Page 52 of Next Level
Cherry replies right away, “I can’t wait. It’ll be a fun weekend. I’ll make sure Sunshine’s with me.”
I glance over and see my girl’s face light up even more.
My heart fills with joy.
“Okay, Blossom. I’ll call you tonight once I’m settled.”
“Yeah, call me the same time you did last night,” she says softly, letting me know that we can repeat last night.
Fuck yes!
“It’s a date. Have a good rest of your day.”
“Okay, gorgeous. Bye, Samantha, see you this weekend, sweetie,” Cherry says.
We both say goodbye to her before hanging up.
Sam turns to face me. “Yeah, I like her.”
God help me, so do I.
“Yeah, me too, Punkin.”
As we pull up to Brooke and Mike’s house, I can see the anxiety on Sam’s face.
“It’s going to be okay,” I reassure her.
Before I even put the car into park, the front door swings open, and Brooke runs for the truck. Sam opens the door, and they meet each other halfway, embracing. Both girls are crying. Sam’s a couple of inches taller than her mom now.
I get out of the truck and head toward them just as Mike emerges from the house with a smile on his face, seeing the girls crying and talking to each other. Not wanting to interrupt them, I head for Mike, extending my hand to him.
“Hey, Mike.” I shake his hand.
“Ray. Thank you.”
His words take me off guard.
“Thank me for what?” I ask.
He points to the girls. “For bringing our girl home.”
It makes me feel good that my Sammie girl has someone else besides me and my club watching out for her. I know so many people who don’t get along with their exes’ partners, but I like Mike. Mike takes care of Brooke and Sam. He’s a good man. Plus, I’ve never been the jealous kind of man.
All I can say in return is, “Always.”
When the girls finally let each other go, Sam goes to Mike and gives him a big hug. He embraces her lovingly.
Brooke makes her way to me, grabbing me for a hug as well. I welcome her into an embrace, kissing the top of her head.
“Our girl is home safe,” I murmur into her hair.
She’s crying against my chest.
I try to soothe her by rubbing her back. “It’s going to be okay. She’s home safe.”
When Brooke finally releases me, she says, “Thank you. I knew you’d bring her home.”
I give her a nod.
