FORTY-SEVEN
I plop down on my sofa, slightly calmer after showering but still feeling guilty over Mama G.
Gnawing at my bottom lip, I pick up my phone to call Kross. I’m nervous. Iree could have lied about him not wanting to talk to me, but he could very well blame me for Mama G ending up in the hospital. I care about him too much not to attempt to fix things, so I call his phone.
“Hey.” At least he doesn’t sound mad at me.
“Hi.” I push to my feet. “Um, how’s Mama G?”
“She’ll be okay. The doctor said she needs to cut back on all the sweets and get some rest.”
“Okay,” I breathe. “Kross, I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to disrespect her. It’s just that learning Iree sabotaged my launch hurt me. I had to confront her.”
“It wasn’t Iree,” he rasps.
I screw up my face. “I know she’s like your sister, but you can’t ignore what she did. All because she has feelings for you, by the way.”
“Davi, it wasn’t Iree, and I can prove it. Open the door. I just got here.”
I look out the window to see him exiting his car in front of my apartment complex. My heart races as he climbs the stairs, and I quickly open the door.
“Hi,” I mutter, staring at him.
Holding papers in one hand, he enters and pulls me into his chest for a tight hug.
My body finally relaxes. God, I love the comfort in his embrace and how good he makes me feel. “I was afraid I’d lost you.”
He draws a deep breath at the side of my head. “No matter what, always talk to me. Deal?”
“Deal.” I ease back, and he kisses me softly. “I’m glad Mama G is all right. What about your mom?”
“She’s giving rehab another chance. Who knows if she’ll stick to a program this time.” He pauses before asking, “Who’s Wren?”
“A lead designer. Chavonne’s right hand.”
“That’s a huge problem ‘cause he’s behind the leak.”
My brows fly up. “What? That can’t be. Wren has been supportive from the jump. Why would he do that to me? To Chavonne?”
“I don’t know, baby. But here’s the proof.” He hands me the papers. “This man has done so much shit over the years.”
My eyes widen as I read the details. “Oh my god!”
“This motherfucker sold your work and tried to set Iree up to take the fall. I won’t let him get away with it.”
“Chavonne will handle it, Kross. Don’t do anything crazy. Promise me.”
He huffs, meets my gaze, and nods. “I promise.”
I wave the papers. “How’d you even get this?”
“A friend,” he says. “Just trust that it’s legit.”
“I’ll bring it to Chavonne in the morning and try to get Iree’s job back. Also… Guess I should apologize for fighting her.”
“Can’t believe y’all fought.” He drapes his arms around me. “I didn’t think you got down like that.”
I snort. “Been in a few fights as a kid, mostly with my cousin, Shanae.”
“Speaking of Shanae. She’s the nurse who tended to my mama.”
“Hmm,” I groan. “She suspects we’re together.”
“I didn’t reveal anything to her.” He squints at me. “You hiding me from your fam?”
I shake my head. “Just don’t want her gossiping. I’ll introduce you to them in time.”
“Whenever you’re ready. It’s cool.” He takes my hands and places them on his chest. “You good, baby?”
“Mmhm. Are you good? It’s been a hell of a day.”
“I’m all right.”
I quirk my lips in a flirty smile. “I’m sure we’d both feel so much better if you take me to bed and—”
“Say less.” He captures my mouth for a heated kiss, lifts me into his arms, and carries me to my bedroom.