Page 17 of Vega

“I’ll be right back,” he promised.

He kissed me before I could argue again. I tried to maintain my attitude, but his hand slid around my waist, and he kissed me.

When he pulled away, he reminded me. “An hour.”

I narrowed my eyes and pressed, “An hour.”

He kissed my forehead, released me, and left the kitchen.

My phone began ringing on the counter as I heard the front door open.

I looked over and saw my sister’s name on the screen.

I answered while lowering the heat beneath the sauce. “Hey.”

“What’s wrong with you?”

“Kash left.”

Nia was quiet for half a second before pressing for more. “Okaaay?”

“We were supposed to spend the night together.”

“You guys literally live together.”

“That does not mean we spend time together.”

Nia sucked her teeth while giggling at my dramatics. “Ella, stop being a brat. Kash gives you everything you want. If that man said he would be right back, he will be right back.”

I picked up my wine and carried it to the island. “You always take his side.”

“Because you are usually wrong.”

“That is not true.”

“It is very true. He bought you that ridiculous refrigerator because you wanted the screen on the door.”

“It is not ridiculous. It keeps track of the groceries.”

“You have eyes. You can look inside.”

I laughed despite myself. “You’re a hater.”

Kash treated me well. He paid attention, remembered what I liked, and solved problems before I finished explaining them. He had never made me feel like I had to compete for his time or wonder whether he wanted me in his life.

“I know he’ll come back,” I said. “I was just looking forward to tonight.”

“Then enjoy your wine until he gets back.”

I glanced toward the front door. “I think we are finally getting close to the life I have always wanted.”

Nia’s tone softened with intrigue. “Meaning?”

“He’s been talking about marriage.”

“Whaaaat?” she playfully sang.

“He has also been showing me houses.”