easton, girls, make yourselves comfortable,” I said. “I’m sure my mama will make you feel right at home. She has a way of doing that.”
Mama playfully slapped my arm. “In not so many words, he’s saying I invade his space.”
“You do at times, but I love you, so I let it slide. I’ll be back.”
Alayah and I headed down the hall to the bedrooms. She dipped into hers, and I went into mine. After stripping down, I headed into the shower. Once the water was hot, I stepped inside. As the water ran down over my body, I heard the bathroom door open. When I looked back, Alayah was standing there clutching a towel around her with her hygiene products in her hands.
“Can I join you?” she asked.
Instead of answering, I opened the shower door to let her in. She dropped the towel, and my eyes trailed her beautiful frame. My baby was flawless. She stepped in and turned to face me. Slowly, she drank me in from head to toe. This was the first time she’d seen me fully naked.
Her eyes stopped at my groin area, widening as she took in my length.
“You want me to takeallof that at some point?” she asked.
I chuckled. “I’ll be gentle, and it’s only if and when you want it.”
Her gaze lowered again, and she swallowed hard.
