Page 34 of Follow Me to Your Heart
I turned my head and lowered my eyes. It took me a few seconds, but I realized what was going on with Red. “I see that tree got you thinking logically. I can’t remember the last time you talked some sense into me, but I appreciate you for doing so.”
“Fuck you, Cage. I’m always logical.”
“If you say so. Let’s go check up on the houses before we call it a night.”
“Say less.”
Red and I rode by all our houses, checking in with everyone. To my surprise, things were going smoothly with the new men in position. Unlike the other ones, they had something to prove, and they were doing exactly that.
Nothing needed our extra attention, so I had Red drop me off at my car. I headed home to shower. I could’ve stayed there, but my heart needed my baby. I’d gotten used to sleeping with Korren, holding her in my arms until light snores escaped her nose and lips. It was two in the morning, so I figured she was knocked out.
Quietly, I tiptoed into Korren’s apartment, careful not to wake her or Nema. I had to catch myself and not laugh out loud from the way Korren was sprawled out on her bed. Her mouth was slightly agape with a little drool trickling down the side. She was sleeping too good. I didn’t want to wake her, but I yearned to be near her.
I sat on the edge of her bed, gazing at her. Being able to love Korren out loud seemed to make me love her more. At the same time, it seemed to make me crazier when it came to her. Since I’d known Korren, I felt an overwhelming sense to be her protector. She meant too much to me not to look out for her.
She moved, jolting me from my thoughts. Without opening her eyes, she questioned, “Are you going to come lay down with me?”
“How did you know I was here when you were just knocked out?”
“I can always feel you, Cage. No matter what, I feel you.”
And I believed her.
I peeled off my hoodie and sweatpants, then climbed in bed with Korren. The second I wrapped my arms around her and kissed her shoulder, I was out.
“I can’t believe we’re doing this,” I expressed to Keith as we waited for the broker to arrive at the coffee shop.
Keith took a sip of his tea and chucked. “What I can’t believe is that you’re actually here. I was worried you’d flake out on me.”
“Nah, man. I told you I was ready to act on it.”
“I’m proud of you, for real. This is a big step you’re taking, Cage. I know it can’t be easy, but I know it’ll be worth it in the long run.”
“I hope so. I just want to do what’s been on my heart for years.”
There was a part of me that felt as if I wasn’t ready. I almost talked myself out of meeting with Keith, coming up with different excuses as to why it wouldn’t work out. I didn’t let it stop me.
Keith and I chopped it up while we waited for the broker. She’d gotten stuck in traffic and was ten minutes out. As I was texting Korren, a call from O’Shea came through. I glanced up at Keith and excused myself to go answer.
“What’s good, O’Shea?”
“What’s good, youngin’? What you got up right now?”
Over my shoulder, I looked at Keith who was intently watching me with low eyes. He shook his head at me.
“Uh,” I started, tugging at my goatee. “I’m in the middle of something with my friend. You need something?”
“Yeah. Marcus can’t run his pickup route today. He had a family emergency. I need you and Red to handle it for me. I’ll pay y’all double for the trouble. I’d do it myself, but I’m not in the country.”
Fuck.
There was no way I could decline, especially with the extra money. I agreed and informed O’Shea I’d be back in the city soon. When I ended the call, I sent Red a text to get ready before going back to the table.
I opened my mouth, and Keith held his hand up. “You don’t even gotta explain. I’ll handle it myself.”
“My bad, Keith. If it wasn’t urgent, I wouldn’t go.”
“I hear you.”
