“Find Tiff. Let her know what’s going on, so she can mediate.”
“Milana can tell her. I’m steering clear of their asses.”
“A’ight, baby.”
“Call me once Uncle Marcus is settled, so I know all is well for now.”
“Okay. Love you.”
“Love you, too.”
The second I ended the call, Carter walked into the bedroom. He glanced toward the bathroom, then asked, “Y’all going out?”
“No. Fuck that. I’m staying in.”
“You wanna go get something to eat with us?”
“Nope. I have a couple of protein bars in my bag. I’ll be fine.”
He came to me and pulled me in his arms. After kissing my forehead, he said, “You know I’ll stay here if you need me, baby.”
God, I loved this man.I looked up at him and gave him a tight smile. “No. I’m fine. This weekend is about you sealing the number one spot. I love you so much, and I’m so proud of you Carter Legend Semien.”
He smiled at me and kissed my forehead again, then my lips. “I love you more. I’m beyond proud of you, too, Bali Wynter Henderson.”
I wrapped my arms around his neck and stared into his eyes. He slid his hands to my ass and squeezed. “When I get back, I plan to visit the Wynter Wonderland. So wait up for me.”
I smiled. “I’ll do my best. If I fall asleep, please wake me up so you can melt all this ice.”
He chuckled, then bit his bottom lip as he stared at me. I knew he could see the turmoil in my eyes. He always could. After kissing the tip of my nose, then my lips, he said, “Gladly. Just make sure them swimming skills are up to par. That’s a lot of ice.”
I shoved him playfully as he winked at me and left. That was my husband, and as long as I had him and Daddy Mayor, I didn’t need anyone else.
CHAPTER 10
CARTER LEGEND
“Who in the fuck is that nigga next to her, though?”
“Red, you acting like you don’t know Brian. That’s Asad’s friend.”
This nigga was tripping. I didn’t know how the fuck we ended up at the same restaurant with Noni, Milana, Asad, Ferris, and Brian. The very person I was trying to keep him from was within his reach. Since we were in a public place, he knew I wouldn’t be able to stop him from going over there without making a fucking scene.
When I saw Brian grab Noni’s hand, I knew that was why Bali was pissed. The only problem with that was I knew Red saw that shit, too. His face was redder than the color of his nickname. He nodded repeatedly. I knew he was trying to calm himself down.
“Man, why don’t we just go find somewhere else to eat.”
“Hell, naw. I ain’t finna let her ass run me off.”
“I would much rather that than seeing you throw your career away over this shit by losing your temper.”
“I’m good,” he said a little louder than necessary.
Noni turned and noticed us sitting here. She smirked, and I knew the shit was finna hit the fan. That was why Bali came back early. For her to not want to be with her people, I should haveknown that it was really bad. Noni leaned closer to Brian, and he put his arm around her. He didn’t see us. I wondered if Asad had told him that Noni was his lil brother’s ex. He couldn’t have for Brian to still be trying to get at her.
“She tryna get a rise out of me. You right. Let’s get the fuck out of here, before I go over there and jack her ass up.”
I huffed. This nigga and Noni were toxic as fuck. They were both full of shit. I had to admit, Red had started this shit, though. I just had a feeling Noni would finish it. I dropped a twenty-dollar bill on the table to pay for our drinks, and we stood. Just as I walked toward the exit, I saw Red quickly make his way to their table.Fuck!
