I moved forward and anchored her chin up. “I don’t mind waiting for you. Next time, keep it locked. Haven’t you sawFriday After Next? Niggas are desperate during this time of the year.”
“If someone runs up in here, this will be their last Christmas,” she replied, rushing back to the couch.
“I like hearing that type of shit. Say it again. Slow this time.”
“Cut it out before you get something started.” Her face prickled into a blush. “Let me show you the goodies I have.”
I picked up a few unopened perfume bottles off the table. “Where did you get all of this from?”
“I had the chance to connect with a few companies while at the country club. I explained that I’m an event coordinator, and I shared a few details about your parents’ Christmas Eve Anniversary party. I really thought they were full of shit when they asked for my shipping address, but the packages started rolling in this morning.”
My chest swelled with admiration. “The day you decide to start your own business, let me know if you need an investor,” I said with no hesitation.
“Mm. Business and pleasure don’t usually work out.”
“I’ll be a silent partner,” I suggested. “You ready for the long weekend?”
She jumped to her feet and started dancing. “Duh! I should be asking you. The party is Saturday.”
“I’m as ready as I’m going to be.”
“And what about Christmas?”
“You tell me. The family will be up north. It’s just us.”
“Maybe it doesn’t have to be. I was thinking we can drive up to meet the gang early Saturday morning.”
“If that’s what you want to do, then that means you ready to tell your brother about us.”
Essen’s orbs raced to her Christmas tree. A look of apprehension flashed in her eyes.
“I am. I know it won’t be easy. Shiloh may not talk to me for a bit, but he loves me. He knows I wouldn’t make a decision without considering the family.”
“You don’t have to speak to your brother alone. I got you, pretty girl.”
She straddled my lap and roped her arms around my neck. “Words like that are exactly why I refuse to love you in the dark.”
My fingers brushed against the silky material of her pajamas. “Mm. Make sure you pack these for the trip.”
“You like?” she flirted.
“I do.”
She planted her feet on the floor. “I’m happy to hear that since I got you a pair! I’ll be right back.”
I got comfortable on the loveseat while Essen disappeared down the hallway. As soon as she was out of view, her iPad went off beside me. I may have ignored it had I not saw the weirdo’s name on the screen. To my satisfaction, the device was unlocked. I didn’t bother to scroll to the top of their text thread. I only concentrated on the message abouttheirtrip and a screenshotof reservations. Fury sent my eyes around the room. For the first time since I walked into her house, I noticed two suitcases in the living room. The idea of Essen leaving cut me deep, but the thought of her leaving to be with another man during the holidays was dangerous for all of us.
When Essen returned, I was already on my feet, yet seeing her sport the same confused expression as me rearranged my face.
“What’s your problem?” I quizzed.
She lifted her phone, so the screen was facing me. “Why is Melli posting pictures of herself outside of your shop, dressed like me, and talking shit in the comments of the post?”
“Because she’s a dumbass,” I damn yelled.
“Did you see her today?”
I sat down and placed my arms across the back of the loveseat. “She came to see me.”
