With a smile, Kayne pulled me into his arms, and I could have turned into a puddle of mush as they wrapped around me.
“I’m sorry it took me so long to get my mind right.”
“It doesn’t matter,” he countered, cupping my cheeks. “We’re here now.”
After Kayne kissed my forehead, we walked to the living room hand in hand. We sat down, and I pushed my nerves away to be honest with my soul mate.
“First, have you heard from the kiddos?” I checked. “I know Sonny didn’t pay Mateo’s phone bill because he called me from his grandma’s phone last night to make me aware. I’ve been trying not to bother her but I wanna know how they’re adjusting.”
Kayne smiled and squeezed my hand. “I called this morning and worried her enough for the both of us.” That made me smile. “I was able to do a gift payment, so their phone is back on.” Relief immediately washed over me. “She said they’re adjusting well but they miss Sonny. They are eating and resting but a little restless because she doesn’t have anything for them to dobesides watch TV. I told them I’d take them home so they can get a few books and games after I leave here.”
“Cool. Um . . . When you’re done, can you come back? I missed you.”
“Of course, bae. I missed you too.”
Sitting back in my seat, I nervously ran my hands up and down my leggings. “Did you . . . do you . . . does what you feel for me . . . is it just attraction?”
“No,” he assured me quickly. “I’ve been in love with you since the first moment I laid eyes on you. I buried those feelings deep in my heart because of your past with my brother.”
“What’s changed now?”
“I feel like I’m a volcano that’s about to explode.” He chuckled softly as my eyes glossed over. “I got all these feelings for you inside of me, this love, that I’ve never been able to do anything about.”
“I feel your love for me,” I countered. “I just thought it was that of a friend. And maybe I’ve always known it was something more because what I feel for you is more, but I was in denial, because I knew we couldn’t be together.”
“But what if we can?”
My eyes blinked rapidly as I swallowed hard. “Kayne, I was with Kenya?—”
He sucked his teeth and tilted his head. “I don’t give a fuck about that shit. That was a whole decade ago, and y’all were together for less than a year. He didn’t value you, and I do, so I’m not going to let that continue to keep me from you.”
“Are you saying this can really happen?”
“I am. So . . .” Kayne kissed my hand. “Will you allow me to court you, Jayla? If so, I’d love to take you out Wednesday evening.”
I wanted to tell him that wasn’t necessary, and he could just ask me to marry him today. I’d say yes. Instead, I nodded and giggled.
“Yes, I would love that.”
“Good. I’ll get everything planned and let you know how to dress.” He stood and dropped a kiss to my nose. “Let me go get these kids though. Need me to bring anything back?”
“I don’t think so,” I considered with a shake of my head. “Are you hungry? If so, you might want to grab food. I have some leftover pasta, but it might be dry by now.”
He chuckled. “Aight. I’ll call you if I stop somewhere and see if you want anything.”
“Okay, pookie. Be safe, and hurry back.”
“I will,” he declared before leaving, and I couldn’t wait until I was alone to squeal and laugh to release my excitement. I wanted desperately to call Brooke and tell her about what had transpired, but I also wanted to at least have our first date and keep this moment to myself.
Mateo looked better after three days with his grandma, and I was grateful for that. More than anything, he looked rested. He was far too young to be trying to take care of himself let alone his sister. While I waited for them to get whatever they wanted from their rooms, I looked on the menu for this new seafood joint that had opened on the beach. I knew Jayla wanted to chill, but I was hoping she didn’t mind leaving for a minute to grab some food. If she didn’t want to, I’d just stop by and eat before I went back to her house.
“Aight, Mr. Mathis,” Mateo said, making his way into the living room. “I’m done, but I’m gonna help Miley make up her mind so we can go.”
“Aight, big man,” I agreed through my chuckle. “Hey, good looking out with taking care of your sister too. Even though you were put in a position you shouldn’t have been, you handled itlike a man. Now, you can relax and be a kid again. Me and Miss Anderson got y’all, and your grandma do too. I’m proud of you.”
His head bobbed and teeth gritted as his eyes watered. He wiped them with his arm before muttering, “Thanks, Mr. Mathis. For everything.”
Sniffling, he went to his sister’s room, and the moment made my heart ache, but in a good way.
