She had two errands to run before she could go to the gallery for the day. With that in mind, she dabbed clear gloss on her lips and grabbed her coat and purse before hurrying out of her room.
Eze had just opened the front door, about to leave for Trinity, when he saw her walking toward him.
Eze’s lips barely lifted, but Mags could see mischief brewing in his dark eyes. Her eyes flicked briefly to the hallway behind the open door and saw Abeo and Nasir standing at attention.
Let the games begin.
“How many classes do you have today?” she asked, coming to stand before him. His body was angled just enough that the men in the hall would see their profiles.
“Two and a study group. And where are you off to?” While he spoke, he took one of her hands in his and brought it to rest against his solid chest. “Busy day?” he asked her.
“Fabric shop. I need a few more colors for your mother’s fan.” She hadn’t let him see any of the progress yet. Too bad he didn’t know she had the piece in an embroidery hoop in her tote. She’d worked the last few nights on it once she went to bed. “I also have to drop a pair of scissors off at the sharpeners, then the gallery for the rest of the day.”
“Are we still going to the gallery to see the artist your sister signed to Smith next week? I was going to make sure my schedule was clear at work.”
“Yes,” she grinned. “Mirren is so excited. She’ll be here this evening. She has to meet the artist one more time before the show to finalize placement. Thank you so much for letting her stay here.”
Mags finally had to come clean about some of the changes in her life to her sister. The most crucial update that affectedMirren’s visit was her change of address. Mags promised to explain everything that night.
“I was hoping you might be home in time to have dinner with us. We have a lot to catch up on, so I figured I’d just make dinner, and we could stay in.”
Eze attempted to hide his grimace, but he was no actor. “Eze, you ass! I burned one meal. One! Get over it.”
He chuckled. “I’ll be home, but only if Jol does the cooking.”
“Amen,” Jol shouted from the kitchen.
“Traitor,” Mags shouted back. “Fine. Have a good day, Eze.” When she went to pull her hand away from his chest, he tugged her closer with it. He looked at her and raised his brows in question.Oh my.He really wanted to put on a show this morning.
At her subtle nod, he bent slowly and kissed her. It was gentle and soft, tender and surprisingly romantic as their lips melded and their tongues tentatively touched. When it ended, they both looked surprised.
Eze cleared his throat and stepped back, running a hand down his button-up. Turning his head sharply to the men waiting beyond, he said, “Abeo, you will drive me today. Nasir, you will help Margaret with her errands and ensure that she gets to the gallery safely.”
Mags choked on her own saliva. “That isn’t necessary.” She pinched his arm to let him know he was going a touch too far with the make Nasir jealous plan.
“Just making sure you don’t fall down any more stairs.”
Without another word, Eze walked briskly out the door, Abeo in his wake, leaving her awkwardly alone with Nasir. Pasting on a smile she didn’t feel, she said, “Looks like it’s the two of us today, then.
Mags: You could give a girl ideas after a kiss like that. I think my safety is the last thing on Nasir’s mind after that stunt.
Eze: It wasn’t all for show.
Mags: Your Grim Reaper persona is false advertising. You are a good kisser.
Eze: My lips are still tingling. Never fear that Nasir’s feelings will get in the way of his job. He’s nothing if not professional.
Mags: See you tonight.
As Nasir hailed a cab to take them to the fabric store, she called her mother to check on how she was feeling. She told her about some of her new paying customers and about Mirren’s gallery party tomorrow night. Mags promised that she and Mirren would video call her that evening.
Mags tried several times to strike up a conversation with Nasir, but he chose to be blunt and snide every chance allowed. Sighing, she shifted her attention to the list of fabric and embroidery floss she needed to purchase.
Once the cab driver dropped them off at the fabric store, Mags turned to Nasir. “Here,” she handed him her best fabric shears, “the sharpeners are only around the corner. Please drop them off while I shop.”
She could tell he was about to argue, so she quickly shut down any argument. “I won’t leave this store until you’ve returned.”
He clenched his jaw in anger but turned to do her bidding. When he was only a few steps away, she couldn’t help but add, “I wonder if you cared half so much for Eze’s safety back in the day.” He paused and his shoulders stiffened, but he continued on.
