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While I stood with the overload of information flooding my brain, Cress made her way to the door, with light, delicate steps similar to the way she moved on stage. She paused just before leaving, offering a soft smile.
“Goodnight, Jhorie.”
I blinked several times, clearing my thoughts and her smile spread wider when I mumbled, “Goodnight.”
Then she was gone.
* * *
A few hours later, I looked up from my iPad to find Ezekiel standing in the doorframe. My eyes moved from his face down the length of his body realizing he was dressed in just navy sleep pants. No shirt, bare feet, and the sexiest hint of a smile teased his lips.
“Can I come in?”
“Can I really tell you no? I’m at a bit of a disadvantage.” His smile fully formed and he joined me on the bed, sitting on the edge next to where I was curled up on my side.
He tucked my hair behind my ear and leaned down to plant a kiss at my temple. “While you’re here, you have ownership. You can deny me access if you choose, but I would prefer you didn’t.” The low rasp of his voice vibrated through my chest.
“Which I’m sure is why you’re not wearing a shirt,” I mumbled and he laughed lightly.
“You all settled?”
“For the night, yes. Thank you.”
His expression hardened but I didn’t broach the subject. “Cress came to see me.”
“She did?”
“Mmhm. We had an interesting talk.”
“About.”
“You. You guys are close?”
“We are. She not only accepted my brother; she embraced the idea of truly being an Omari. We are family.”
“I sensed that. She is very invested in you being happy.”
“Cress is very assertive and caring. I can only imagine what she said that would make you feel that way.” His tone was light and laced with amusement. Another sign that the two were close.
He confiscated my iPad and tossed it on the other side of the bed before lifting the bedding and sliding in beside me. I opened my mouth to object but he yanked me into his side and eased an arm under my neck.
I lifted my head and peered up at him. “What happened to you needing my permission for access?”
He smirked. “You didn’t object.”
“You didn’t give me a chance.”
“What did Cress say?” He moved right past that and I rolled my eyes, causing him to laugh again.
“Other than her being torn between planning our wedding or making sure I don’t overstay my welcome, not much.”
His brows furrowed. “I don’t know how to navigate thatorif I should.”
“Neither do I,” I mumbled.
“Was there an issue?”
“No, but she seems to think you’re expecting me to provide structure and balance in your life.”
