Page 46 of Ride

Laikin extended a hand to cup mine. “Kayne wanted to surprise you.” The brightness in his eyes sparkled; it was clear he wanted to wrap up our little reunion and get me back to bed.

“Laikin, tell your girl that I can be here when Marlowe Shepherd comes! I won't harass her,” Winter promised, amusement flickering in her eyes.

“When is she coming?” Laikin’s long legs spread apart. His hands fell to his sides.

“In two weeks. She has a press run for her TV series.”

Kayne picked up my iPad. I changed it to a blank screen and let him pretend to draw.

“That’s up to Marlowe.” Laikin crossed his arms over his chest. His gaze flew between Winter and me.

“Boo! I can see she already got you agreeing with her,” Winter teased, throwing her thumbs down.

Behind my baby’s back, I flipped her off and she snorted. “Sis, how’s business going?” Brett asked, ignoring Winter.

“Busy, since your friend here gave my business cards out.” Despite trying to fight him on putting my name out there, I loved how generous he was. Laikin winked at me.

“I’m proud of you, sis,” Brett expressed, taking an eggroll off Winter’s plate. She slapped his hand.

“Mommy can I have pizza for dinner tonight?” Kayne asked.

I squeezed him tight, kissing his cheek. “I was planning on cooking, Kayne.”

“Tonight, Kayne’s staying with your brother,” Laikin said.

My brows rose in surprise. “He is? When did this happen?”

“We have a date tonight,” Laikin replied.

Deep confusion marked my face. We had fallen into a routine, and I figured we were past the dating stage. “A date?”

Laikin nodded, dipped his head down low, and whispered in my ear. “I plan on eating you for dinner.”

“All right, none of that weird shit in front of me,” my brother fussed, causing me and Winter me to laugh.

“How can you fuss at us when you’re talking to Winter?”

“Winter’s a friend,” Brett stated. Winter raised her hand to the back of his head and slapped him.

Brett bellowed, “Aye!”

Kayne bent over holding his stomach in laughter.

“Little man, are you laughing at your uncle?” In a flash, Brett stood and stalked towards him, tickling his stomach.

“Laikin!” Kayne screamed in laughter.

“You’re supposed to be on my side,” Brett said.

“I am, Uncle B.” Kayne pat him on the shoulder.

“How much longer are you going to be?” Laikin lifted his arm to check the time on his watch.

I logged out of my computer, putting my paperwork away. “I was wrapping up now, planned on working later at home because I have to organize some things for a client fitting.” Laikin pulled my chair out for me to stand. He picked up my purse and bags from the shelf and handed them to me.

“Since you’re wrapped up in your man, I guess we’ll take a raincheck for the lounge,” Winter explained.

“Winter, you know I hate clubs.”

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