Page 147 of Can't Get Enough

“We are discouraged today,” I say, straightening my spine. “But not defeated. This is a temporary setback. Mr. Ray and his racist tactics will not prevail. We are better than this. Better than this regressive behavior that seeks to erase the few gains we have made by twisting the law and using it against those who most need help.”

I grit my teeth to stop myself from screaming curses into the microphone, an outlet for my frustration.

“We’re not done,” I say in closing. “And we’ll be back.”

Kashawn, Nelly, and I start down the courthouse steps. The whole way, Michelle makes sure we know what will happen next. Her office is fielding requests for interviews on television, podcasts, morning shows.

“That’s all you, Hen,” Kashawn says. “You have the PR training, the publicity background. You’re the natural choice to be the face and voice of this for us.”

“You okay with that?” Nelly asks.

“I am,” I say with more confidence than I actually feel, but I’ve donemany things with bravado that my confidence had to catch up to. This is no different.

We agree to reconvene tomorrow once I land in Charlotte and get settled back at Mama’s house. We’re almost at the bottom of the steps when I spot the black SUV with tinted windows parked out front.

Standing there, like he stepped out of my dreams, is Maverick. He looks powerful in his black three-piece suit and silk tie. He looks like a million bucks. Correction, a billion. I’m not sure how to react or what to say. We’ve never even been on a public date, and now he’s shown up when the world’s eye is trained on me.

“I know he’s one of our limited partners,” Nelly says with a touch of humor. “But somehow, I don’t think he’s here for Shawn and me.”

“Yeah, uh… he’s here for me.” I split a sheepish look between the two of them. “I can explain.”

“Girl, explain later.” Kashawn nudges me forward. “We’ve had a shitty day. We didn’t get our ruling. At least go get your man.”

I’m still sorting through what to do, when he decides for me, for us, and opens his arms. I don’t think about the cameras or the media or the crowd. I rush to close the space between us and collapse into the warmth and reassuring strength of his arms tight around me.

“Wagwan,” he says against my ear, his hands resting in loose possessiveness at my hips.

“Mav,” I whisper, smiling at him in spite of the ache in my chest. “We lost. At least for now.”

“I know, baby.” He kisses my hair and opens the door for me to climb in. “Don’t worry. I’ll make them pay for it.”

CHAPTER 47

MAVERICK

Ileft several disappointed businessmen in Tokyo. Flying home for a few days to see Hendrix, make sure she’s okay, is an extravagance. It’s not the money, but the time I can ill afford. Seeing her face when she spotted me waiting for her outside the courthouse, the way she fell into my arms, made it worth it.

Waking up with her in bed at her place, even just for today, is worth it.

“Morning,” Hendrix mutters into my shoulder.

I tighten my arm around her waist, stroking her back through the silk pajama top.

“Morning.” I kiss the top of her head. “How’s it feel being back in your own bed?”

“Good, but guilty.” She glances up at me, the peacock-printed silk scarf covering her braids slipping into her eyes. “I know I had to come, but I really want to get back to Mama and Aunt G today. Glad my flight is this afternoon.”

“You sure you don’t want to fly with me? I can drop you off.”

“On your way to Tokyo you can just drop me off in Charlotte?” She kisses under my jaw. “I’m fine.”

“Maybe I want a few more hours with you.” I coast my hand down her back to palm her ass.

“Maybe you should make the most of the time you got right now.” She shoots me a wicked grin. “Look in my nightstand drawer.”

“Why?” I ask, already stretching to open the drawer. I didn’t take thetime when I was here before to truly appreciate the collection of vibrators, lubes of all varieties, condoms of various sizes and… flavors… that Hendrix keeps here.

“My pride and joy.” Her chuckle is husky and suggestive. “We only have a few hours before we leave. Wanna play?”

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