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“I brought my sister Yaya. She picked the outfit, so I guarantee you’re going to love it.”
Yaya makes a gesture with her hands.
“My sister says your house looks cozy,” Dejonae translates. She stares at Yaya’s hands as they keep moving. “She says you’re pretty, Nova. And that you should model.”
I go slack-jawed when I see Yaya signing. I hadn’t realized that Dejonae’s sister was deaf. No wonder Dejonae knew sign language and connected with Niko so well.
“We hope you like the dress,” Dejonae says, shaking the garment bag hefted over her shoulder.
Nova doesn’t smile. Her eyes shoot to me. “Mr. Harrison, can I speak to you?”
My excitement turns to apprehension in a snap. Whenever Nova calls me ‘Mr. Harrison’ in that tone, I know I’m in for it.
“Dejonae, do you mind watching Rowan for a sec? He’s got the stove on and I—”
“Say no more.” Dejonae flies into the kitchen. “Yaya, come over here. Let me introduce you to Adam’s son.”
For the first time, I don’t flinch when hearing someone call Rowan my son. Progress.
My eyes return to Nova and I shrivel in the middle of her death glare. Swallowing hard, I follow her down the hallway.
When we’re far from the living room, she whirls on me. “Why’d you bother Dejonae?”
“I didn’t bother her. She offered to help.”
Nova’s eyebrows crash into an angry V. “Did you tell her I slept over last night?”
“I explained that you fell asleep on the couch.”
Nova starts pacing and I study her in confusion. “What’s the problem?”
“I don’t know, Adam. Maybe it’s that you dragged Dejonae into this for no reason.”
“Dejonae doesn’t mind helping out. She’s practically chomping at the bit to come and check on us.” I step closer to her. “Nova, what’s wrong?”
She steps back. “Nothing.”
I don’t let her shake me off. She wore a thunderous expression when she stomped here with me and now she’s pressing a hand to her throat like she’s being choked.
“Nova, I didn’t mean to upset you.”
“You didn’t. Forget it. It’s fine.”
But I know those words are the biggest lies in the universe.
When she tries to scamper away, I press a hand to the wall, blocking her from leaving. She turns around and tries to escape the other way. I drop my other arm too, caging her in.
When it comes to that sassy mouth of hers, she can have me running in circles. But I’ve got her on brute strength alone. She’s not going anywhere.
Nova turns to me, her chest rising and falling. Anger spurts from her eyes. “How can I help you, Mr. Harrison?”
Again with the Mr. Harrison crap.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you. I just wanted you to have breakfast and a change of clothes. If I knew involving Dejonae would make you so uncomfortable, I wouldn’t have done it.”
“It’s not about Dejonae,” she croaks.
“Okay. Then tell me what’s really going on.”
