“Since this one only eats chocolate chip and peanut butter, we’ll go with that,” Sidney said before moving over to her mounted tablet to get together a grocery list.
“That’s the only kind of cookies you eat?” Dru confirmed, as if she couldn’t believe what she’d heard.
Caden chuckled as they walked out of the kitchen. “Yes, ma’am. I used to eat butter cookies in school, but now I just stick to those two.”
“I guess,” she muttered, following him into the living room.
“So what would you like to do until dinner is ready, Dru? We can chill and watch TV or go to the theater room and watch a movie, play some shit in the game room, talk and get to know each other a little better. It’s up to you.”
“We can talk. You keep showing me sides of you that pique my curiosity, and I can’t lie and say I don’t want to get to know you better.”
“Cool with me.”
They got comfortable on the couch, and Caden cut the TV on for background noise. “Did you want to get a bit more comfortable?” he checked. “Since I kind of kidnapped you, I can give you something of mine to put on.”
Dru looked down at herself with a smile. “I’m okay for now. I’ve gotten used to dressing like this for hours, so it’s cool.”
Caden couldn’t stop himself from taking in the crop top, shorts, and heels. Forcing himself to look away, he nodded his agreement.
“Tell me about you, beautiful. And actually tell me about you, not your family or anyone else.”
“That makes it trickier,” she confessed. “There’s not really much to tell. I think I’m officially jobless at this point. I’m thirty. No kids, but Dreya may as well be my daughter. I’m single?—”
“Not anymore. You’re very much taken and mine.”
Her eyes rolled playfully. “I love swimming, reading, and painting. And I absolutely love the art you have around your home.” Caden locked in that bit of information for a future date. “If I would have gone to college, I would’ve majored in Fine Arts. Hmm, what else? I just told you what my favorite food is. My favorite color is yellow, and I love watching shows from the late ’80s and ’90s. I can listen to any kind of music, depending on the vibe, but Al Green is probably my favorite artist. Now tell me some things about you.”
“You already know what I do. Who I am. I’m thirty-eight, my favorite food is anything Southern. I have a private chef to ensure I eat healthy, but I do believe Black people can eat our food every day, just like other ethnicities and cultures, when it’s prepared properly. My favorite color is blue. My hobbies arereading, sports, gambling, and art. I love to collect it and go to galleries and showcases in and out of the city.”
“That’s so exciting. I’ve gone to all the galleries here except the new one.”
“Divine?” Caden confirmed. “Oh, you’re missing out. It’s bomb as hell. I’ll have to take you one day.”
She didn’t reject the invitation, so that was progress. They continued to talk, sharing their birthdays and describing their personalities and character. More things they liked and disliked. By the time the groceries had arrived, they’d shifted into more casual conversation.
“I’m too competitive to gamble,” Dru shared. “I would hate to lose.”
“I get that. I think I love the high of it. The adrenaline of the risk and reward.”
“I can tell you’re like that with all things, including your pursuit of me.”
Caden couldn’t help but smile. “I’d like to think that’s a good trait. Not being afraid to lose if it means something, someone as beautiful as you will be what I gain.”
“You’re too much.” She cooed, trying to hide her blush, but Caden had worked far too hard for that smile to not take it in. “Have you gone to Cash’s casino yet? I’ve been wanting to go, but I’m always so busy I haven’t had time.”
“I have, and you’ll love it. Now that you don’t have to worry about work, you have all the time in the world to do whatever you want to do.”
Her head shook as she chuckled. “I can’t let you take care of me, Caden.”
“Why not?”
“For one, I’m a grown ass woman.”
“A grown ass woman who’s never been taken care of before. Am I right?” Dru’s expression saddened, which was what Cadenwanted to avoid, but he had to ask. “Your parents didn’t do it; your sister can’t do it. You said you have no friends, and you haven’t been in a relationship in years.” When her head hung, Caden tilted it by her chin. “So while you’re out here playing Superwoman, . . . who’s taking care of and prioritizing you?”
Licking the corner of her mouth, Dru swallowed back her tears. “No one, I guess. Being honest, I barely have the time to even take care of myself.”
“Then let me take care of you,” he offered.
