AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Thank you for having me.”
He smiled as he scooped Precious up and carried her upstairs.
“Are you ready to go?” Callum asked from beside me.
“Yes. The food was good, and I enjoyed the company, but the ‘itis’ is kicking in. My bed is calling me.”
He stood and reached for my hand, pulling me to my feet. Bella stood and walked us to the door.
“It was so nice to meet you, boo,” she said, pulling me in for a hug.
“It was nice meeting you too. I appreciate your hospitality.”
“We have to get together without this one.” She gestured to her brother, and he looked at her offended.
“How are you gonna steal my friend?”
“’Cause I can. You take care, Pasha. You have my number. Don’t be a stranger. I’ll see you this week, Callum.”
“You will. Love you, sis.”
“I love you too.”
They shared a brief embrace, and he kissed her forehead. Then he grabbed my hand and led me out to his truck. After helping me in, he rounded the driver’s side and climbed in himself. I settled into the comfort of his leather seat with a smile. He looked over at me when he closed his door.
“You good?” he asked.
“I’m great. Thank you for tonight. I haven’t felt a genuine family vibe in a long time. I mean, I have my girls, but that’s different. This was... I don’t know. It made me feel all warm inside. I needed that.”
“I’m glad I could provide that for you.”
He cranked up and backed out of the driveway. The ride back to my apartment was made in comfortable silence, aside from the smooth R&B playing through the speakers. I glanced at Callum, and thoughts of his sister’s words ran through my mind. I didn’t feel she was trying to cover up for him. As she spoke about him, the look in her eyes was one of love and adoration. There was no way to fake that. On the outside, maybe, but not inside.
We pulled up to my apartment building about twenty minutes later. Much to my surprise, he pulled into a parking spot instead of in front of the door.
“Can I walk you up?” he asked.
“Sure.”
We climbed out of the truck, and he walked around to offer me his arm. I accepted, and we headed into the building. We spent the ride up to my floor, stealing glances at each other and smiling. I couldn’t seem to get myself together. Why was I acting like a schoolgirl with this man? We stepped off the elevator and made our way down the hall to my door.
“This is me,” I said, pressing my back against it.
“It is.”
“Thank you again for tonight.”
“Pasha, if you thank me one more time, you’re gonna know something.”
“Well, I don’t know what else to say!” My cheeks were heating up because I was blushing so hard.
“Say you’ll spend some time with me this Friday.”
“Are you asking me on a date?”
“I’m asking you to let your friend take you out and show you a good time.”
“Just as friends?”
