“You guys got in late,” he says, handing me a mug before claiming the seat across from me.
I inhale the minty goodness, briefly closing my eyes as the calming scent swirls around me. “I was working, and Kent showed up. He crashed in the staff room until the bar closed.”
“Which bar do you work at?”
“I’m co-manager of a bar in Mattapan called Ramshackle. It’s a dive, but the owner is good to work for, and my coworkers are great.”
“We’ll have to stop by and check it out sometime.”
I almost choke on my tea. “I’m not sure that would be a good idea though my boss would probably fire me if he heard me saying that.” His brows pucker in confusion as I take a sip of my tea. I grin. “Business has tripled since Kent started showing up. I think every woman in the vicinity has been in there at least once the past couple of months.”
He chuckles. “Sounds like my brother.”
“He’s been making quite the name for himself in Mattapan.”
“That’s how you two met?” he asks, curling his fingers around his mug.
“He didn’t tell you?” I assumed Kent had spoken to his brother because he seemed to understand who I am.
“I haven’t spoken to him in a couple weeks. Sel and I were in Italy. We only got back a few days ago, but I know who you are. He told my sister-in-law Eva all about you.”
Warmth blossoms in my chest. “Kent mentioned he was closest to Eva and Selena.”
Keanu nods. “He is, and Sel will be so happy when I tell her you’re here. She’s delighted he’s met someone.”
“It’s very early days,” I caution. “But I like him, and I think he likes me.”
Keanu beams at me. “I look forward to getting to know you better. Maybe we can all go out to dinner or you and Kent can come to our house one weekend.”
“That sounds great.”
We finish our tea, and Keanu shows me where the first aid kit is. I grab some Tylenol and two waters from the large fridge, and then we say goodnight, and head to our respective rooms.
Kent is still conked out as I crawl under the covers alongside him. I stare at his beautiful face like a creeper until my eyelids grow heavy, and I eventually fall asleep.
I wake the next morning, pressed up against Kent with my back to his chest and his muscular arm clamped tight around my stomach. The covers are pooled around our waists, and the room is bathed in darkness, the heavy drapes blocking out all light, so I’ve no clue what time it is.
“Morning, Presley baby,” Kent whispers, nuzzling his face in my neck. “Did you sleep okay?”
“Like the dead,” I admit, grabbing his arm, biting back a pleasurable moan when his tongue darts out, licking a trail along the side of my neck.
“You smell like me,” he murmurs, nibbling on my ear.
“I took a shower last night. I hope that was okay.”
He turns me around in his arms, smiling. “Of course. I’m only sorry I wasn’t awake to participate.”
I swat at his chest. “You passed out pretty much the second you hit the bed.”
“Sorry about that.”
I trail my fingers through the scruff on his chin and cheeks. “How are you feeling?”
“Like I got run over by a truck, but I’ll live.” He kisses the tip of my nose. “Thanks for the Tylenol and the water.” He kisses my cheek. “And for coming home with me. I like waking up beside you.” He leans in to kiss me, and I shuck out of his arms, shrieking. He stares at me like I’ve grown ten heads.
“I need to brush my teeth and pee.” I swing my legs out of the bed. “Hold that thought!”
I race into the bathroom with his hearty chuckles chasing me. I attend to business, drag a comb through my hair, and brush my teeth before crawling back into bed with him.
