Page 32 of Yours Temporarily

Right. He’s a deeply protective brother, and here I am, treading into a “pretend” relationship. I give myself a silent warning over what comes with being close to Zuri. “I can tell Damien’s not someone to mess with. Especially when it comes to his sister.”

“Ever since then”—she shrugs, a sigh slipping loose—“he thinks he needs to protect me from all men.”

“I’m glad he’s looking out for you.” And I am appreciative of her brother’s vigilance. After all, without his protectiveness, Zuri would probably be dating someone else by now, and our current camaraderie might not have been possible.

On our drive back to Zuri’s house, our conversation meanders through the wedding details. Then a quick nod sends her curls bouncing, and she shifts her whole body to face me. “Since you have a nickname for me, I’ll be calling you Jer.”

I chuckle. “Jeremy’s already the short form of Jeremiah, but sure, Jer works.” How natural it feels, having her here beside me. Zuri’s the first woman I’ve driven in this car since I bought it two years ago. For staff events, we always opt for the company car with a driver.

I flex my grip on the steering wheel, the vehicle feeling somehow different after that realization. But I’d best focus on the discussion, so I share the bizarre sleeping arrangements my mom has made for the wedding with my ex uncomfortably close to my room. “She’s yet to be convinced about us.”

“We’ll just have to make her believe.” Zuri pats my arm, her confidence on full display. “It shouldn’t be too hard.”

It should be too easy since I’m starting to have feelings for her. Or could that complicate things? Either way, her statement reminds me of another necessary task—choosing a ring for her. I’d planned to let her pick one out, but knowing now how she values surprises, I’ll select one myself and add authenticity to our… arrangement.

When I park in her driveway and turn to her, the glow from the driveway lights illuminates her, almost a beacon. The urge to discuss taking our arrangement into the realm of reality gnaws at me, yet the fear of rejection stifles my words.

“Thank you for tonight,” is all I say.

“I had a good time too, Jer,” she whispers back. Her intense gaze locks with mine, and a current of unspoken possibilities zaps the air. We stare at each other, my heartbeat races, and her breathing escalates.

“I’ll get going.” She grips her purse on her lap.

Before I can sabotage this arrangement, I look away and swing my door open. I rush to the passenger side to open her door, and she steps out, her scent lingering— peppermint and something floral, uniquely Zuri that leaves me dizzy. Unable to restrain myself, I catch her hand and draw her close. I lower my lips, my mind screaming not to go for hers. Unsure why I chose today of all days to listen to my conscience, I instead let my cheek brush against hers, pressing a soft kiss to her skin. “Good night,” I whisper to avoid crossing lines our fake engagement hasn’t prepared us for.

“Good night,” her warm breath against my neck ignites a shiver down my spine. With a final wave, she heads to her door.

I’m left alone, my thoughts swirling with this… affection. My heart is still racing, and a whirlwind of what-ifs drives away all rational thought. Who knows what our next engagement will bring?

CHAPTER 12

Zuri

With this afternoon’s temperature a surprising midsixties, not cloudy and not sunny, I stand on the first tee box near a red ball stuck in the ground. I’m told that’s where ladies tee off. Driver in hand, I’m ready to launch my first-ever game of golf. Jeremy and his friends, Nico and Wes, watch me. The tight knot in my stomach is about to cut off my breath. I punch a tee into the soft ground and set my ball on top.

Jeremy and I arrived well before the others so he could show me how to play. With thirty minutes of instruction, he hopes I can swing into their friendly competition. What was he thinking?

“You’ve got this, Zee.”

Jeremy came up with that nickname on a whim, and he uses it so naturally. His encouragement boosts my confidence. I take a deep breath, close my eyes, and recapture each step of the drive as Jeremy instructed me. Opening my eyes, I set my stance and swing. The ball arcs through the air, a decent drive that earns me claps and Nico’s chuckle.

“Not bad for a beginner.”

“I guess I have a good teacher.” I grin at Jeremy, and his affectionate smile makes my knees weak.

“Good teacher or not, we all know who’s buying dinner.” His Italian accent light with his jesting, Nico takes his place with the driver.

I like how he says everything like it is. While Jeremy and Wes have done nothing but praise me, Nico has been clear I can’t win as a newbie. I’m not hoping to win. I’m just enjoying being here, seeing Jeremy relax with his friends. They’re casual today, all dressed in polos and chinos. Wes’s sun visor shades his eyes while Jeremy’s tucked his own sunglasses atop his head. Their banter and teasing eggs the game on.

Four holes later, I’m again taking my stance when Nico calls out, “Keep your eyes on the ball!”

“Here.” Wes walks up, his dark hair shiny around his visor, his soft tone a stark contrast to Nico’s vibrant energy. He stops just close enough to demonstrate without invading my space. “Try shifting your weight through your swing. It might help with your control.”

“She’s doing great.” Jeremy’s protective tone warms me. “You’re all taking this too seriously.”

Mindful of Wes’s advice, I attempt to adjust my stance. I swing. The ball takes flight and, predictably, veers off its intended path. A collective groan rises, followed by laughter.

“Looks like we’re going on a treasure hunt again.” Jeremy shakes a finger at me.

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