Page 19 of Yours Temporarily

When I reach the front door, I hesitate, remembering how stubborn it can be. The last thing I need is to slam the door into Jeremy’s face again, especially when we have an event to get to.

I extend my hand toward its handle. My fingers curl around it. With a careful, measured movement, I apply just the right amount of pressure and coax it to yield without the usual protest. The door, responding to the softness of my touch, relents and swings open with quiet compliance.

I’m met with Jeremy’s cautious stance. Shared amusement flickers between us, and a chuckle escapes us both—a mutual recognition of the door’s unpredictable reputation.

“I thought I’d keep my distance this time.”

“I’m glad.” My gaze lingers on him a tad longer than it should. He’s the epitome of elegance in his charcoal suit, holding a bouquet of peach flowers with baby’s breath sprinkled in. And he’s looking at me with an admiration that steals my breath away.

“You’re… stunning.” The raw honesty in his words sends another flutter through my heart.

He then hands me the wavy vase, and a smile lifts my cheek as I accept the flowers. Warmth spreads through me at his thoughtful gesture. “They’re gorgeous, Jeremy. Thank you.”

I usher him back inside and put the flowers on the island where Damien and my friends have gathered.

“Hey, Kress,” Olivia greets and offers him water, but he declines.

“You look sharp, Blackwood.” Jeremy tells Damien, and it’s comforting when my brother responds cordially.

“You don’t look shabby yourself.” His tone isn’t as hesitant as it was at the party. “If you and Zuri wanna catch a ride with us—”

Jeremy holds up a hand. “We’re good thanks.”

“Zuri, can I get a quick photo of you and your date before you leave?” Lexi waggles her camera.

“You have a talent for photography.” Jeremy chuckles as I return to his side. I’m sure he’s complimenting the photo that affected Damien to ambush him at his office. Lexi printed like four copies, hoping I’d keep one, then Jeremy and Damien, while the fourth went into the album we keep around the house.

At her request, we stand by the fireplace. With Jeremy’s casual, yet deliberate arm around me, his subtle and intoxicating cologne envelops me.

“Look at you two, all fancy and ready to conquer the world.” Lexi winks, her lips twitching before she captures a couple of shots. “How about one where you’re looking at each other.”

I have no idea what she means.

But Jeremy turns to me, and his strong hands secure my waist. “Like this?” he says, looking at me.

“Zuri, your hands.” Lexi indicates I do the same.

Timidly, I slide one hand around Jeremy’s waist, and it’s shaking as I look into his piercing blue eyes.

“What about—”

“Take the picture already!” Damien’s voice booms, cutting off Lexi.

“Relax, Damien.” She snaps the shot.

“We gotta get going.” Damien smirks.

“Seriously?” Olivia rolls her eyes. “We’re never fifteen minutes early anywhere. We’re not going to change that tonight. Besides, we have to get our photos next.”

Once Jeremy and I finish with the photo, we say goodbye with a promise to see them at the party.

Damien claps Jeremy on the back. “I’ll be keeping my eyes on you two.” He’s probably only half joking.

“It won’t be necessary.” Jeremy rests his hand on the small of my back, and I get this dizzying longing.

Then, at the need to stand up for myself, I address my brother. “That’s if you want me to talk on your behalf to you-know-who,” I say, and he frowns, seeming to get the memo of my threat. “Lexi and Liv will show me who she is.”

“Don’t you dare.” He points at me with a somewhat serious glare, and I shrug, my heart expanding.

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