Page 65 of Caught off Guard

“That’s to be expected. Are you sure he wants to see me?” I slipped that question in, not to be insensitive but to test the temperature of the room I was about to enter.

“Yes. He has been talking about you all morning.” Luther turned away then met my eyes again, his face pinched and serious. “I think he’s embarrassed. It’s the male ego. He doesn’t even take cold medicine when he’s sick, so this is new for him. Cece was sick for a while, so he ignored his pain and focused on her needs. No one has cared for him in a long time. He doesn’t know how to be physically vulnerable.”

I nodded.

“You all have a close relationship. You’re sharing a lot of confidential information with me. Why? I don’t want to put you in a place where you’re violating his trust.”

Luther pointed at me and smacked his hands.

“That’s why I reached out to you. You care about his reputation and keeping personal things personal. Not once have you asked about his money or tried to get something for yourself. I told him you’re the one for him the day I met you.”

It was my time to be shocked.

“You did?”

“Yes. If you give him the green light, y’all can start your lives together. Be patient with him. Please. This…” he pointed around the property and looked toward the door, “is all he knows.”

I followed Luther’s eyes toward the house and thought about what lay before me. Now wasn’t the time for me to be selfish or weak. If I was serious about Cairo, I needed to show it.

“Okay. I’m ready.”

When I entered the foyer, Cairo’s parents met me at the door. We engaged briefly over the past few weeks at games, but I had remained somewhat cautious about letting my guard down around them. His father and I exchanged general pleasantries as his mother almost knocked me down with a bear hug.

“There she is—my baby’s future. Thank you for coming, Zora.”

I blushed.

“Of course.” I smiled shyly, not expecting such a warm greeting from Mrs. Kinney.

I took in the beauty of the Kinneys. They were tall like Cairo—quite regal in their posture. Although Cairo’s demeanor mirrored his mother’s, he was the spitting image of his father with his sharp jawline, kind eyes, and smooth espresso skin.

“How is he resting?”

“He’s in his room getting settled in. I’m glad he built his master bed and bath on the ground floor.” Mr. Kinney’s East Coast accent drew me in.

“I agree.” I smiled.

“Go on back. He has been waiting for you,” his mother said.

I thanked them and moved toward Cairo’s room.

Why did everyone have such kind things to say about my relationship,but Cairo hadn’t spoken to me since yesterday? What was I missing?

In front of Cairo’s bedroom door, I tapped lightly and waited for him to answer.

“Come in.” His strong, sensual voice sent a quick shiver down my spine as I entered the room.

I held my stomach as I took him in as he lay on top of the covers of his bed. He wore black basketball shorts and no shirt. His upper body distracted me despite my best effort to meet his eyes and take in any nonverbal clues about the state of his mental wellness.

“Hi.” I gingerly walked to him and kissed his cheek.

When I bent down, I instinctively rested my hand on what looked like a freshly moisturized chest and inhaled his intoxicating scent. He smelled like cocoa butter and a sea breeze. Cairo reached for my hands and held them in his own before kissing my wrists. That gesture had me tearing up as I looked at his bandaged and elevated right knee, hiked up on a mountain of firm pillows.

“Hey, Zora.” His voice drew me to his face and lips again.

In his eyes, I saw the silent assurance he always gave me. Even in his pain, he cared about my well-being.

Despite my best efforts, I couldn’t speak. Cairo reached for my arm and pulled me closer to him. He scooted his body over on his California king bed and patted the spot to his left.

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