Page 30 of Certified Sin

“What about Rylee?” Reese’s voice echoed as he came into the room. He grinned at me, and sat on the edge of the couch where I was.

“She coming home next week,” Raina answered.

“Okay, okay.” Reese tapped my arm. “You good?”

I nodded with a smile. I was actually enjoying myself with his family. When I said it was lonely, I wasn’t lying about that. A lady who looked to be in her mid-fifties staggered in, holding onto the wall.

“Why nobody told me we had company?” she questioned, her voice sounded weak as she spoke.

“Let me help you, ma.” Reese ran over to hold her hand as she walked.

I couldn’t help the smile on my face seeing how gentle Reese is with her. I felt kind of bad for the way I misjudged him when we first met. I thought he was this big player with lots of hoes and an attitude, but the way he takes care of his family is admirable. Any woman would be lucky to have him.

“Hi,” I greeted her once she got comfortable in a chair. “I’m Ronnie. It’s nice to meet you, ma’am.”

I stretched my hand out to shake her fragile ones.

Their mother was beautiful. I can see where Reese gets his looks from, although I noticed their eyes aren’t the same color as her children. They must’ve got the hazel from their dad’s side of the family.

“Likewise, honey. You are stunning.” She lifted her head to peek at Reese. “You did a good job.”

“Oh, no,” I muttered out, waving my hand.

“We’re just friends, ma’am.” I glanced shyly at Reese.

“Well, that’s a shame. I would’ve loved some pretty grandbabies.” Reese laughed while I hid my face to hide my smile. She readjusted herself in the seat.

“While I’m able to sit here and chat, tell me about yourself.” Her soft eyes reminded me of my mama.

I spentthe next few hours telling her all about my life. I didn’t miss how Reese never strayed too far and seemed just as interested as she was in getting to know me. Time went by fast, and Reese was driving me back to my car at the office before I knew it.

“I had fun with your family. Thank you for letting me meet them.” He had pulled up five minutes ago, and now we were parked in front of my car in the garage.

“They liked you, especially Rayna.” He chuckled, licking his lips. That girl’s a handful. She made me give her my number.

“Rayna’s real sweet, and so is your mama.”

“She cool.” We shared a laugh.

I sat there for a few minutes longer, not really wanting to leave.

“So, I’ll see you soon.” I sighed, turning in his direction.

“Yeah, be careful. Call Rayna to let her know you made it.” He swallowed deeply, watching my mouth.

“Okay.” I opened the door to get out.

Now I see what it’s like to have a real family. The fact that I have to go home to an empty house and empty bed is saddening.

Buckling myself in my own car, he backed his truck up to let me out. Reading the time on the dash, it’s a little past six p.m.

I’m not going home just yet. I wanna go by Sin’s to end whatever this is. It’s not healthy.

Seeing the way I was treated today by Reese made me realize I deserved more. I wanted to feel like this every day, and I know Sin isn’t the one to provide it for me. Now that I know I was wrong, I owed Monae and my daddy an apology.

Chapter 20

Sincere ‘Sin’