Page 98 of Full Court Press

“I did.”

“You know I haven’t communicated with her since we broke up, right?” I could tell he was trying to gauge my energy.

“I know, babe. Some people can’t take rejection well. I’m not mad at you, but her ass gon’ know something real soon.”

He sighed. “I love you, Pipe. Give me twenty minutes. I’m going to text you my address and the code to the gate. I’ll let my butler know to be expecting you. He’ll show you to my room, and I want you in your birthday suit. I’ll be right behind you.”

“W-what about Kiyanne and the after party?”

“Kiy’s going with my moms and Drew, and fuck that after party. I already know Ana’s going to be there, and I don’t need you getting your Laila Ali on and shit.” I laughed. “You are the after party. We got a son to make.”

My cheeks filled with heat, and I bit my bottom lip, already feeling the tingle between my thighs. “Okay, big papa. I’ll see you there.”

“Bet. I love you.”

“I love you more, champ.” We said our goodbyes, and I drained the rest of my glass before grabbing my purse and heading out of the suite.

I arrived at Khalil’s estate, and my eyes ballooned at the size of it. His home made my house look like a damn Monopoly piece. The house stretched wide and was tall in height with tall, smoke-gray glass windows and acres of nothing but lush, green grass.

I pulled up to the gate and typed in the code. Immediately, it opened, and I drove right through up to the circular driveway. I stepped out of my car, grabbed my overnight bag from the trunk, then made my way up to the double doors.

Before my foot touched the first step, the door opened, and an elderly, nice-looking man appeared, wearing a tux with a bow-tie. His salt-and-pepper hair was lined perfectly, and his smile was bright and white.

“Welcome home, Queen Piper. My name is Donnell, but the family calls me Donnie. I’m the Grey family’s butler. Anything you need, don’t be afraid to ask. May I take your bag for you?”

My mouth opened in an O of surprise at his greeting. I didn’t bother to ask how he knew me. It was him calling me Queen Piper and saying welcome home was what gave me the idea that Khalil may have spoken about me more than once. I closed my mouth and smiled while handing over my bag.

“Yes. Thank you. Did Khalil tell you to greet me like that? Because you certainly don’t have to.” I giggled lightly.

“He didn’t, but I know enough to know when I’d meet the real queen of this castle.” He smiled. “If you’d follow me, I can show you to your quarters. Would you prefer the elevator or the stairs?”

“The elevator will suffice.”

“Right this way, queen.”

I followed him through the foyer, down the large hall where Khalil’s accolades and favorite artists were mounted on the wall, then around the corner to the elevator.

“This house is huge. Way bigger than the one he had in Snowfall Hills, but I guess that’s to be expected when you elevate,” I noted, just to make small talk.

Donnie chuckled. “I came along much later, but from the stories he’s told me I’ve gathered that he’s always had a great background.”

“Are you guys close?”

He shook his head. “Mr. Grey and I have a strictly business relationship and mutual respect. Whatever he chooses to share with me, I listen. If he asks for my advice, I give it. Other than that, I’m just his humble servant.” He smiled just as the elevator stopped and slid open.

“Understandable.” I followed him to a set of double doors, and he opened them, extending his palm for me to go first.

“Here you are. Mr. Grey called as soon as you pulled in and told me he’s a few minutes out and should be here shortly. Can I get you anything else?”

“No, I’m okay. Thank you, Donnie.”

“You’re welcome, queen. Have a good night.”

“You too.” He left the room, and I looked around his bedroom. Khalil’s room looked like a damn apartment. The only thing that was missing was a kitchen. One section was where his large California King canopy sat, along with two nightstands, table lamps, and a huge projector across from it. The other side was set up like a living room area with a ninety-inch mounted on the wall.

I opened the double doors to the right of me to discover a huge walk-in closet with large floor-to-ceiling mirrors, a long counter with drawers, shelves, and racks of clothes and shoes for days on one side. The other side was bare until I looked up and saw an LED light that spelled the word: Piper’s.

He thought about me.