“No way.”
“I know it sounds weird, but I looked it up in several places.”
“Should we leave the pizza box out there too?”
“I’m pretty scared to get it. Better safe than sorry.” She went to the kitchen, took a paper towel, and then carried the box out to the balcony. “This is our new normal.”
“It is.” I drank in her ass jiggling in those shorts. “After the shower, we’ll eat and discuss—”
“Your conversation with Amber.” She returned from the balcony but left the door open. “Everything okay?”
“Yes. And you and I,” I gestured to her. “We’re exactly the same. Nothing has changed. I want you in my place.”
“We’ll see after this conversation.”
“We sure will see.” I took off my shoes, carried them over to the balcony, and left them outside. “You just focus on our wedding.”
“Dear God. Zora and you are tripping today.”Chapter 17
JadeHot Spot
In the bedroom, I attempted to finish my phone call with Zora’s mother. “Yes, Mommy.”
A cherry tone laced Mrs. Patel’s voice. “I think you will be a new experience for him, darling.”
I covered my face. “I just. . .I can’t believe Zora told you.”
“She knew that I would be happy about it.”
“How are you feeling, by the way?”
“I’m doing great. This virus hasn’t taken me like others. I’m breathing fine. No more fever.” She coughed. “I want to talk more about you and my son.”
“Okay, but we’re still figuring this out, Mommy.”
“Oh no. This is a full commitment. You’re not Amber.” Her voice went stern. “You are a lovely woman. Kamal will act accordingly. I raised him well.”
I grinned. “You did.”
The bedroom door opened.
Kamal ducked his head inside. “Is she still on the phone?”
I nodded.
He walked over and gently took the phone from me. “Mom, can I spend some time with Jade this evening? Yes. I know. I am taking this serious.”
Laughing, I covered my mouth and drank him in. He had his shirt off and jeans hanging low, showing off his muscular arms and six-pack.
“No.” Kamal ran his fingers through his hair. “Of course we haven’t. Mom, I’m a virgin. I’m sorry. You’re correct. That isn’t funny. I love you and will talk to you later.”
He hung up and handed me the phone. “Are you hungry?”
“Yes.”
“I made some salads, put the pizza in the oven, and opened a bottle of wine.” He grabbed my hand and guided me inside the living room.
I took in the space. He had darkened the room and placed lit candles on the table next to two plates of pizza and glasses of wine.
“Awww.”
“You like?”
“Yes.”
“But first, let’s go over to the couch.” He led me over there.
I sat down.
He lowered and placed my legs over his. “My sister and mother know.”
“Yes.” I laughed. “That’s an understatement.”
“So, your mother will hear soon too.”
“I bet your mother is talking to mine right now.”
“I guarantee it.” He slipped his hand along my jeans. “Where are your shorts?”
“Washing machine.”
“These jeans are coming off soon.”
“Hmmm.” I kept a stern expression. “And how was your conversation with Amber?”
“Straight to the point.”
I nodded. “Her standing outside of the apartment freaked me out. I didn’t think she would be back.”
“We won’t see her anymore. We had the conversation.”
“Why did she want to talk?” I asked.
“She wanted to explain the reason why she cheated.”
“That’s it?”
He let out a long breath. “And she asked for another chance.”
“What did you say?”
“I’m here, so I said no.”
“And she accepted that?”
“She did.”
An unease still sat with me. “How did she leave?”
“In tears, but. . .that’s how things end sometimes.”
I frowned. “This is sad.”
“It can’t be helped, Jade.”
“I kind of feel bad for her.”
“I understand.” He touched my chin. “That’s why I like you so much. You’re caring and loving.”
“What we are doing right now,” I sighed. “We have to take our time.”
“And if I don’t want to take my time?”
“Kamal.”
He studied me. “I want you in my life.”
“I will be.”
“And I want you in my place.”
I chuckled. “But. . .”
“Say yes.”
I reached my hand to his head. “You promise that we’re not taking this too fast?”
“I don’t care.”
“So. . .we should have some rules.”
“Go ahead.”
“You said you have a three-bedroom. Are there beds in each one?”
“Yes, and I plan on fucking you in all of them.”
I swallowed. “Kamal, focus.”
“What about the bedrooms?”
“I should move into one of the bedrooms for the times we need space or—”
“Fine. Choose one. It’s your personal space. You can keep your stuff there. I also have a sort of sky room that’s on the second level. You can sculpt in there, while I’m in the office on the first level. It will give you your time for privacy.”
I blinked. “O-kay.”
“I barely use the second level. Now with this quarantine, I’ll be able to make more use of my condo. And you’ll be helping me make it a home.”
I parted my lips, stunned with how welcoming he was, and how much he yearned to make me comfortable. My eyes glazed with full devotion to make sure I deserved all of his praise.