“I thought that was for me?” he questioned with raised brows, causing Joi to grin and shrug.
“You left it, so it was fair game.”
“Damn, that’s fucked up.” He smirked again, taking the plate from her lap and placing it on the floor before he pulled her to his side, tucking her under his arm.
“You think you can get away for a couple days?”
“Umm…” Joi frowned slightly, thinking about it. “I guess so. I might have to move a few appointments, but I really needto clean up my shop.” She frowned deeper thinking about the damage Patterson had done.
Yeah and I need to create a permanent solution so that shit doesn’t happen again.“Don’t sweat that shit. I’ma pay for it. That’s on me?—”
“East, no. You’re not responsible for what he did.”
Laughing arrogantly, East reached for Joi’s chin, angling her head slightly back so she was forced to look at him. After a light kiss his expression grew serious. “I’m not saying I’m responsible for that muthafucker, but I am saying his presence in your life is on me. I’ll handle what needs to be done in your shop. Just see if you can get away for a few days.”
“What’s a few days?’
“Two, maybe three. Whatever you can pull off.”
Joi frowned again before she looked up at East with a sly grin. She dated a lot of men, some in decent positions but none that ever really treated her like she was important.Well important enough to take a few days to…
“Wait, are we going somewhere? You said get away, so do you mean like?—”
“Yeah, man. I want to take you away for a few days. Why you acting like that’s a big deal?”
It’s a huge ass deal.East laughed, not realizing how comfortable he was with asking. Even if his plan was to get her away so he could slip back into town to handle what needed to be done to Patterson, he was still very much comfortable with the appearance of taking Joi away for a few days. Miami was what he had in mind because he needed access to Cabo’s jet so he could have an alibi and move undetected.
Blushing, Joi dipped from under his arm and climbed onto his lap. “Because it is a big deal. Maybe you fly girlfriends to exotic islands or special vacations like it’s nothing, but I’ve never been on the receiving end before.”
East chuckled at the seriousness in her expression. It was cute as hell. “First of all, I didn’t say shit about no exotic islands or special vacations. I have to go to Miami to handle a few things. I figured you could roll with me because your aunt is there.”
Joi’s happy state was crushed in seconds and her face expressed it instantly. East realized how it sounded and backtracked a little.Why the fuck am I concerned about her feelings being hurt?
“Stop looking like I stole your candy. It’s not that deep. What I mean is I have to go handle a few things, and since I’m going, I’m asking you to go with me. I want you there with me. We can kick it in Miami for a few days. We have both been dealing with some shit and need a break.”
“I’m not looking for charity.”
“Shawty, chill with them crazy ass thoughts. I don’t do charity. I just told your slow ass I want you there. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t have mentioned it. I would have just dipped and caught up with you when I got back. I apologize if I made it seem like anything other than what it was, but I don’t do shit like this. I damn sure don’t take women any place other than hotels and my bedroom.”
Although his confession was meant to help his argument, it only pushed a frown on Joi’s face, which in turn caused East to laugh under his breath while exposing a smug grin.
“I can’t win with your ass. Stop reading too deep into things. I want some time alone with you. Let’s make that happen.”
Playfully rolling her eyes through a blush that warmed her cheeks which were now sitting high, Joi nodded. “Fine but you better not just take me away then ignore me because you havethingsto handle.”
“Nah, I got you. That’s my word. With what I have to do, you won’t even realize I’m gone. I’m all yours, trust.”
“All mine.” Joi’s eyes shined with devious intent and East simply nodded, pressing a kiss to her full lips.
“What about your mom? She needs to see you.”
East’s expression was tight for a minute. He knew he had to start the process of them dealing with her past, but it wasn’t going to be an easy fix. “I’ma holla at her before we go.”
It was all he was willing to give at the moment, and based on the look he gave her, Joi decided to let the topic go.For now!
30
When Vega received the call to meet East that next morning, he had not expected to be presented with an offer he had been waiting on for the past three years. It placed him in an awkward predicament yet he had to make a quick decision.
