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I wait for him to admit it, but he doesn’t. Instead, he signs, “It’s just work.”
“And I’m Oprah Winfrey.”
“I’ve always had a thing for Oprah.”
I smile. “That explains a lot.”
He chuckles.
For a beat, we just stare at each other, soaking each other in. As peace sweeps over me, I realize I’d been restless all day without him. It’s incredible how much I’ve craved seeing him, speaking to him. Going one day without communication left me feeling so empty.
Is this what having a crush is like?
If so, I think I might have a teeny-tiny… okaygiantcrush on Dare.
“You’ve helped me so much. Let me help you. Please.”
His facial muscles relax. One by one. As if some giant load’s been taken off his shoulders. He closes his eyes and exhales.
When he opens them again, his gaze is affectionate. “I miss you so much,” he signs.
“I miss you too.”
“I wish I could hold you.”
My stomach clenches. “Where did you learn that sign? Athena?”
“Did I do it wrong?” He gives me a dangerously flirty smirk.
Heat blazes through my entire body. Nope. He did it way too right.
Mosely’s hand enters the frame behind Dare’s head, reaching for a file on the desk. I know our time together is up when a distracted look replaces the heat in Dare’s eyes, and I wave to get his attention.
“You should say bye to Talia before you go,” I sign.
He agrees and I give the phone to Talia so she can say her goodbyes to her uncle.
As they talk, I notice the living room is empty.
I get mom’s attention. “Where’s dad?”
“He got a call so he left.”
“And everyone else?”
“The bodyguards are checking things out outside.” She scrunches her nose as if to sayI have no idea what that means and I don’t want to know.
I peek out the window and notice the security team flocking our lawn. It reminds me of how the bodyguards act outside the farmhouse.
Unfortunately, we don’t have acres of land like Sunny and Darrel Hastings and our neighbors look totally unnerved by all the suits.
I make a mental note to ask Dare to call off his people. Between my security teamandTalia’s, our neighbors won’t have anywhere to park.
Mom touches my shoulder gently. “Talia can take Dejonae’s room.”
I give her a hug. “Thank you for letting her stay here, mom.”
“Why exactly is she staying here?”
