Page 61 of Her Marine
Killian watched Journee nod before making her way to the driver’s door. He watched her pull off before going into the airport and getting ready to head home.
Killian rolled over, looking at the clock as the knock came again on his front door. It was a little after eight, and he’d usually be awake, but he hadn’t returned to his house until after four in the morning. Flinging the comforter off, he walked down the hall to the front door. Looking through the security hole, he saw Ziggy’s smiling face on the other side. He rolled his eyes before opening the door and stepping aside to let her in.
“Ziggy, what are you doing here this early? How’d you even know I was home?”
His little sister shrugged. “I was driving by.”
Killian closed the front door, knowing that even though he’d told her not to, she’d continued to drive by his house to see when he’d be back when she could have just asked him. He made his way down the hall as Ziggy went into his kitchen.
He knew there was no way he was going back to sleep, so he decided to shower and get dressed. Killian started the shower, and as it heated up, he pulled a pair of jeans and a t-shirt out to change into. He didn’t plan to go anywhere and would hang around the house until he returned to work Monday.
After his shower, Killian rubbed on lotion, dressed in boxers, the clothes he’d pulled out, and socks. As he went down the hall, he was met with the smell of bacon. He entered the kitchen and found his little sister making breakfast. He knew that she hadn’t gotten it from his refrigerator. When he’d decided to stay in Colorado Springs longer, he’d asked the housekeeper he had come once a week to clean everything out of the fridge.
Killian noticed her canvas bag on the countertop and knew she’d brought it with her. He sat at the island as Ziggy finished the eggs she was making.
“So, I went Black Friday shopping this morning and got everyone’s Christmas presents. I even got a new television for my bedroom,” Ziggy informed him.
“What was wrong with the one you had?” Killian questioned.
“Nothing really, but the new one is a smart television and bigger than the one I have now.” Ziggy paused for a moment. “So, are you going to finally tell me about whatever woman has your nose wide open to where you’re taking six weeks off?”
Killian thought about it for a moment. “No, but she’s coming to visit for Christmas.”
Ziggy turned her head toward him so fast that Killian was surprised she hadn’t given herself whiplash. He knew why she was shocked. He’d never brought anyone he was dating to family holidays, usually because the relationship was only physical. Those relationships tended to be easier with his job. This would be the first time.
“Are you serious?!” his sister squealed in excitement, and Killian winced slightly.
“Calm down, Zaliyah.” His sister snapped her lips closed as Killian shook his head. Even as an adult, she still responded to her name the way she did when she was a child that’d gotten in trouble. Probably because Killian only used it now when she was being extra and annoying him. The same way their parents used it when she was pushing it with them. “But yes, I’m serious.”
“Wow, she has your nostrils blown to smithereens,” she laughed as she set a plate in front of him before sitting beside him.
Killian found himself chuckling. No matter how much of a hard time he liked to give her, his sister had a way of reading him at times. However, he’d never acknowledge when she was on the right track.
16
Journee pulled into the parking lot of the large condo building. She grabbed her bag and stepped out of the car, locking her door. She walked into the lobby of the building, and Journee couldn’t help but stop and look around. It was exquisite. The décor was elegant and eye-catching but not gaudy, reminding her of expensive hotel lobbies.
After surveying the area for a moment, she followed the directions she’d been given and walked down the hall to the last elevator. Stepping on, she pressed the button for the top floor. Several seconds passed before it began to move, and though she knew she was going to the top, the ride didn’t take long.
When the doors opened, Journee stepped off and knocked on the door across from the elevator. It was the only door in the hall except for what looked like an emergency exit at the far end. Journee waited a moment before the door was pulled open, and Alijah stood there smiling.
“Hey, Journee. Please, come in.”
Journee returned her smile and greeting, walking into the condo. She didn’t know what she’d been expecting, but Journee knew she shouldn’t have been surprised by the size. It was the only one on the floor, so she should have known it would be impressive. However, she was sure she could fit her modest house inside of it twice.
“Would you like something to drink?” Alijah questioned.
“No, thank you,” Journee responded.
“Have a seat. I need to get my purse and planner, and we can go.”
Journee nodded as Alijah headed down the hall. She decided she would stand since they wouldn’t be there long. A painting on the wall over a bar area caught her attention as she looked around the open living room, dining, and kitchen floor plan.
Walking over, Journee leaned in to study the painting. It was a mirror with the bar it was over and several of the other objects around it painted on it. It was beautiful, and Journee was impressed by the detail and how it looked exactly like the real thing. Looking at the signature in the corner, Journee was in awe. She heard footsteps coming down the hall and turned as Alijah entered the living room.
“You painted this?” she questioned.
“I did,” Alijah responded. “It’s my second job, I guess you could say.”
