Page 120 of Crossing Lines

Davia dips her head shyly and touches her neck when her mom squints at her.

The front door opens, and Trishell enters with Reeve, grinning at each other as if it went down moments before. They barely break eye contact to greet everyone. I wonder if they realize how enamored they are. It’s how I am with my baby.

I stare at Davia as she laughs at something Ms. Loni said. I’m so in love with this woman that even a minute out of her presence feels too long. I never thought I’d feel so deeply for anyone.

Conversations flow over the delicious meal. Davia didn’t exaggerate. Her grandma’s cooking is a formidable challenge for Mama G. I love that she included vegan options we can all enjoy.

Following dinner, we chat some more, indulge in brownies, and call it a night.

I drive back to my condo to enjoy the rest of the time with Davia before we resume our weekly schedule.

“How do you feel after meeting my family?” she checks, leaning into me.

“I’m good. They’re great people. It warmed my heart to see their love for you.” I smirk. “Your uncles and granddad pretty much let me know they’ll handle my ass if I ever slip up. Even your aunt scared me a bit.”

She chuckles. “They were only messing with you.”

“Mmhm.” I stroke her soft cheek. “Still, I would never fuck around and lose what we have.”

“I believe that.”

“You and your mom looked okay. Are things good between y’all?”

She delays before nodding slowly. “We’re doing better. She sent me morning messages all week about appreciating me.”

“For real?”

“Yeah, it’s pretty nice.”

“That’s cool. I’m glad y’all are working on things.”

She squeezes my hand. “What about your mom? How is she?”

“Staying in rehab. I’ll wait until the withdrawals subside a bit before visiting her.”

“Okay,” she murmurs and jerks my hand. “The twentieth of April is a week away. What would you like for your birthday?”

“Already have a gift,” I say, wiggling my brows.

She snorts. “But is there anything else you want?”

“Baby, just spending the day with you and my family is enough.”

She gives me a sly look before coming in for a kiss.

FIFTY-TWO

A big smile stretches from ear to ear while reading Mom’s thoughtful text about the blessing of a daughter. Part of me is a little nervous it’s because she wants something, but I’ll give her the benefit of the doubt and accept that she is making an effort.

I exit the elevator and enterLa Monte, excited to continue working on my line’s production. Before that, there’s something I want to do first.

Striding down the hallway, I peek into the workroom and knock when I see Iree.

She slants from the jewelry pieces. “Hey.”

“Morning. What do you think about a birthday surprise for Kross?”

She shrugs. “I’m in. We can’t tell Cairo or Preston. Neither of them can keep a secret.”

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