She nodded, placing her soft hand in mine.
“Come on. Let’s go home, Legacy.”
I tucked her under my arm as we made the short walk to my car. After I opened her door, I wiped away her tears and kissed her forehead. She smiled at me before sliding onto the passenger seat. I closed her inside, wishing I could make it all disappear but knowing my presence would have to be enough because I couldn’t erase it all.
Liftingmy teakettle from the stove, I poured the boiling water into my teacup. Today, I was drinking out of the china that was passed down through my family. It was blush pink with gold flower detailing, and the handle looked like a grapevine. Holding it in my hand made me feel closer to my mother. It had been three days since their anniversary, and I was slowly coming back to myself.
Thanks to Kai, this year I wasn’t struggling to stuff my grief back into the beautiful box I had for it. With Kai there, the recovery was less painful. His hugs, reassuring kisses, and encouraging words made me feel so seen. I’d hidden the pain of losing my parents for a long time because death made people weird. Not with Kai though. He was the first person who waswilling to sit through it with me, never letting my hand go or making me feel alone. He was patient with my tears and unbothered by having to pause his day to console me. Being in his arms became my favorite place. Those forehead kisses were a close second because each one sent an injection of ecstasy racing through my veins.
I glanced up in time to see Kai shuffling into the kitchen. He was wearing gray sweatpants shorts with tapered edges. His chest was bare, leaving his chiseled midsection on display. Kai took good care of his body, so he looked good enough to eat. My throbbing pussy agreed as I leaned on the counter, trying to steady my breathing. Today, he had his locs thrown up in a messy bun and wore a pair of gold-rimmed glasses.
“Good morning, hubby,” I jokingly greeted.
He paused when he saw me. I was confused until I realized his eyes were focused on what I was wearing. I’d forgotten that I was wearing his hoodie. I’d found it lying around, and it smelled just like him. While I was waiting for him to wake up, I used it for comfort.
I smiled oddly. “Sorry for touching your stuff. I saw it lying around, and it looked so soft.” I decided not to mention that it smelled like him too. That was my secret to keep.
He gulped before coming around the island to place a kiss on my cheek. “Morning, wifey. The only thing soft about that hoodie is that you’re wearing it. It’s cool though. I don’t mind.”
Kai tapped my nose with his finger, making me giggle. We looked up at the same time to see Bones patrolling the backyard. Things had been quiet, but Kai was vigilant, never allowing security to slacken for a moment. My chest tightened at how sexy it was to be protected so fiercely. I hadn’t had anyone coming so hard behind me in a long time that I forgot what it felt like. I could only thank the Virgo next to me for that gift because I started to believe I would never experience it again.
I slid Kai’s cup of tea over to him. “I want to show you something.”
Taking his hand in my free one, I pulled him behind me. He barely had time to pick the cup up because I was on a mission. When I got to the basement entrance, I paused at the door, pressing my forehead into the wooden frame and inhaling a shaky breath.
Kai placed his cup down on the side table. I felt his hand on the small of my back. “You good, Legacy?”
I exhaled slowly before nodding and standing up. I stared at the door. “Yeah. I just haven’t been down here since my parents passed away.” I reached for the doorknob, and it was so cold. Kai’s reassuring hand on my shoulder gave me the strength to turn it and snatch the door open.
I flicked on the lights before taking the flight of stairs down to the basement level. I was already walking around the studio space when Kai joined me with his teacup to his lips. He paused when he realized where we were standing.
“What is this?” he questioned in awe.
I smiled. “It was my mother’s studio. Her safe haven. My father had it built for her because of her love for music.” I waved him over and then pointed down at a set of cassette tapes. “Every song she ever created is here.”
He glanced from me to the tapes. “For real?” I nodded. “And you wanted to share this with me?”
“Yes... Since the day I met you, you’ve done nothing but give me peace. I was hoping this studio could do the same for you. That way, you don’t have to leave the house when the urge to create emerges. You have everything you need here.” I squealed when Kai scooped me up and spun me around in a circle. “Kai!” I giggled carelessly.
He placed me on my feet and cupped my face. “Thank you for sharing this with me, Legacy. I know you hold this studio dear toyour heart, so that means you’ve made room for me in there.” He tapped my chest. I didn’t admit it, but we both knew his words held the weight of truth. “I won’t disrespect your mother’s safe haven. I will handle it with the same care your father did with her heart.”
Every word from his mouth worked me up a little more until tears welled in my eyes.
“I knew no one would appreciate this like you. The way you experience music is truly a gift from God that you’d better continue sharing with the world.” I glanced around the room and then looked back at him with a goofy expression. “When you write a song about me, just make sure I get my credit,” I joked.
“I got you,” he responded with an expressionless face, but his eyes told me that credits would be the least of my worries.
I stepped out of Kai’s arms, knowing if I stayed there any longer, I wouldn’t be able to control myself. My body yearned for this man a little more every day. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to cross those lines or if he would even want to. Kai hadn’t made any moves on me, even though I knew he was attracted to me. I mean, there was that one kiss, but I think that was more for comfort than desire.
“Well, go have fun.” I motioned toward the soundboard.
Kai looked like a kid in a candy store as he walked over there and took a seat. I went over to the couch and sipped my tea. I watched as he slowly brought the studio to life. It hummed just as it did when I was a young girl hanging out in here with my mother while she pursued her passion. She had no desire to be a well-known artist. She did music for fun, not funds. I could tell Kai felt the same way, even though that was how he cared for his family. If he didn’t make a dime off music, I think he would still do it and find another way to make a living.
Once I finished with my tea, I pulled up the other chair and sat next to Kai. He genuinely smiled when he looked over at me.It felt like I could breathe in his joy, and it felt like sunshine. I nodded my head as he began creating a beat on the spot. He moved so expertly that I knew he was in his element. I closed my eyes, remembering sitting in this same chair while my mother taught me anything I wanted to know. I never really cared about learning, just loved spending time with that lady. She was the sweetest woman. Never one to raise her voice or stay upset for too long, she could be strict, but she was good at explaining things to us, so we knew she only operated from a place of love. Sometimes I understood, and other times I swore she hated me. It never kept me from coming down here with her, though.
“You okay?” Kai’s voice broke through the mental fog I was in.
I nodded. “Yeah, just thinking about my mother.”
