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“That you like when I kiss you.”
Smiling slightly now, Goldie asked, “So, we have room to negotiate, then?”
“Not really, no. Our secret is out. I’ve wanted more for a while. I know you’re in love with me. That doesn’t leave a lot left to negotiate.”
Goldie tried to flash an intimidating frown at me. “Will you give up your life and move here to ensure I don’t have to give up anything?”
“Sure.”
Goldie’s grin widened. “You’re so full of shit. Like, when Zodiac claimed he would give up his club if Elle wasn’t happy in Baton Rouge. Men are so sinister.”
“You came on to me,” I reminded her. “This all happened because of your seduction techniques. You really only have yourself to blame.”
When Goldie reached for my hand, I noticed how bruised her skin was. Fatigue immediately slammed into me.
“I don’t want to stay at a hotel,” I admitted.
Tears filled her golden-brown eyes. “I want you to stay with me.”
“Why are you upset?”
“I was a different person yesterday. You were my private business. I don’t know if we can work if people know about us.”
“Our problem isn’t other people,” I said while cradling her swollen hand. “You and I are stuck in our ways. To be together, we’ll need to be more flexible.”
“I don’t know if I can.”
“I don’t know if I can, either. But fortunately, we don’t have to find out today.”
Goldie exhaled deeply. “I’m so tired, and I hurt everywhere. I also hate how people are all up in my face, but I’m afraid to be alone.”
“I’m going to stay at the Sorority House, even if you stick me on a couch. No doubt your parents and brother will hit me with questions. Sabrina and the other foxes will poke at me. Even understanding all that shit, I can’t go back to Baton Rouge yet.”
“What about your dog?”
“Junior’s at Zodiac’s place.”
“That’s a nice property they have. Your pooch will be happy. You should stay with me.”
My lips covered hers and gently claimed what I needed. Goldie tugged me closer until I was on my knees next to the couch. She held me against her and struggled with her emotions.
Stroking her back, I waited for Goldie to either give in to her tears or fight through them. She finally released me and smiled.
I always felt like a rock star when I could make this woman happy. Dealing with her family and friends was a small price to pay to spend the night close to her.
GOLDIE
An edginess hung over the Sorority House. My parents wanted to interrogate York but didn’t. My brother was curious but stayed quiet. Sabrina was restless and kept an eye on the repair companies.
Cher and Stevie returned to the Sorority House minutes before their parents arrived. My Chihuahua ran to me on the couch and whined until I picked her up. Mochi hated going in the car, which was why I didn’t bring her to Little Memphis as much as I wanted.
Yet, I missed the little white-and-blonde furball. She licked my face and nuzzled my throat as if we’d been apart for too long.
As I snuggled with her, my gaze searched for York in the room filled with people. The kitchen and family room were a massive space with a half dozen couches. People were relaxing in various locations. Cher and Stevie joined me on the wide couch with them carefully cuddling me.
Stroking Cher’s green hair, I asked, “How is Tricky?”
“He got through another surgery. His parents are with him. He wasn’t conscious when we left. I’m going back tomorrow.”
