Page 40 of Where We Found Our Home
“Not nearly as dirty as it could be,” I say, allowing my eyes to travel down her body before snapping back up to those chocolate eyes. She shivers and I smirk.
“Where should I put your gift?” She holds a box I honestly didn’t even notice before.
“Oh, you didn’t have to get me anything.”
She shoots me an incredulous look. “Did you think I would show up here empty-handed? Please. I brought wine for your parents too.”
“Trying to score brownie points, I see.”
“It’s your birthday, so I would hate to have to pop you in your arm again, but I will.”
“Oh shit, slugger’s back. Okay, save your strength. You may need it for later.”
“You are trouble.”
“Only for you, Angel.”
“Can we say hi to her now, or do you want to hog her all to yourself?” I turn around to find Sasha watching us with Reggie right on her heels.
“No respect for the birthday boy.”
“No one cares past the age of twenty-one. You’re lucky you got this cookout.” She turns to Ciara. “Hi, I’m Lincoln’s sister Reggie. I’ve heard a lot about you. Mostly from my kids. Lincoln’s very tight-lipped.”
Ciara chuckles. “Nice to finally meet you, Reggie. Your kids are great. Although, Malcolm made me feel like an old-ass woman for my TV shows.”
“Yeah, he’s a little shit like that. But I have you to thank for his new obsession withGolden Girls. Excellent choice.”
“Oh, and who’s his favorite?”
“Sophia.”
“I knew I liked that kid.”
Reggie beams at Ciara, and I know she’s been won over.
I escort Ciara over to the grill, and my mom immediately perks up.
“Mom, Dad. This is Ciara. Ciara, these are my parents, Trinity and David.”
“Nice to meet you, Mr. and Mrs. Cole. What I’ve seen of your home is beautiful.”
“Aww, thank you, sweetie. We don’t need formalities here, though. You can just call us Trinity and David.”
“Okay, thank you. I brought you a bottle of wine.” She holds out a bottle of merlot.
“Ooh, perfect timing. I’m all out of sangria, and I need a refill. Here, come with me to the kitchen.” Mom practically drags Ciara in the house, and I’m left saying a silent prayer that she won’t send Ciara running for the hills.
“It’s out of your hands now, son. She can handle it though. I can tell,” Dad offers.
“Yeah, you’re right.”
“Cheers to the love of a good woman.” He holds out his beer waiting for me to return the cheers.
“Dad, we’re not—” He cuts me off and clinks my bottle with his before winking and turning back to the grill.Alright, old man.
After Mom spends way too long in the kitchen with Ciara, she still looks happy and not looking for the exits so I guess we’re okay. Although, I consider asking her if my mom shared any recipes with her while they were in there. She catches my eye and walks over to me. I try to keep eye contact with her, but I fail miserably and continue to trace her curves the entire way over.
I gesture toward the assholes in front of me. Might as well get this introduction over with. “These are my dickhead friends, Dom, Kai, and Shane. Ninety-eight percent of what they say is complete bullshit, so feel free to just tune them out.”
