He chuckled. “My bad, man, but that’s corny as fuck.”
I rolled my eyes. “I always wanted a Mini Cooper and as soon as my old car died on me, I got one.”
He stopped behind my car. “A’right, I ain’t gon’ shit on your little box car.”
Again, I rolled my eyes. “Whatever, I love my baby.” I went to open the door. “Thanks for the ride.”
He nodded. “No problem. Take yo’ ass home and get some sleep.”
Just as he finished, a yawn fell from my lips. “I will.”
I grabbed the door handle and paused. “Hey.” I twisted my body toward him.
“Yeah?” His eyes were now focused on whatever he was reading on his phone. I glanced behind me, seeing the suitcase and large duffle bag in the back seat.
Nibbling my bottom lip, I focused on him again, thinking about my next words. “Instead of staying at a hotel, why don’t you just stay at me and your brother’s house?”
He was mid text when his fingers froze and he glanced up at me. One of his thick brows rose and his hooded, syrup-colored eyes narrowed.
“What?”
I licked my lips and fidgeted in my seat. “I just mean… you said you don’t know how long you’re going to be here, and instead of wasting money on a hotel room, why not just stay at the house? We have plenty of room and plus I don’t really like being home myself, so…” My voice trailed off and I shrugged.
His stare became intense, almost reminding me of his dad and Rome. “You think that’s a good idea?”
Heat flooded my cheeks as my face balled in confusion. “Why wouldn’t it be? I’m just helping my future brother-in-law. I know Rome would offer the same thing.”
Creed chuckled and shook his head. “A’right, if you don’t think it’ll be an issue. I’m down. I ain’t gon’ complain about saving no bread.”
I blinked at him for a minute. I had only been around him a couple of hours and could already see the differences between him and Rome. Listening to him speak, I wouldn’t think he and Rome grew up together.
“I’m not sure if you remember where we stay, but you can just follow me. I need to stop by my cousin’s house and get my dog first.”
He nodded. “A’right.”
This time I quickly climbed out of the car and went into my purse to grab my keys and rushed to my car door. I didn’t know where the idea to have Creed stay at the house came from, but it was too late to take it back. Rome didn’t talk much about his brother, but the two didn’t seem to hate each other when they were around one another. With him being here for a little while, it would give me time to get to know him a little more.
____
“Feel free to make yourself at home. If you need more towels, there’s some in the hallway closet. I just went grocery shopping too, so feel free to use anything in the kitchen, just don’t touch my strawberry ice cream.” I pointed my finger at him and narrowed my eyes with my lips poked out, causing him to smirk.
“I won’t touch your shit.”
“Good.” I grinned. I looked around the guest room. We had three additional rooms in our house outside of the master. Two of the rooms were guest rooms and the other was used as storage.
Bella came into the room and brushed her head against my leg. “Bella’s my service dog, in case you didn’t know. I don’t always wear my aids at home. When I’m out I sometimes bring her with me if I’m having a rough day. If you call out for me and I don’t answer, I’m not purposely ignoring you. Bella will get my attention, however, and let me know you’re calling for me. We have lights set up around the house that flicker if the doorbell goes off or the main doors open, but she also will let me know if someone’s at the door, the smoke detector goes off, my phone’s ringing, and a few other things too. As you can see she’s friendly and just here to help. I can also read lips well, so even if I can’t hear a person, I typically can understand what they’re saying as long as they’re facing me and aren’t talking too fast.”
I smiled, petting the top of Bella’s head. “Bella, this is Creed. He’s gonna be staying here for a bit. Can you stick your hand out?” I asked Creed.
Creed’s eyes shifted down to Bella, but he did as I asked. Bella glanced up at me before leaning forward and brushing her nose against his hand. “Just letting her get familiar with your scent.”
I watched as Bella sniffed Creed. Her tail began to wag faster when he petted the top of her head.
“She’s a good girl.”
“The best.” I grinned and yawned. “Okay, I feel like I’m about to pass out. If you need anything and you come to my room, Bella will notify me if you knock and or call me—my phone’s always on vibrate—and my aids are off.”
“I got it from here.” He moved his hand and Bella came back to stand at my side. “I ’preciate you letting me stay here.”
