Page 151 of Prickly Romance

I capture the moment.

“Silly faces now!” Dejonae sticks out her tongue.

Niko bares her teeth.

I narrow my eyes.

Dejonae takes the phone and swipes through the photos. When she gets to my silly shot, she glances up in censure. “Sazuki, what kind of silly face is that?”

“It’s subtle.”

Her lips part. “Are you kidding? You look like you were posing for a fashion campaign. You evensmized. The point was to look silly.”

“What is ‘smize’?” Niko gestures.

“It’s fromAmerica’s Next Top Model.Tyra Banks.” Dejonae makes a disgruntled sound when she sees our confusion. “You’ve never seen the show?”

“We do not watch much Western television,” I fill in.

“Unacceptable. We’re going to binge every season,” she promises Niko.

My daughter smiles as if Dejonae just offered her the world.

I escort them downstairs for the meal. It is more lively than any meal we have ever had around the table. There is laughter, conversation and teasing. The way Dejonae communicates with Niko is confident. No hint of awkwardness. No hesitation.

In the past, when we ate meals with others, the conversation was often stilted. Even when all parties understood ASL, the delicate balance of eating, signing, and talking could not be achieved.

From the way Dejonae carries herself, I can immediately tell that her family dinners are full of life. Her excitement to get to know both me and Niko better—not only the deep parts of us, but the tiny ticks and quirks that make us unique—is genuine. She enjoys the conversation and does not seem tired by having to sign along with her words.

Her sensitivity and kindness move me almost as much as her beauty.

After the meal, we retreat to the living room. I want to sit close to Dejonae, but my daughter steals her away again to do puzzles. I watch from a distance, sipping on tea.

Dejonae glances at me with a heated look. “If all you’re going to do is stare, you might as well come and help.”

“You seem to have it well in hand,” I say.

“Is he always like that?” she signs to Niko.

“Boring?” Niko gestures. “Yes.”

Dejonae looks back at me and shakes her head, eyes narrowed.

I lean forward and slide one of her curls behind her ear. In a dark whisper, I defend myself, “I become a lot more exciting after bedtime.”

She bites her lower lip.

My body instantly hardens in response, riveted by the sight of her full bottom lip surrendering to her teeth.

I smile wolfishly and steal a kiss when Niko is not watching.

Dejonae’s eyes pop open and she pushes me away, her gaze darting pointedly to my daughter.

I tilt my head in response.

One taste of her is not enough. I need more.

But Niko looks at us and Dejonae withdraws from me.

---