Page 40 of Ashes

“How was your day?” Kai asked.

I could hear Jamal’s internal groan at his question. I chanced a peek, only to find his jaw flexing in something—anger, frustration, or maybe it was in annoyance. I could never tell. He seemed to always be in a mood, so I figured it was better to just ignore it.

I set my tote bag on the island and propped a hand on it, the other resting above my hip, my fingers discreetly rubbing at my lower back.

I never paid attention to how much it pained me while I was working since I was too busy running everywhere tocare, but as soon as I was off the clock, the pain manifested itself until it came on at full throttle.

“It was exhausting,” I huffed.

He winced. “That sucks.”

I laughed softly at his comment and said, “Comes with the territory.” I loved my job, but a bed sounded like the best thing in the world right about now, especially since I had another shift tomorrow morning.

“I should probably head up and catch up on some sleep.” I smiled warmly at Kai, but before I was able to move, Jamal’s voice halted me in my tracks.

“Have you eaten?”

“I did quickly at lunch, but I should be fine until tomorrow,” I replied curtly.

“Sit,” he ordered.

I hated when he told me what to do.

“I’m fine, I?—”

“Sit, Sienna. I’ll make you something,” he said, his voice softer this time.

I was about to gently decline, but I couldn’t find it in me when I saw the pleading expression on his face. So instead, I nodded in agreement and took a seat on one of the stools next to Kai.

“Okay.”

Jamal shot a look at Kai, prompting him to say, “I have, um, I have some work to do,” Kai announced hesitantly. “Have a good night, Sienna.”

I shook my head and looked up at Kai. “Yeah, you too.”

Once Kai was out of the room, I turned my attention to Jamal, who was staring at me. “Good to know you’re not an asshole just with me,” I said, teasing him.

He frowned.

Guess it’s too early for jokes.

“Do you want to eat something in particular?”

“Unless you know how to makeyaniqueques, anything is fine with me. I’m not picky with food.”

“Give me about an hour.”

“You know how to make it?”

“I do.”

“How?”

He shocked me by chuckling. It wasn’t quite a laugh, but it was progress from the constant grumpiness he was carrying. “I’m a quick study,” he responded confidently as he pulled his phone out of his pocket and gathered everything he needed.

I smiled to myself.Let’s see what he’s got.

He spent the next fifteen minutes moving through the kitchen with grace, looking over at his phone every once in a while. My gaze stayed stuck to him, curious to know how this would turn out.