Page 28 of Diamonds & Deception

“Yup. Southside. Raised by a single mother. Father took off before I was old enough to talk. Got a scholarship and math geeked myself through MIT. Interned at Foxwoods, then got a job in New Orleans where I met the guys.”

“I’m sure there’s a lot more to you than that one-paragraph bio.”

“Not really.”

“Are you and your mom close?” I wrap my arm across his middle and snuggle closer.

“In a way. She worked her ass off to provide for me, but we never had enough to make ends meet. As soon as I moved into my dorm, she married a guy she met at a bar. He’s decent, I guess. He works in construction and provides for her. They seem happy.”

“Are you close with him?”

“I mean, sort of. I was twenty-two when they got married, so it wasn’t like I was looking for a father figure. He’s a decent guy to have a few beers with, but we don’t go out of our way to make plans together.”

“Do they still live here in Boston?”

“They’re in Worcester now. I see them from time to time, catch up via text or email. Mom’s never been very... mom-like.”

“You don’t sound like you resent her or your father for leaving you at such a young age.”

“It’s a waste of time to focus on things you have no control over. Not a good ROI.”

“ROI?”

“Return on investment.”

“Is everything a math problem for you?” I laugh.

He squeezes me and drops a kiss to the top of my head. “You’re not.”

My insides warm, and I grow dizzy with want. With need. We’re quiet while I finish my coffee. When my cup is empty, he takes it from me and sets it on the table.

“Are you still up for spending the day with me?”

“Of course. The coffee is working its magic. Give me a few minutes to shower and change.” I unfold my feet from under me and stand.

“Need any help in there?”

I grin at him. “Maybe next time. My body is still recovering from... my weekend activities.”

Drake doesn’t hide the proud grin on his lips.

I don’t rush but I don’t lollygag either. The shower helps my hangover, and I now feel ready for whatever Drake has in store for us. When I step out, I see my mug sitting on my bathroom counter. Damn, the man is perfect.

I drink my second cup of coffee and lather my skin with vanilla-scented lotion. Since he’s wearing jeans and a sweatshirt, I dress similarly and brush my hair back into a ponytail.

The apartment is small. Just the one bedroom and bathroom off from it, and the living/kitchen space. I open the bedroom door and take in the view. Drake is stretched out on the couch, remote in hand, watching television.

When I move closer, I look at the screen and snort. It’s some financial program with a ticker tape of the stock market scrolling across the bottom.

“Looks like a good show.”

He swivels and sets his feet on the floor, then shuts off the television. “I would have made you breakfast, but all I could find was an almost empty box of Honey Nut Cheerios.”

“Monday is my grocery shopping day.”

“Come on.” He holds out his hand for me, and I take it. “I’ll take you out.”

I lock up, and we walk down the street hand-in-hand.

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