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I steal his hat, put it on, and point to a desk. “I like this one. It screams,Maliki!”
It’s a basic black desk with open drawers. My favorite part is, it looks uncomfortable. That should ward off women from spread-eagling across it.
“Sold.” He snatches his hat back.
* * *
“Cohen worksat the Twisted Fox, right?” I ask from the passenger seat of his car.
We’re on our way to the barbeque. Our shopping trip ended with us ordering the uncomfortable desk and office chair, and we have a book of floor and paint samples.
He nods. “He co-owns it with a few of our other friends.”
I stiffen in my seat. “We’re not going there, are we?”
He shakes his head. “No, it’s at his house. I wouldn’t have invited you if it were there. It’s me and some friends. That’s it.”
“Cool.” I can’t believe I’m meeting his friends—friends who aren’t in Blue Beech.
Maliki moved out of Blue Beech years ago but came back when he took over the bar. All I knew was, he wanted out of the small town like I did and then was brought back—our reasons different. His was to save the family business. Mine was being around familiarity, my mom, and …him.
* * *
“Do I look okay?”I inspect my shorts, white tank, and red wedges I’m wearing.
Maliki slides his sunglasses off his face and sweeps his gaze over me. “You look perfect.”
I grab the handle but pause while taking in the home we’re parked in front of. It’s a small brick ranch with a bright yellow door and black shutters. The driveway is packed with cars and a motorcycle.
I exhale an uneasy breath. “What am I walking into?”
The excitement of meeting his friends has shifted into nervousness. I’m normally outgoing, the girl who strikes up conversation with others, but Devin’s cheating has changed me. I don’t want to talk to people or go out in public. I feel taken advantage of, humiliated, and manipulated. My trust in people sucks.
At least we’re not in Blue Beech.
“Walking into?” Maliki repeats. “You’re walking into a chill barbeque with my friends. This isn’t one of your parents’ social events. Don’t worry about being anyone but yourself.”
I rub the back of my neck. “Has Cohen told anyone how we met?”
“Doubt it. Cohen has more shit to worry about than gossiping.”
I relax in my seat. “I’ve decided I already like Cohen.”
He pats my thigh, giving it a gentle squeeze. “Don’t worry. Just have fun.”
* * *
Maliki’s armis draped over my shoulders, and I’m pulled into his side when we walk into Cohen’s backyard. The gesture shocked me, given he hardly touches me when we hang out. His arm fits around me perfectly, as if it belongs there. I could walk in his hold for the rest of my life and never want to pull away.
“Ki! My man!”
Cohen grins when he sees us, shuts the grill in front of him, and comes our way. “Glad you could make itandbring gorgeous company.”
I give the backyard a once-over. A group of girls are settled at a table, consumed in conversation, and three men are lagging behind Cohen, moving toward us.
“You must be Sierra,” Cohen says when he reaches us. “Maliki said you were coming, and he’s told me so much about you. Welcome to my home.”
Maliki was right. Cohen is acting as if I were a total stranger.
