Page 16 of Love Overdose: St. Louis

“Apparently, Christian getting married made the rest of us look unproductive.”

“I can see why. Y’all need to keep up.”

“Careful. You’re volunteering yourself for the solution.”

“Who said I wasn’t?”

His chuckle was deep, drawling, and intentional, crossing the distance between us and stroking warmth down my spine. I bit the inside of my cheek. I should have pulled that back.

“Are you flirting with me, Frankie?”

“You caught that, huh?”

“I’m a doctor. I recognize the symptoms.”

“Then you have your answer.”

I stretched my legs along the sofa and glanced toward the kitchen. Malik had moved on to his crackers, dropping one onto the tray for every two he ate.

“I’d like to come,” I said.

The playfulness in Elijah’s voice eased into a warmer tone. “That’s what I like to hear.”

“Now, if you plan to propose, let me know so I can be in my Sunday’s best, honey.”

His laughter roared through the phone. The sound curled through me and pulled my smile wider.

“When it’s time, you’ll be the first to know.”

A wave of chills swept over my arms.

I rubbed my palm across them, but that did nothing to stop the sensation from spreading. He said when. Not if.

It was a joke. I knew it was a joke. My body apparently didn’t.

“You sound mighty confident over there,” I said.

“I’m confident about most things.”

“Most?”

“I’m still deciding whether inviting you around my family was brave or reckless.”

“Definitely reckless. Your life may never be the same.”

“I’m hoping it won’t be.”

Lord have mercy.

I pressed my lips together and stared at the ceiling. Either this man knew precisely what he was doing, or God had decided I hadn’t suffered enough at forty.

“Frankie?”

“I’m here.”

“You got quiet.”

“I was praying for strength.”