Page 41 of Where We Found Our Home
“But it’s that two percent you really don’t wanna miss,” Dom says.
“Nice to meet you, Ciara. I’m Shane. Also known as the handsome one of these ugly motherfuckers.”
“I mean I’d say you’re definitely in the top five of this group,” Ciara retorts, and I love that she immediately jumped in to give these guys shit.
“Ha! I bet you’re number five too. You dumbass,” Isaiah laughs.
“I’ll never share my rankings.” She turns to Dom. “I never got a chance to thank you for your help that day, but thank you and nice to officially meet you.”
Dom blushes.Yeah she has that effect on people.“No thanks necessary, I was just doing my job. I’m glad you’re okay, even though I think you may have some residual effects if you’re hanging with this guy by choice.” He points to me.
“Oh yeah, the doctor told me poor life choices were a side effect of the head injury.”
“Very funny, you assholes,” I joke.
This cookout is exactly what I needed. Time to just relax with the people I care most about in this world. Nevaeh is sitting on Ciara’s lap whispering secrets in her ear. I imagine Ciara’s belly swollen with our child, and the thought is not so scary. Would our child have her eyes, her cheekbones, her giving spirit? I’m getting way ahead of myself, but it doesn’t feel so wrong.
Nevaeh demands I open presents, so I get down to business. When I get to Ciara’s gift, I lock eyes with her, and she shoots me a sneaky smile.
Oh shit.
“What is that, Uncle Linc?” Malcolm asks.
“It’s a bug-out bag.” A zombie apocalypse bug-out bag just like the one I told her I wanted as a kid. It’s packed with dried food, a first aid kit, an extra pair of clothes, and a bunch of other essentials. On top of the bag is a book titledThe Zombie Survival Guideby Max Brooks.
“I figured you should be all set with this. I still expect a pin with the meet-up spot, by the way,” she teases. I laugh, but all I really want to do is pick her up, carry her inside, kiss that smart-ass mouth senseless, right before sinking inside her.
You’re playing with fire, Angel.
The guys suggest we continue the night by heading over to Neon Nights, and I’m excited Ciara agrees to join.
“I’m too old to go drinking with you fools, so I’m heading home,” Reggie declares, which earns an eye roll from all of us.
“You’re thirty-six. Stop it.” Sasha scowls.
“Okay, fine. I’m not too old but I’ve had four drinks which is more than my tolerance will allow these days, so I’m gonna go put my kids to bed and then fuck my husband if that’s okay with you.”
I blanch at that. I do not want to hear about my sister’s sex life. “Oh. Well, you should’ve just said that then. Carry on.” Sasha blows her a kiss.
“I could’ve done without that,” Carter says and wrinkles his nose.
“Aww, babe, well, you’ll get the same treatment if Nevaeh is in bed when I get home,” Sasha promises him with a wink.
Carter throws me a quick good night and grabs Nevaeh to find and catch a ride with Reggie and Michael.This family really needs some fucking boundaries.
Sasha turns to Ciara. “Ciara, I’ll follow you back to your place. That way we can just drive one car to the bar.”
“Sounds good.” Ciara throws me one more look over her shoulder as she walks out with Sasha, and the look I give her is a promise of things to come.
The energy between Ciara and me could set this place on fire, and this time she can’t hide behind the bar.
I notice Isaiah and Nina arguing. She walks away from him, and he wipes his hand down his face in frustration. I make a note to ask him about that when I’m not so focused on the temptress in front of me.
We keep finding reasons to touch each other. I place my hand on the small of her back when she speaks to me. She grazes my arm with hers when she walks by. She puts her hands on my neck when she asks me a question. Her touch sets my soul ablaze, and I’m ready to burn.
At the end of the night, Sasha offers Ciara a ride back to her place, but I’m not ready to pour water on our flames just yet.
“I’ll drive her home.” I’m speaking to Sasha, but I never take my eyes off Ciara.
