“Was that your sister?”
“Yeah. She just wanted to make sure you weren’t upset.”
“Nope. I feel . . . good,” she said, nuzzling her face in his neck. That shit felt good ashell, and it took every ounce of strength he possessed to say his next words.
“You need to back up.”
She sighed. “Why? I want to kiss you.”
“You ain’t even known me a week, La.”
She frowned but didn’t move. “So?”
“So, you tryin’ to kiss me after drinking two big ass glasses of wine like they were shots isn’t a good idea.”
Nahla laughed then groaned. “Fine. But tomorrow, when I’m sober, I’m gonna ask again.”
He laughed too. “I hear you, man.”
Nahla rolled her eyes and released him. Turning on her heels, she said, “I’m going to take a shower. You have to clean the kitchen tonight.”
Cannon shook his head. She really was something else.
Although he knew it was the best move, he missed her closeness as soon as she backed away from him. Cannon was starting to feel like he was hooked on his client, and if there was any truth to her words, she might have been feeling the same way.
He wasn’t sure what that might mean for them moving forward, but he had thoroughly enjoyed his night with her. That was all he knew at this moment.
He stood and began cleaning the kitchen. By the time he cleared the counters, washed and dried the dishes, and took the trash out, forty minutes had passed. He wasn’t the least bit tired, but that was nothing new for Cannon, because he didn’t get much sleep most nights.
He contemplated chilling in the living room and watching television but decided to just head to his bedroom and shower. Maybe he could use the night to do a deep dive into Lyle’s city officials, finally. He headed for the hallway. As he was about to pass Nahla’s door, he saw that the light was still on, and it was slightly ajar. Deciding to catch one more glimpse of her before he turned in, he stopped to tell her good night, but what he heard made him pause.
“Today was . . . a lot. It was heavy, but then again, it always is when I’m dealing with my father. The sheriff’s press conference did nothing to make my day better, but I’ll tell you who did—Cannon Porter. I just met the man, but I can’t say that I care about that even a little bit. He makes me feel safe. For the first time in so many years, I don’t feel like I’m in this life thing alone, and I know it’s because I’m here with him. I wanna feel thisfeeling forever, and the wine in me is giving me hope that that isn’t just wishful thinking,” she said with a laugh.
Cannon hated that he had been eavesdropping but wasn’t mad at what he heard. What she just admitted confirmed that they were on the same page. As new as their connection was, it was significant to both of them.
Pushing her door open, Cannon stepped inside.
Her eyes widened when she saw him. “I wasn’t talking to myself,” she said, making him laugh. The fact that she was worried about whether he thought she was talking to herself and not whether he had heard what she said was just another reason why he couldn’t get enough of the woman.
“I mean, Iwas, but . . . it was a voice recording,” she finished, holding up her phone. “Since I’m always so busy, I like having an audio diary, instead of?—”
“La,” he said, cutting her off.
She licked her bottom lip. “Yeah?”
“Come here.”
She stood without hesitation and glided over to him. He also moved without delay when he cupped her face gently and pressed his lips on hers. The kiss wasn’t rushed or sloppy. It was slow.
Deep.
Gratifying.
Like he had finally been granted the thing he’d waited years for.
It was every damn thing.
He sensed her rising on her toes to deepen their kiss, so he moved his hands down her body until they were on her hips, then lifted her into his arms. Nahla immediately wrapped her legs around Cannon’s waist and her arms around his neck while he moved to her bed.
