Page 13 of Five Midnight Moment
“Uber.”
“Baby, why didn’t you call me? And this evening, you took Uber home, too? You know I would’ve taken you home.”
She leaned her head against his shoulder and he wrapped his arm around her. “I know. But I needed some time and I know you had to do a few things, as well.”
“Anything I had to do could’ve waited. Promise me you won’t do this again.”
The sincerity in his voice touched her deep inside. “I promise.”
“Good. I’ll check and see if I can find out what’s wrong.”
“Thank you.”
“Now, for my next midnight moment.” They shared a smile. He handed her yet, another jewelry box.
“I feel like it’s Christmas all over again.” This time, nestled against the black velvet, she found an anchor charm. “This is so beautiful and I have to say that diamonds are definitely becoming my best friend.”
“The anchor symbolizes hope, security and stability, and you are all that and more for me. Today tested me in a way that I’d never experienced, but you kept me grounded. With you by my side, I felt calm in the face of that storm, as if nothing could shake my foundation. Let me do the same for you, baby. I want be your anchor, the one to keep you safe from whatever storms life throws in your path.”
All she could do was nod around the lump in her throat. She’d been out of her mind to think she could give him up. Valencia cupped his clean-shaven cheek. “You are the most amazing man I have ever met.” Leaning up, she kissed him and tried to communicate just how much she’d come to love him.
“You’re the amazing one, sweetheart. I’d like for you to pack a bag. You’re coming home with me. We’re riding to work in the morningtogether. And before you say anything, I don’t care what anyone thinks. We’re grown and it’s nobody’s business what we do. So?”
She didn’t even hesitate. “Give me ten minutes.”
Chapter 5
Aside from a few curious looks when Valencia and Dwayne arrived at the office together the next morning, no one said a word. She wouldn’t have cared anyway because she was far too happy. Instead, they were still whispering about what had happened the previous day. With it being New Year’s Eve, she hoped they could have their own private party. A smile curved her lips. She could think of nothing she’d rather do than spend another night in his arms.
At five o’clock on the dot, Valencia locked up and headed over to meet Dwayne. She said hello to Mrs. Roberts as she approached Dwayne’s office.
The woman gave her a knowing smile. “Go on in, Valencia. He’s expecting you.”
“Thank you.” She opened the door and saw Dwight sitting at the small conference table. He wore the same white dress shirt as Dwayne, but the moment he looked her way, she knew he wasn’t the man she loved. “Oh, hey, Dwight. I was looking for Dwayne.”
Dwight leaned back in the chair and studied her. “Not many people are able tell us apart. Actually, no one usually does, except our mother. Yet, after one day, you can. How?”
Before she could answer, Dwayne came in. Valencia’s heart fluttered in a way that it hadn’t with his brother.
Dwayne gave her a quick kiss. “Hi, baby. Are you ready to leave?”
“Yes.”
Dwight stood. “Seems like Valencia doesn’t have a problem telling us apart.”
“Really? I’ve been trying to get my mom to share her secret for years, and she won’t.”
She nodded. “Yep. And I’m not telling, either.”
Dwayne folded his arms and a sexy grin spread across his lips. “Hmm, I think I may be able to persuade you to give up the goods.”
Valencia divided a quick glance between the brothers and felt her face warm in embarrassment. “Um…I can just wait for you in the hall.” Dwight’s expression never changed and he had yet to crack a smile, so she had no idea what he was thinking.
He chuckled and walked over to his desk. “You don’t need to leave.” After powering off his computer, he locked everything and turned to Dwight. “How late are you staying?”
“I’m leaving right behind you.”
“Okay. See you tomorrow.”
