Page 54 of Mine to Worship

“Hey, man, how are you?” he asks.

There is no need to lie to my oldest friend.

“I don’t wish the terror I went through today on anyone,” I admit, and he pats on my back.

“She must have been devastated,” Tara says, care thick in her tone.

It’s as if I have a sixth sense when my head snaps up, and I hear Brandon cracking her door open.

“Brandon,” I whisper threateningly under my breath, and he huffs and tiptoes down the stairs.

“I wanted to see if she’s okay.”

“Tomorrow.”

Aubrey and Jason come downstairs, too. I grab a pack of cards and entertain our guests. It’s long past one in the morning when everyone finally turns in for the night.

Chapter 23

Ellia

I stretch my arms over my head and scoot up, too rested to have taken only a nap. The morning sun peers through the curtains, and I pick up my phone. I slept for fourteen hours. I jump to my feet, remembering our friends should have arrived yesterday. I change into a pair of shorts and t-shirt and go downstairs.

I find Kian in the kitchen preparing a plate of fruit and crackers. His hands shoot up, lifting me, and placing me on the island.

“Morning, angel.”

I dig a finger into his chest and tilt my head. “I am mad at you.”

“But did you sleep well?”

I nod and play with the collar of his shirt.

He kisses the tip of my nose. “Then it’s worth you being mad at me.”

“Are they here?” I ask excitedly.

“Yes.”

“I didn’t hear them.”

He grins and I peck him on his lips, his cheeks, and jaw.

“If this is you being mad at me…”

“Consider yourself lucky.”

He chuckles and after he feeds me slices of apple, he scoops me up in his arms, carrying me upstairs and into the shower.

Hot water sprays over my skin, and his fingers massage my scalp as he washes me. I close my eyes, relishing in his ministrations.

“This is so good,” I moan.

“How are you feeling?”

“Good, very good. Your baby is giving me a break.”

“Such a good baby, such a good angel.”

---