“Well, . . . I know you’re not going to like this, but Cage and I are together now.”
Kasey’s bushy brows rose toward his crisp hairline. He ran his freckled hands over his auburn waves and loudly blew through his nostrils. “Korren.”
“I love him, Kasey.”
“I know. I been peeped game between the two of you. Truthfully, I’m surprised it’s taken this long for y’all to become a couple. I don’t know how to feel about it.”
“Be happy for me, please. I know Cage isn’t the ideal man you and Daddy have in mind. Hell, Alana too, but he’s who my soul wants. He’s who my soul is connected to.”
“You’re too young to know anything about soul connections.”
“Says the man who married his high school sweetheart.”
“Touché.”
“The only reason the three of you disapprove of me being with Cage is because of what he does.”
Close on my heels, Kasey placed Nema down and followed me to my room so I could finish packing. He leaned his six-two frame against the wall and intently watched me move around the room.
After a few minutes of silence, Kasey expressed, “I don’t doubt that Cage is a good fit for you. It’s obvious to anyone with eyes he loves and adores you, but his lifestyle isn’t something I want you caught up in.”
“I don’t want to be caught up in it either. Trust me, I disapprove of what he does just as much as you do, but I also know it doesn’t define him.”
“I guess you’re right about that.”
“I am.”
Slowly, Kasey nodded his head and changed the subject. “I talked to Mom on the way over here.”
“Oh.” I rolled my eyes, causing Kasey to laugh.
“She wants to meet with us when you get back.”
“For what?”
“Who knows. I told her I’d talk to you about it and let her know, but I didn’t think you would because you’re still upset with her.”
“You know me so well.”
“I do, so if you don’t want to, don’t. I love Mom. I do, but she’s a handful to deal with. She wants things her way or no way. Life doesn’t work like that, especially when you have kids.”
“Exactly. She’s too self-centered to realize it.”
Kasey nodded in agreement. “You know she’s going to flip her shit when she finds out you’re dating Cage.”
“And I can’t wait.”
The two of us shared a laugh and caught up until Cage arrived twenty minutes later. I didn’t have a chance to greet him as Kasey took charge and pulled Cage outside to talk. My heart palpitated thinking of how their conversation would go, but I was distracted when I received a text from Sienna asking to meet up and talk. I reread the message a few times, debating on whether I wanted to respond or not. She’d hurt me, deeply, but she deserved for me to hear her out. I replied, asking her when just as I heard Kasey and Cage coming in.
My body relaxed hearing them laughing and talking. I rounded the corner, and every part of me instantly connected with Cage. His soul tugged at mine, silently begging to invade his personal space, but I had to play it cool. I didn’t want to do too much in front of Kasey.
“Well, I’ll let the two of you hit the road. Is everything that Nema needs in this bag?” Kasey asked as he gathered up Nema and her bag.
“Yes, it is.” I walked Kasey to the door and gave Nema kisses. “Take care of my baby.”
“She’s yours, so you know I am. Think about what I said and let me know when you get back.”
“I will. Thank you again, Kasey. I love you.”