Page 149

She nodded, smiling despite such, then let out a slow breath. Her hand squeezed mine in her lap, and a single tear slid down her cheek.

"Okay. Let's take a walk." I kissed her tear, then broke away to stand. I met Sam's gaze and said, "We're heading out for a bit. You both cool?"

"We're good," answered Sam, her gaze flickering to Nora then back to me. "Everything okay?"

"All good." I held my hand to Nora after she pushed in her chair.

She took it, offering the two of them a small wave before walking with me toward the door. The closer we got to it, the faster she hurried. When we burst out into the cool night air, she choked on a sob. Her resolve faltered and she covered her face when we hit the sidewalk. She held her breath, fighting making any sound.

"Nor." I stroked her arms. "Look at me, honey." My heart thundered and my insides crumbled seeing the carefreeness that she carried for a few days fall away.

She shook her head, pulling away from me and turning her back instead. Her hands fell to her hips, and she fought herself so hard. I made to take a step closer, but she swung around, tears streaming her face as she shook her head.

"I know, baby. It's okay." I rushed her, grabbing her up like I always did and lifting her clear off the ground. I didn't care who saw us or who stood nearby, and she didn't seem to either.

She wrapped her arms and legs around me and cried softly against my shoulder.

"Let's go home, okay?" I patted her rear and cupped the back of her head as I toted her down the street.

"I want to see Sali and Maggie," she said in between hiccups.

"That's where we're going." I kissed her neck and shoulder while her body nearly vibrated against me from the way she trembled. Despite my worry, my desire to soothe and distract her superseded such. "I was thinking we'd crash McDonald's on the way and since we have at least a forty-minute drive, ice cream when we get into town. Sali will love us if we bring her sugar."

She chuckled while sniffling. Her lips brushed back and forth over her hand and very slowly, she relaxed in my arms. I carried her all the way back to the car parked in the garage, and by the time we made it there, she was an oozing puddle of mush in my arms. Less people crowded us there and that seemed to soothe her as well.

"I thought I could do it," she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper.

"You did do it, baby." I patted her rear before clicking the car fob to unlock it. I opened the passenger side door, then sat her down on the seat while standing in front of her. "Did something specific upset you?"

She shrugged, sniffling then reaching into the glove box to pull out a tissue. Her gaze dropped from mine while she dabbed at her face.

"Tell me, Nor." I stroked her thighs, my stomach pressed against her knees while I sheltered her from view.

"Too many people," she whispered, sniffling again. "Too loud."

"Okay." I tucked her hair behind her ears, then nudged her chin up to look at me. "I love you."

"Are you disappointed?" Tears tumbled down her cheeks again and I brushed them away with my thumbs.

"Only because I forgot how boring munches can be sometimes. I prefer our private parties much more." I smirked when I said it and she let out a small laugh. "Or Jordan's. And the club back in the day, not so much now."

"Me too." She drew in a slow breath and her trembling hands calmed their shaking in time. "Why doesn't Samirah claim Marley?"

"She doesn't claim anyone. It's just how she is." I stroked her cheeks until she dropped her head against the seat, letting out a full sigh. "Better?"

She nodded and watched me, sadness lingering in her eyes. "I'm tired."

"I can see that, Kitten." I kissed the end of her nose. "Ready to go?"

"Do we have to go back inside?"

"No." I shook my head, then nudged her chin up to meet mine again, urging her into a delicate kiss. She melted with me, her hands falling to my waist. "Let's go see Sali and Maggie," I said when we parted.

"Okay," she said, a light smile returning to her lips. "Are you packed?" she asked as I climbed over her and into the driver's side.

"No." I laughed as I reached back over to close the door when she sat properly. "Do I look like I'm bulging, babe?" I nudged my jacket aside to look down at my crotch.

"On second thought, no." She snickered then poked the bump of the zipper in my jeans. "It fooled me."