Page 21 of Set me Free

He chuckled, shaking his head. "Word?"

"Mmhmm."

He stepped forward, arms open.

"Come here."

I didn’t hesitate.

I stepped into his hug, my arms sliding around his waist as his wrapped around my shoulders, pulling me close. And for a second, it felt like coming home. His scent was clean, warm, laced with something familiar. The way he held me, firm but effortless, like this was just natural.

I couldn’t wait to lay my eyes on him. It had been in March since I saw him last. Sometimes the phone calls and texts weren’t enough. I had longed to see him, feel him and breathe the same intoxicating air that he breathed. I was delusional I know, but it was what it was.

"Y’all gon’ hug all night or can we start drinking?" Brodie teased from behind him. I hadn’t noticed the bag in his hand, confused until he pulled out a bottle of tequila. “To help celebrate a new school year.”

I rolled my eyes, stepping back. "Don’t be jealous, and just because you’re legally able to drink doesn’t mean you should."

“You mad because you can’t go to the liquor store and get it yourself? It’s cool Toot, that’s why I went and bought it so you don’t have to.”

“You’re annoying.”

“My baby love me though.” Brodie gloated, pulling Ari closer to him and placing a kiss on her lips. “Ain’t that right baby?”

Ari nodded and smiled, causing me to shake my head. The entire time we were back in LA, she and Brodie were connected at the hip. I had barely gotten time with my cousin during the summer except when we went to Malibu with Sevyn and Aidan, Arielle’s little brother and my little cousin.

"Yo, this spot nice as hell," Creed said, running a hand over his short curls as he took in the apartment.

"Right?" Brodie added, whistling low. "The fam got y’all living good up here."

"I forget sometimes that your family got money, Serenity," Creed admitted, shaking his head. "You don’t talk about it much."

I shrugged. "What’s there to talk about? It’s just life."

He nodded like he understood, but I could tell he was still impressed.

"Come on, I’ll give you the tour," I offered holding my hand out which he quickly accepted.

Brodie was already heading toward the kitchen with Arielle, so Creed followed me through the apartment, taking in each room as I pointed things out.

"Living and dining room, there’s a balcony that wraps around to the master which unfortunately Arielle got.” I jokingly rolled my eyes. “The kitchen is that way, we can circle back in that direction later.”

"So when’s the first home-cooked meal?"

"When Arielle learns how to turn the stove on." I laughed. “No seriously, soon. We just gotta get in the grove of things. I’ll invite you back one day so I can cook for you.”

He laughed, shaking his head. "Let me find out you be throwing down in the kitchen."

“I be doing a little bit of something.” I popped my collar causing him to laugh.

I led him down the hall showing him the guest rooms and the balcony before finally stopping at my bedroom.

I hesitated for a second before pushing the door open.

"And this is me," I said, stepping inside.

Creed followed, looking around.

My room was soft, warm, personal—deep neutral tones, a plush king-sized bed, soft lighting, candles, photos of family and friends.

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