My eyes drifted shut as she placed her hand on my cheek. If it hadn’t been for her, I’d probably still be broken, damaged goods. Only a certain kind of woman can heal a man form the inside out like that and I was lucky to have one fall right into my lap at the exact right time.
Kissing the palm of her hand before holding it to my chest, I told her what she needed to hear, and what I needed to remember: “You’re the only reason that I’m even able to love, Kira.”
Her cheek tightened against my neck when she smiled.
*****
Terrell understood when I told him that we’d be leaving out early to head back to D.C. Kira and I would have to pass on breakfast at his and Maisha’s house. After my talk with Kira the night before, I realized that the best thing I could do for myself and my relationship was to go home. Being around Sam was only causing conflict.
Eight hours after leaving the hotel, we were parked in our own garage, ready to unpack and relax. I carried the rest of our luggage in while Kira threw a load of our laundry into the washer. I left the tux hanging in the back of the car so I could return it the next day after work. It took a good hour to get everything back in order and then get settled on the couch in front of the TV. We’d barely started browsing the DVR for a show to watch when my phone went off.
Kira lifted from her post, lying on top of me with my arm draped over her back, so I could answer.
I frowned. “It’s your dad.”
She frowned too.
“Hello?”
“Sorry to disturb you, I’m sure you’re just getting back into town,” he replied.
“Actually we made it in about an hour ago. Is everything okay?” I asked, already sure that this call was work-related. That was about the extent of my relationship with my future father-in-law…much like my relationship with my own father.
“Yes, yes, everything’s fine,” he replied. “I understand that you’re technically scheduled to have tomorrow off to rest up from the long drive, but I’d like for you to come in if that’s at all possible.” He paused. “There are a few details that I’d like to discuss with you.”
That’s it? Was he really going to be that vague?
“Uh – sure. That’s not a problem.”
“Great. Come to my office as soon as you arrive and we’ll discuss everything then.”
When the call ended, I stared at my phone, confused.
“What was that about?” Kira asked.
“Honestly? I have no clue. He just said that he needed me to come in tomorrow. Didn’t explain much further than that.”
Kira pouted. “That sucks. I planned to keep you naked in bed with me all day.” As she said it, she lifted my t-shirt a few inches and ran her hands up my torso from where she rested between my legs. She kissed the contours of my stomach and my head fell back against the arm of the couch, ignoring the sound of the television. When my phone rang again, she’d just tugged at the elastic band of my sweats. I cursed and answered without checking the ID.
“Yeah,” I said harshly. Good thing it was my father – that’s how I would’ve greeted him anyway.
“Did you already get the call about tomorrow?” he asked.
I slapped my hand to my forehead while Kira continued to place kisses near my hip.
“Yeah, I got it. I’ll be there.”
“Good,” he said, sounding satisfied.
“What’s this about, anyway?”
He hesitated, but only because he was choosing his words, not because he was thinking of a lie. Sadly, I could tell the difference. “Let’s just say, your hard work hasn’t gone unnoticed. We’ll discuss it tomorrow, though. Get some rest. We need you in by 6:30.”
What the hell?
I sighed. “Ok. Whatever. I’ll be there.”
And I was. Not quite bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, but I was there. Cup of coffee in hand, I made my way down the narrow hallway to Mr. Tanaka’s door. When I approached it, I could see him and my father sitting across from one another at the pretentious, mahogany desk near the window. Mr. Tanaka noticed me first.
“Come in. Please,” he said, waving me inside.