His explanation should suffice, but I can’t get rid of the feeling something’s not right.
“I didn’t know that.” I’ve known Rashon for a while, but we hadn’t ever gotten close, not like that.
“Yeah, my little sister is graduating.” The proud grin tugging on his lips speaks true, and I’m happy for him.
Though a part of me is still freaking out that he’s here.
“That’s great. High school or college?”
“High school. She’s the last one of the five of us. Damn proud of her. She’s the valedictorian for her class.”
The unease I’d felt slips completely away, and I feel better about Rashon being here. “So, I take it you’re out trying to find a present for her or something?”
The grin on Rashon’s face slips, and he shakes his head. “Nah, though I do need to find something for her. But I was here to ugh, ah . . .”
“McKenna.” I nearly jump out of my skin at the booming voice belonging to Heat.
I twist to find Heat stalking in my direction, sunglasses firmly in place. Which sucks because I want to see his eyes again, and he doesn’t look happy.
“Hey,” I murmur when he reaches Rashon and me.
What surprises me is he doesn’t just stop there. He pulls me into his side, tucking me close.
“You wanna get your hands off her?” Rashon demands his voice, taking on that bouncer tone I’m used to hearing him get when he’s working.
“Rashon, it’s okay,” I murmur, somewhat happy Heat is here, though I know I have nothing to worry about when it comes to Rashon. He explained, and I totally get it. “This is Heat. He’s um . . .”
“Her man,” Heat says, declaring something that was a complete and utter lie.
“Never knew McKenna to have a man in her life that wasn’t Leon,” Rashon says, one brow cocked, his jaw ticking.
“She doesn’t spread our business around,” Heat grunts and looks down at me. “You done here?”
I get he was asking, but I knew it wasn’t a question at all. He drops his arm from around me and takes my hand.
“I’ll catch you later, Rashon,” I tell him and let Heat walk me out of there, thankful he wasn’t dragging me behind him.
The moment we’re next to his bike, several of his brothers, sitting on theirs, waiting for whatever Heat tells them.
“Get on,” Heat orders, motioning me to his bike.
“I have my car,” I snap, not in the least bit liking that he’s ordering me around. Turning to face him, I plant my hands on my hips. “What are you doing here anyway?”
He jerks his chin toward one of the guys. “Prospect followed you. Now, get the fuck on the bike, Trouble.”
“Stop calling me that. I’m not trouble of any kind.”
Heat leans into me and growls. “You’re the worst kind of trouble there is, baby, now get your sweet ass on my bike before I put you there myself.”
“I wasn’t done shopping,” I protest.
“You’re done.”
“No, I’m not. I’m shopping. If you don’t like it, oh well. You’re not my keeper, and I’m not your woman as you so claimed in there in front of someone I work with. Also?—”
I don’t get to finish my ranting due to Heat stepping in my space, his lips coming down on mine, his tongue spears right in. Fire licks at my skin, searing straight to somewhere deep inside, down to my soul.
Between one second and the next, everything changes. There are no words to say as two souls click in place, sealing together as one. One kiss and both our fates are sealed in a way that cannot be changed.