Page 47 of Ride

“Which is why we’re going to a grown-up lounge to have a few drinks and chill with some nice, vibey music.” Winter winked at me.

“How about you come for dinner?”

“Nope, I have a date I can’t reschedule.” Winter wiggled her shoulders. Brett glowered at her.

“Who do you have a date with?” Brett demanded. Grabbing my keys out of my hand, Laikin pulled me away from Winter and Brett’s bickering, pressing in the alarm code to set before we walked out of my suite. They both had big personalities and constantly argued back and forth whenever they got together. Looking back , I could see how the energy they gave off was intense.

Kayne walked in front of us, and I gripped his hand while we stepped onto the elevator.

We headed to the grocery store to grab some things for dinner. Laikin stretched a hand around my waist, pulled me back into his chest, and kissed the back of my neck. Releasing my hand, we climbed out of the car, and I was glad Brett took Kayne with him, so we could have the night to ourselves.

“You should probably stay in the car.”

“Why?”

“Because everybody is staring at us.”

Two of the bag boys stopped talking as we approached the door of Publix. Laikin tilted his head up at them, causing both guys to reach into their pockets and grab their phones for a picture.

“This is why. I wanted to avoid the drama.” I sighed, standing to the side as he took pictures with both. He came over to grip my hand then we walked in the store. I planned on making sea bass, baked sweet potatoes, steamed veggies, and my famous ice cream cookie sundae. Laikin kissed me on the cheek as I reached for a few more veggies and fruits. He kept his head down, staring at his phone.

“How was your day?”

“Good, I had a few meetings with my manager and agent.”

“After your last win, they’ve kept you in the media.” I lifted a bag of fries, shrimp, and grabbed Kayne’s favorite grape juice. He moved closer to me, raised his phone, and took a picture of us together.

“Sarai and my agent have a few movie roles ready for me.” Laikin slid his phone into his pants pocket and pulled me into his chest.

“Oh shit! You’re Laikin Trenton,” a girl walking with a group shouted.

“Time to go.” I pushed the cart forward. Laikin chuckled and trailed me to the next aisle to pick up fish, then headed to the checkout line.

Within minutes, all the groceries had been unpacked. I started to prep the food while Laikin went to shower. Playing some slow jams, I silenced my phone for the night and texted to let my parents know Kayne was staying with Brett.

I swiped up the dish towel to clean my hands, then cut up more onions and poured everything in the skillet, cooking the veggies while the fish baked.

“Food smells good.” Large hands wrapped around my waist as he nuzzled his nose against my neck.

“Babe, I need to shower the day away. Can you watch the food?” I turned my head, lips puckered together for a kiss.

“Shit, I can shower again. You can never be too clean, baby.”

I paused in thought. “No.”

He scoffed, releasing his grip, and I laughed.

“We will never eat if I let you shower with me.”

Laikin pulled me back to his chest, pecking me on the back of the ear. “That’s not true.”

“Laikin, goodbye. Watch the food, please.” I strolled out of his arms. I went to the bedroom, grabbed a pair of shorts and a T-shirt, hopped in the shower, and washed my hair. Finally refreshed, I came out with my hair dried and pinned in a top knot. Smelling the food in the air, I came back into the kitchen to see the plates made up on the island, with two glasses of wine.

“Baby, you set up the food!”

“You cooked, so I set up our plates, and I will wash the dishes afterwards.”

“I actually have the perfect boyfriend.”

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