“Y’all get some rest,” I said, looking down at Eli. She looked like she had something on her mind, but I wouldn’t press her in front of her brother. “You good?”
“Yes,” she almost whispered. “I forgot I have your charger from the ride back home. Come get it before you go.”
“We still on to work out tomorrow, or do you need a break?” I asked Isaac, knowing how he turned up when he went to Miami.
“I’ll be good to go. I got an IV session scheduled in the morning.”
“Aight, cool.”
I followed Eli upstairs to her room, and when she handed me the charger, she didn’t release it immediately. Instead, she confirmed, “You love me?” softly. “For real?”
I smiled softly and cupped her cheek. “That’s what had you on mute down there?” Her head bobbed as her eyes wateredall over again. “Yes, Smiley. I love you. And please don’t feel obligated to say it back. Me loving you has nothing to do with how you feel about me and everything to do with how I feel about you. Hell, the fact that I feelbecauseof you.”
“But I-I want to say it back because it’s true. I love you, Falcon. And even if it doesn’t last forever, I’m grateful to God that I get to love and be loved by you.”
Pulling her hair, I tilted her head and kissed her. It was risky, but I didn’t give a fuck about her brother walking in on us. This was why I told her ass she needed to move in with me. Hell, I’d get her a penthouse apartment or loft in my building if it meant having her close. Just as the thought entered my mind, I pulled away to say it, but the sound of Isaac’s voice on the phone as he walked down the hall silenced me. With a sigh, I rested my forehead against hers for a few seconds, resisting the urge to pick her up.
“I’ll see you in the morning, Smiley.”
“Okay, baby. See you soon.”
Walking away from her was getting harder and harder. I would have to sit down and be honest with her brother and let the chips fall where they may.
How in the fuck was I going to let this woman go?
Chapter
Seventeen
Eli
Two Months Later
“Makesure you keep your energy up.”
“Why you always gotta sing these slow ass songs?”
“Don’t be out there looking bored.”
“That’s what you’re wearing?”
“Tell them you appreciate them coming out after every few songs.”
“I’ma start looking into getting you some features from some rappers.”
“You done gained some weight? You looking a little plump in the face.”
“Plug your brother’s new deal with that electrolyte company.”
“Move around the stage. Don’t be looking all stiff.”
“I’on like your hair pinned up like that. It makes you look too old.”
“How much these tickets cost? I bet you let them rob you with these sales.”
“Have you smoked today? I hope not. That raspy shit only works for like two songs.”
“We need to get you some background dancers and turn this into a real show.”
