Page 49 of Tension

I walked over and ran a hand over his arm. “I think this one’s perfect for you. Just because you have money doesn't mean you need some big, elaborate house. At least not right now.”

He nodded and gave me a smile I hadn’t seen before. It was shy. Soft. Like he didn’t want to admit how much he liked that I liked it. Before I could say anything else, Nicole reappeared.

“Well, finally! We have found something she likes,” she said, clapping her hands and forcing herself between us. She hugged Vel, holding on a little too long, even while he pulled away.

“Can I get started on the offer?” she asked, and Vel nodded. “We’ll schedule a time for you to come to my office and sign the paperwork. You’ve got my personal number. Don’t hesitate to use it.”

There was more in her tone that she thought she was hiding. He gave her a quick nod but barely took his eyes off me. Usually, I would’ve cussed this bitch out, but he was so obviously not interested; it was almost sad to watch.

And just like that, I knew: This man could’ve gone house hunting with anybody. But he chose me.

VEL

The restaurant was low-key. Dim lights, low booths, and a menu with everything from steak to street tacos.

But the only thing I wanted to eat was Chris.

She looked edible in a fitted black dress that stopped just above her knees. Her short curls were extra defined, makeup light but highlighting everything I loved. Big brown eyes, high but chubby cheeks, and the juiciest lips I’d ever tasted.

Nicole had been doing too much earlier. She was loud, flirty, and extra when she showed me gym locations, but this time it got under my skin.

She toned it down a bit when Chris was around, but how could I want her after she watched me claim Chris and still acted the way she did?

Every chance she got, she tried to pull me away from Chris.

The wild part? I was lowkey hurt Chris didn’t show even a flicker of jealousy. Not that she should’ve.

My brother and his wife were already seated when we walked in. I didn’t want to reschedule with them just because I had Chris with me. I actually wanted her to meet them, see how she would fit in with my family.

Dominic stood first, arms open for a hug. I came from an affectionate family. My father never shied away from loving on his boys. Chris admired us with soft eyes but looked unsure of what to do, so I closed the gap.

“This is Chris,” I said, my hand on the small of her back. “Chris, my brother Dominic, and his wife, Alana.”

They exchanged a quick look. Alana grinned, already reading too much into it. “So this is the famous Chris.”

Chris gave a polite, curious smile. “Famous?”

“Don’t worry,” I said, sliding into the booth beside her. “She’s nosy but mostly harmless. She just found out you were coming and wants to instigate.”

Chris laughed. Alana winked. “Mostly harmless.”

We ordered quickly. I watched Chris relax, her shoulders easing down as Dom launched into some wild story about my nephew trying to flush an action figure.

One of the heroes, while the villains watched.

“He really said ‘bye-bye’ and everything,” Dom said, shaking his head. “I’m raising a tiny villain.”

Alana nodded. “Takes after his uncle.”

I smirked. “Takes after his dad, too.”

“Me?” Dominic said with fake outrage. “I was wild, sure. But you? You were Olympic-level.”

Chris turned to me slowly. “So, Vel’s always been like this?”

Dom snorted. “Like what?”

Chris shrugged, waving her hand. “Hoe-ish.”