“I’m not sure what exactly is going on between you two, but I know he didn’t even care I was there. His focus was solely on you. That looks like love to me.”
I frowned. “Love? We haven’t even gone on a date.”
“Yes, you have. You’ve been dating for years. Just not in the conventional way.”
“Ma, I—”
“What is a date? Spending one-on-one time with someone, getting to know them, growing close… You and Duke havebeendoing that.”
“I hear what you’re saying, but I don’t think so.”
“You bring out the best in him,” she continued. “He pulls you out of your shell. You two complement each other. You paint between the lines. He prefers to use the entire canvas.”
“How do you feel about it?” I asked tentatively, averting my eyes. “You know how I felt about Tristan.”
Ma cupped my chin, bringing my gaze back to her. “He was a hero to you then. But not the heroforyou now.”
“You sound like Blake.”
“My poor child. She’s so wise, yet so stubborn. But she’s right. It’s hard to let go, but sometimes it’s necessary.”
“Don’t you think it’s too soon for Duke and me to get involved?”
“Not at all. I met Stew, hated him for a good three months, then loved him for forty-something years. And still counting.” Their love story was something out of a book. I’d memorized all the details the moment they’d shared it with me. “Give it some time,” she said. “You’ll see. Like I told Duke back in December, it won’t take long.”
That comment made me curious. “Wait, you talked to Duke aboutme?”
“I sure did. Everyone always says that ‘Duke be knowing shit.” She cracked up. “Who do you think he got it from?”
I hugged her again. “I love you so much.”
“Love you more.” Ma stood, pulling me to my feet. “Now, get some rest. The Starks and the Reids are coming in tomorrow. You know how we get down.”
I loved when the core families got together. It was always a good time. “Yes, ma’am. I’ll see you in the morning.” I rinsed out the mugs and loaded them into the dishwasher.
“Thanks, Love.”
I made my way to the staircase. “Good night.
“By the way,” Ma called. “Stop smoking weed with Duke.”
I froze, whirling around. “Huh?”
Ma burst out into a fit of giggles. “I told you… I know things. Good night, Love.”
I jogged up the stairs and turned down the hallway, but I didn’t stop at my room. Instead, I ended up in front of Duke’s door. I knocked softly. Duke opened the door, clad in a pair of low-riding shorts. That’s it. That’s all.
I hunched a shoulder. “I figured I could lay with you?”
He smirked, and without a word, he pulled me inside.
ChapterThirteen
AFTER HOURS
Duke
The middle of the night was prime time for me. I was most creative after three a.m. If I was home, I’d probably be cooking, trying out a new dish, mixing seasonings, reading the latest trade magazines. I found inspiration in everything, from flowers to smells to flickering lights over cityscapes. Tonight, though, I found myself in a very different position.
