Page 47 of His Sacrifice

She patted my hand in a way that felt more like a warning than comfort. “Just keep listening, and I’ll be the judge of what’s important.” She stood and hitched her purse over her arm. “Thank you for the drink.”

I struggled to say anything and just nodded, watching as she moved through the crowd and disappeared out the door.

The woman’s clothes cost more than my rent, and she couldn’t pay for her own drink? I shook my head and took a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves. I wanted to text Creed to let him know it was over, but I didn’t want to risk messing anything up.

The waiter brought out a brown bag filled with my to-go order, and I settled the bill—Candace’s drink included. I made my way through the restaurant, trying to figure out who in the crowd worked for the Banachis, but I couldn’t spot anyone obvious.

I made the quick walk to my car, keeping my head down and moving swiftly. The cool night air did little to calm my racing heart. My first meeting with Candace was over, and it seemed to go well. I hadn’t told her much, but the bit Leo had told me about St. Louis had been just what she wanted to hear.

I just hoped this was the last time I would see her, but something told me this wouldn’t be the only time.

Chapter Twenty-Two

Jada

The front door opened before I could even put my key in the lock. Creed stood there; a sight that always made my heart skip a beat. Even though I had seen the man in all his naked glory, seeing him with the top two buttons undone and his bare feet was my favorite version of Creed. He held his hand out to me, and I gladly put mine in his. He pulled me inside and closed the door behind me.

“You look tired.”

I kicked off my shoes and dropped my purse by the front door. “Hello to you, too,” I laughed. “And while I apparently look tired, you look sexy. Your night must have been better than mine.”

“Spending time with your mother is definitely a better time than being anywhere near Candace.”

He pulled me into his arms, and I buried my face in his chest. “This is helping to make up for it,” I mumbled.

Creed held me close, and the past hour melted away.

“Did you get dinner?” he asked.

“Oh god,” I moaned. “I forgot it in the car. I was so happy to be home that I just grabbed my purse and ran,” I laughed.

Creed pressed a kiss to the top of my head and stepped back. “Get undressed, and I’ll get dinner.”

“We’re having dinner naked?” I asked.

He chuckled and slipped on his shoes. “Pajamas, gorgeous. The naked part comes later.”

“Oh, fine,” I sighed. “Twist my arm to get comfortable.”

Creed left to go get the food from the car. I made my way to the bedroom and put on a cute blue pair of pajamas: a soft, short-sleeved top with tiny white stars scattered across it and matching shorts. I piled my hair on top of my head in a messy bun. By the time I returned to the kitchen, Creed was back with the food bag.

We worked in sync to get plates, ketchup, and drinks. We set everything on the coffee table and had a picnic in front of the TV.

“Have you ever been to the Green Door before?” I asked.

Creed shook his head. “No. Did they have a green door, at least?”

I laughed and nodded. “There was a green door, as advertised.”

Creed put a movie on, and we dug into our food. When I was halfway done, I sat back. “Okay, I think I’m ready to hear how things went at Larson House.”

Creed wiped his mouth and tossed the napkin on his empty plate. “It was good. She’ll have someone with her around the clock, and she didn’t remember anything about Candace.”

I shrugged. “I mean, I wasn’t worried about her remembering Candace. That ship has sailed. I just wanted to make sure she didn’t hurt her.”

“I wouldn’t be too quick to think your mom doesn’t remember things.”

I tipped my head to the side. “What do you mean?”

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