Deion’s housewas exactly what I expected it to be, modern, sleek and masculine. Shit, why wasn’t Danessa showing me places like this?
“How much you pay for this place? If you don’t mind me asking.”
“I don’t remember, around six.”
“Six million?” My eyes fled to my hairline.
“Yeah.
“Million?”
“It’s probably worth ten now.”
I wasn’t paying six million on a gotdamn thing.
Following Deion out to the backyard I had to admit it was money well spent. The yard was manicured with perfectly symmetrical bushes and a waterfall attached to the pool. It was like an oasis, the tranquil gurgle of the water cascading into the pool could make you forget your worries. Shit, I was tired of hotel living. I needed a space all my own.
“What happened the other night?” Deion asked.
“Huh?”
“You, Colin, heated exchange.” Deion reached for a nub of cheese. If you told me I’d be hanging out withtheDeion McCabe in his backyard noshing on a charcuterie board … shit, if you told me Deion McCabe ate charcuterie boards, I would not have believed you.
“Is that what Colin said?”
“That’s what everybody is saying. They thought you two were going to come to blows.”
“I know Colin’s your friend and all, but he’s an asshole. And he instigated that situation.”
“You could’ve just walked away?”
I blinked owlishly. Was Deion “Bust You in the Head Until the White Meat” McCabe suggesting being the bigger man. “I’m from Philly, we don’t walk away.”
“And that’s why nobody likes you.”
My head jerked backward with surprise. “Excuse me?”
“Colin may be an asshole, but so are you.”
“I was defending myself.”
“You have a slick mouth, and you don’t know when to shut the fuck up.”
“I know you’re not talking about slick mouths.” A female voice from behind us rang out, stealing the words off my tongue.
“A and B conversation Sloane, so?—”
“Nope, I have thoughts.” This beautiful woman with wild hair sat down next to Deion.
“Aldridge, this is Sloane. Sloane, Aldridge.”
“Nice to meet you.” I extended a hand she didn’t bother to shake.
“Mmm, normally any time someone meets Sloane, nice isn’t the word they use,” Deion said.
“What? I’m a joy to be around. A joy.”
“You’re my joy. I’ll give you that.” Deion smirked and the two shared a wordless exchange that made me feel like an intruder.
