“How was the rest of your week?” he asked.
“Fine.”
“Any more problems with your ex?”
“No.”
“I saw you on your porch a few nights, but I didn’t want to assume I was welcome.”
“I wouldn’t have turned you away.”
“Can I take you to dinner tonight?”
“Graham—”
“It’s just dinner, baby. I didn’t ask you to marry me . . . yet.”
“As friends?”
“As whatever you want, but my intention will always be to make you mine.”
“Fine. We can go to dinner as friends if my sister watches Keelan.”
“Bet. Don’t move. I’ll be right back.”
He kissed my forehead, sending chills through my body, and left me where I stood, only to slide into the seat next to my sister. I watched as they conversed, looking back at me a few times.
“Wear something sexy. I’ll pick you up at seven. Keelan is spending the night with his aunt,” he told me when he returned.
“Where are we going?”
“You’ll find out soon enough. DJ is with the boys, and I’ve been summoned. I’ll see you after we beat their asses in a few games.”
“You’re awfully sure of yourself. Didn’t your nephew just?—”
“Let’s not bring up old stuff. Today is a new day.”
He applied another kiss to my forehead, letting his lips linger a little longer than before, then rushed out the door. I remained against the wall, lost in my thoughts until I heard my name.
“Earth to Naryah. Earth to Naryah,” Naomi teased, snapping me out of my daze.
“Whatever, girl. I’m leaving your ass at home next time.”
I sat next to her, and Kindra joined us.
“Can I be transparent with you?” Kindra asked.
Naomi and I looked at each other, then back at Kindra. The way she asked the question made me a little wary of her intent.
“Sure,” I responded cautiously.
“Once a Diggs man decides he wants you, it doesn’t matter how much of a fight you put up, you’ll give in eventually.”
“That may be true for other women, but when I left my ex-husband two years ago, I decided I’m better off alone, and I’ve been ten toes down about my decision.”
“I don’t know what you experienced with your ex, but you’re about to let it make you miss out on an amazing man, and I’m not saying it because he’s my brother-in-law.”
“Listen to her, Sis,” Naomi encouraged.
