Page 97 of Steel

“Good night, KJ,” I added, blowing him a kiss too.

Ms. Anita took his little hand and waved it before ending the call. Kerrion was quiet as he started the movie up again. He climbed out from the tent and disappeared. I could tell he wasbothered by the call. I gave it a few seconds, before excusing myself to go find him. He was standing on the back deck, gripping the railing, taking deep breaths.

“You okay?” I asked, stepping out.

“Yeah.”

I walked over and stood beside him, waiting for him to tell the truth. He sighed heavily.

“I think she has a problem with me having another child. Like, when I went to drop KJ off, she made a comment about making sure I had time for two kids and how KJ needs me because I’m his only parent. I’m with my son every day, man. If I’m not at work, he’s with me. I love that little boy to death. There’s enough of me to share with my daughter. My pops took care of five kids when I was growing up. Six when Mia came out the blue. None of us ever felt a lack of love, support, or attention.

“That man had us together every single weekend and sometimes during the week. When we weren’t with him, we were together at one of his baby mamas’ houses. Ain’t no reason I can’t be present with two kids. I get it. We lost Donna, but life didn’t stop just because she’s gone.”

I nodded. “You’re right. It may not count for much coming from me, but you’ve been doing an amazing job with both of them. Nayelli adores her little brother, and I can tell he loves her too. Both of them are crazy about you, Kerrion. I swear I hear‘my daddy’fifty times a day. Don’t let her grief make you feel guilty about doing what you have to do for both of your children.”

He looked down at me. “Thanks.”

I gently rubbed his back. “No thanks needed.”

He turned to me, caging my body between his and the railing. My eyes widened as he leaned in and captured my lips. For a moment, I froze. When his tongue slipped into my mouth, I came alive. I kissed him back with passion, want, need, anddesire. My body was lifted in the air, and my legs wrapped around his waist.

I used to love when he picked me up like I was a featherweight. I wasn’t a small girl, and the way this man used to toss me around like it was nothing lived rent free in my head.

“Ooooo!”

We broke our kiss and looked back to see Nayelli standing there with the biggest grin on her face.

“Y’all were kissing!”

I palmed my face. “You are nosy.”

“I was just coming to tell you that the movie went off.”

Kerrion placed me back on my feet. “Give us a second, lil’ bit.”

“Are y’all gonna kiss again?”

“Go inside, lil’ girl,” I demanded, fighting back a laugh.

She broke into a fit of giggles as she closed the door.

“You know we are never going to live this down, right?” I asked, turning back to Kerrion.

“I’m already aware.” He cupped my face and kissed me again. “Stay with me tonight? I just . . . I want to hold you like old times. We don’t have to do anything. I just need to feel you.”

I didn’t hesitate to nod my head. “Okay.”

He pecked my lips, then led me back inside. Nayelli was sitting Indian style, grinning at us. The next movie was already geared up on the TV. She patted the spot behind her in the tent. Kerrion and I chuckled as we climbed in. No sooner than we had settled against the pillows did she press play and crawl into the small space between us. She grabbed both our hands and kissed them before making herself comfortable.

I smiled, loving how happy she was.

Maybe we had a chance at happiness like this too.

It wasafter eleven when Nayelli tapped out on us.

We decided to let her sleep in the tent since she was already comfortable.

Quietly, we moved around, picking up the leftover food and snacks, then carrying them into the kitchen