Page 42 of Risks

“Varen told me some stuff about you,”Jesiah says. “That you’re a pretty smart young lady. You’re a writer. My oldman wrote poetry.”

My head flies up. “Really?”

“Yeah, he taught high schoolliterature up until he retired. He was so thrilled when I told him you wantedto be an author. I guess you got the creative bug from him.” His smile appearsso sincere. It warms my heart.

“Hm.”

“There’s so much I want to know,” headds.

I shrug. “What would you like toknow about me?”

“Everything.” Palpable joy curtainshis face as he observes me. “I’ve missed eighteen years.” His eyes begin towater.

“Let’s take it one step at a time.”

“I’m willing to do anything,” hesays eagerly. “I just hope you’ll allow me the chance to be in your life.” Hiswords lessen the ache somewhat.

I don’t respond. I just nod.

“Could we start with this littlegift?” He reaches the box to me again. “It’s the first holiday for us. I wantto commemorate it.”

“Okay.” I accept the box at last. “Thankyou. I’m sorry I didn’t get you anything.”

“You did, Latoya. You’re here.” Hebreathes an air of relief. “My baby girl is here.”

Peering down at the gift, I open itafter a beat, smiling at the rose gold jewelry box inside.

“I noticed your jewelry last time,”Jesiah explains. “So I thought maybe you’d like this box.”

“It’s pretty. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” He relaxes,beaming in return.

Varen gives my thigh a gentlesqueeze under the table. I smile at him, less upset that he went behind my backto find Jesiah. After all, it turned out to be a good thing. My heart truly hasbeen longing for this moment.

Following the lengthy conversationsat the diner, Jesiah and I exchanged numbers and promised to communicate. Heseemed relieved when I said I’d call him from Los Angeles and meet up when I’mback in Baltimore.

I’m in a better mood by the time Ireturn to the apartment, though there’s still the pain from my mom’s lie.

Varen hangs my jacket on the hook,but I notice he’s not removing his. I set Jesiah’s gift on the nightstand andask him, “Are you going back out?”

“Putting in a couple of hours forthe afternoon. I’m staying at the hardware store until spring when we leave forScotland. That’s if you still want to?” He pinches his brows together. “Afterwhat happened…”

“I still want to. And thank you fortaking the morning to go with me to see Jesiah.”

“Of course, babe.” He holds my hand.“I’ll always support you.”

There’s a burning need beneath myskin, and only his touch can soothe the unbearable ache.

“I’ll be back soon.” He leans in fora sweet kiss and then slants to leave.

I pull him back for more, entanglingmy tongue with his and sliding my hands inside his jacket to caress him.

“I need you,” I moan at his lips.

Understanding, Varen quickly takesoff his jacket and yanks the shirt over his head. His sexy torso and the trailof ravens only heighten my desire.

I strip as fast as possible, feelinglike I’ll die if I don’t have him in me right this second.

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