“That’s the next step.” He shared the details about the meeting he’d had with Bishop that morning. After he’d voiced his concerns, they’d updated his business plan and started the process offinallyhiring a business manager and a full-time assistant.
“Sounds like you’re on the right track.”
“I think so.” He kissed me. “How about you? How’d that client meeting go?”
“It went.” A former client of mine had recently contacted me about handling her third divorce. “The sad thing is she only wants the divorce so she can get back with her first husband. It’s a mess.”
“That’s…crazy.”
“I know, right?” Duke’s phone buzzed, but he didn’t answer it. “Are you going to get that?”
He shook his head. “Nah. It’s not important.”
“I’m so sleepy.” I yawned.
“Get some rest. I’ll make dinner.”
Duke scooted off the bed. I raked my eyes over him, lingering on the tattoo on his back before letting my gaze wander down to his ass, then his strong legs.So fine. “I think you should stay in bed with me,” I said.
He pulled on a pair of pants. Turning to face me, he winked. “If I get back in that bed, you won’t get any sleep.” He bent to place a kiss on my forehead, then my mouth. “I won’t be long.”
Once he disappeared around the corner, I picked up my phone and checked my messages. I had fifty-plus text messages in the “Sisters” text thread. Against my will, they’d recently added me back into the group after an extended break. I hated being part of group threads, but Dallas had demanded that I stop acting like I’m not a Young sister. That meant I had to be subject to all the texts just like they did. They’d also added me back into the larger “Sibling” group.
I scrolled up to read from the beginning. Bliss had started the conversation with a pic of a man’s dick. Well, it was more like a pencil. Apparently, she’d received it from a blind date that Ma had set her up with. The conversation segued into Blake’s wedding. I was surprised when Blake finally announced her date. August 9. This year. After everyone chimed in about colors and programs and planning, Blake promptly told everyone to shut the fuck up.
Blake:Just plan the damn wedding and I’ll be there on time.
Bliss:Side-eye face emoji.
Bliss:Meaning the wedding will start at least thirty minutes late.
Bliss:I’ll warn Taylar.
Dallas:‘Bout damn time.#Siccadis.
Blake:That part.
Blake:Happy now, Sissy?
Bliss:Very.
Me:Finally
Dallas:She actually responded.Hey, sis!
I sent a GIF of a woman saying, “Hey, girl, hey.” Then I followed that up with another GIF of a woman waving goodbye.
After replying to a few emails, I turned my phone onfocusmode and burrowed into the mattress. To my right, Duke’s phone buzzed again. Then, again.
I bit down on my bottom lip. I’d handled Duke’s phone before, but not as his girlfriend.Did the rules change the minute we started having sex?
The phone buzzed again, but this time someone was calling him. I let my curiosity get the best of me, so I peered at the screen.Sasha Williams.
I knew Sasha, but…Why the hell is she calling Duke?
A knot formed in the pit of my stomach as I considered the various reasons they could be talking, but the main one floating through my mind was…Were they sleeping together? That couldn’t be it. I told myself that so many times, but the feeling wouldn’t dissipate.I should just ask him. He’d tell me the truth.He always told me the truth.
I grabbed the phone right before another message popped up. The phone was locked so I couldn’t see the message, but it was from her. I slid off the bed and walked into the kitchen, where Duke was seasoning two chicken breasts.
