Page 32 of Fallynn West

“Anytime you want them, let me know, and I’ll make them for you. Biscuits were one of the first things I learned how to perfect. My grandma worked with me on it for three days until I passed her test. I make them better than my mom, but she never wants to admit it.”

“I love that.” I snickered. “A little friendly family competition.”

“That’s exactly what it was. When my grandma fell ill, I used to cook for her, and she’d secretly tell me I was the better cook. Man, I miss her.”

“How long has it been since she passed?”

“Today makes eight years.”

There was a far-off look in his eyes, one that was filled with emotion. Setting my fork down, I hopped off my seat and went around to embrace him. My arms snaked around his torso while his went around my neck. He laid his cheek on top of my head, and it was crazy how he felt like home to me. Keondra felt like the safest place I could ever reside. Deep down, I hoped I could provide him with the same feelings.

“Thank you, Colony,” he whispered and kissed the top of my head.

“I felt like you needed it.”

“I did. I needed you.” His hold slightly tightened. “This morning, my heart felt heavy, and I couldn’t figure out why, because I went to bed excited to surprise you. When I realized the date, I knew today was meant to happen. God aligned it this way for a reason, and I’m happy I get to spend it with you.”

Little did Keondra know, his words were confirmation for me. Just like that, we’d developed a bond that was becomingstronger by the day. To know he desired to be with me on one of the hardest, most emotional days of his life meant everything to me.

“He did. It’s crazy because I was going to wait until Friday to have a three-day weekend, but something kept telling me to just do it today. I’m glad I did.”

“Me too.”

I stood on my tiptoes to kiss his cheek and went to finish eating before my food got cold. Once we were both done, we cleaned the kitchen before I grabbed my things so we could head out for the day. Ironically, we were somehow matching in our yellow and brown. Those were two colors I felt looked stunning on melanated skin, but on Keondra . . . chef’s kiss.

We rode through the city, hand in hand, and vibed to the music. I texted Olive to check in on everything, and she told me not to contact her again unless it was personal and not work related. All I could do was shake my head.

“Whenever you’re off, are you really off, or do you still feel the need to work in some type of way?” I asked Keondra.

“I’m never really off, especially mentally. Like now, it’s taking everything in me not to stop by the restaurant to see how things are going. It’s hard when you own a business and truly love what you do and the people who make it possible.”

“If that’s not the truth. I just texted Olive to check in, and she had the nerve to tell me to leave her alone.”

Keondra chuckled. “Alivia would do me the same way if I contacted her.”

“Do you think it’s a trust issue?”

Many times, I’d heard that I was too hands-on with my business because I didn’t trust the people I had working for me. I didn’t find that to be true one bit. If I didn’t trust them, I wouldn’t have hired them. If I didn’t trust them, I would be at the center every single second of the day, working myself likea dog. I was hands-on for personal reasons and because I truly loved what I did.

“I can’t say for you, but for me, it’s always been a way to keep my mind in gear. Also, because the love I have for cooking and my business is something I can’t just turn off. I am learning to take the days off and allow the people I hired to do their thing without me being present, but nah, I don’t think it’s a trust issue. I think it’s a blessing.”

It was refreshing to date a man who was on the same page as me in numerous ways. Keondra was a true boss like me, and it was nice to have those types of conversations with someone who understood.

We arrived at the outlet, and Keondra spared absolutely no expense when it came to Kehlani. From the toys to the clothes, he went all out for her. He claimed he needed my help, but to me, he had it all figured out. I’d picked Kehlani a few things out for me to gift her.

Hours passed before we were finally done, and I was ready to eat again. Keondra went to put the bags in his truck while I headed to the food court. My mouth watered upon smelling the Chinese food from one of my favorite places. I sat at a table near it and scrolled through my phone as I waited for Keondra.

An eerie feeling crept up my spine. I looked up and observed my surroundings. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary, but there was a beautiful woman who caught my attention. She was standing in line at one of the restaurants, and for some reason, something about her seemed familiar. I watched her until she received her food and walked away, wondering what it was about her that commanded my attention.

“Are you okay, Colony?”

The sound of Keondra’s voice from behind me caused me to jump. My hand flew to my heart as I took slow breaths to stop it from racing.

“Yes, but you scared me.”

“My bad. You seemed to be in deep thought.”

“I was, but I’m good.” I peered up at him and smiled. “You mind eating Chinese? I’ve been craving it since I smelled it. We can take it on the picnic.”