Page 57 of My Heart Belongs to You

“I need your help.”

Raven’s brows met. “What’s wrong, sis?”

“Nothing’s wrong. Which set do you like best?” I turned the camera to face my bed. She hummed.

“I like the cream one with the sweater. Looks cozy.”

I ran my hand over the soft fabric and nodded. “Okay. Thanks.”

“Wait,” she said before I could hang up. “What's the occasion?”

“Wings and a movie.”

“Who's coming over?” Mischief filled her eyes.

“Ray,” I warned.

Raven rolled her eyes. “You’re lucky a client just walked in. I’ll be by the restaurant tomorrow. We’ll catch up then.”

The last thing I wanted to do was tell my sister about me and Nadir. If “I told you so,” was a person, it would be Raven Gold.

I hadn’t ended the call fully before another came through. Joseph calling me was unexpected since he’d been M.I.A. We just couldn’t get on the same page these days.

“Robbie, you’ve been on my mind.”

“How often?”

“Too often. What’s your schedule like next week?”

Next week...

I rubbed my lips together, already exhausted thinking about my week ahead. Employee training, photoshoots, and my soft opening; the list went on. My time was limited. Joseph just didn’t seem like he could keep up.

After making loose plans to see each other, Joseph said, “I’ll text you later.”

“Okay.”

Something told me we wouldn’t speak again for a while. The end of the call was anticlimactic. He claimed he was working and wished me a good evening. Rolling my eyes, I noted the time.

Twenty minutes until he arrives.

I removed my towel, applied lotion, and slipped into the shorts and cropped tank set. I brushed my hair and fixed my middle part, making a mental note to schedule an appointment with Summer. While in the mirror, I put on my favorite nude lip balm. As I touched up the corners of my mouth, my phone buzzed on the counter. Nadir’s message made my belly flip.

Nadir:

Parking.

Robyn:

Okay. Use your key.

Before leaving my room, I sprayed my signature scent, Darling by S. Angel, on my chest and neck.

Nadir came inside at the same time as I entered the living room. My smile was instant but fell when I saw his work bag on his shoulder. We co-worked sometimes with a show playing in the background. But tonight wasn’t one of those nights. I worried that it wasn't conveyed earlier. As if he read my mind, he opened the bag and pulled out the Hibiki 21 whisky he’d had for at least two years. I didn’t know if he was saving it for something or just needed a reason to open it. Either way, I was happy he found me worthy enough to share this experience.

“You thought I forgot?” He smirked.

“I did.” I bit my lip as heat filled my cheeks.