He smiled. “Open it, Leila.”
I carefully peeled the wrapping paper from the box and immediately noticed that it was a phone. My eyes lifted quickly and found his.
“It’s paid for, but on my line. You don’t have to worry about the bill, and before you say anything, Leila, it’s not up for debate.”
My shoulders relaxed as I smiled. “I wasn’t going to give you any pushback. I was just going to say thank you.”
“You don’t have to say that either. I got you and baby girl for whatever, whenever.”
There wasn’t an ounce of humor in his voice or in his expression, but even if there was, I believed him. He’d been a man of his word since the moment that I met him.
The waiter returned with our food, and I waited until we had our plates and condiments before replying, “Well, I’m sure that I speak for us both when I say that we are extremely grateful. You and your family haven’t had to treat my baby and me with the love and kindness that you have, so again, thank you. From the bottom of my heart.”
He didn’t reply verbally, just winked and asked Ava if she could pause her drawing so that we could bless the food. She happily obliged, reaching for his hand then mine and bowing her head.
We dug right into our food after that. Ava hummed with a pretty smile and rubbed her belly after her first bite, pulling a laugh from me and Kiyan. She was a sucker for the Rainbow Waffles that they had because they smothered them in the house made icing.
Kiyan told me a little about his sister and her family that was coming into town. They were both family law attorney’s but she specialized in divorce. Both of his nephews went to a school for the gifted and talented. I could now see why he’d become the chairman of the board at ACU at such a young age. He came from a very impressive family.
After breakfast we headed to the airport. Ava knocked out as soon as we got in the car, which gave Kiyan and I more time to talk.
“So, every year at the university we have a Christmas party,” Kiyan began, glancing my way briefly before turning his attention back to the road ahead. “Mel has been on me about finding someone to go with.”
“Uh huh, and?” I grinned.
“And I would love it if you’d go with me.” He smiled my way. “Ifyou don’t already have plans that is.”
I gave him a knowing look when he glanced in my direction.
“You know I don’t have plans, but it sucks that you only want me to be your date just because Mel asked.”
“Naw, don’t do that.” He chuckled. “You know that’s not true. I just needed to find the right time to bring it up to you.”
“And today’s the perfect time, huh?” I grinned. “Get me good and full then try to bait me.”
“Did it work?”
“Hm, maybe.”
“It’s not a no, so I’ll take it.”
“It’s definitely not a no.” I chuckled lowly. “I’d actually love to go with you, but I don’t have anything to wear?—”
“You know that’s not an issue,” he quickly intervened. “I’ll handle all of that.”
“How’d I know you were going to say that?”
“Because you know I got you.”
“I do,” I blushed. “But are you sure? All of your colleagues will be there…”
“The only person I care about being there is you.” He reached for my hand and gave me a smile. “And Mel, but she doesn’t count.”
“Don’t do her,” I laughed. “Yes, Kiyan. I would love to be your date to the Christmas party.”
His smile grew wider. “Bet. My parents, siblings, and their spouses are all going too. I know the women are going to go shopping. You can go out with them.”
I nodded. “Who’ll keep the kids?”
