Page 36 of Dangerous Curves

He nods. “She’s good.”

“And dad?”

Rome shakes his head. “I don’t know. I didn’t see him.” I sigh and shake my head. The fallout between Rome and our dad started the moment he announced he wanted nothing to do with dad’s business. Then I went and did the same thing. Basically, our dad has disowned us, but our mom is always the one to bring everyone back together. I hate all the distance between everyone. “Trust me, I know it’s not ideal, but I can’t make him talk to me if he doesn’t want to and he’s made it clear he doesn’t want to.”

“I know. I’m just tired.” I yawn and stretch.

Rome steps forward and pulls me in for a hug. “I’m sure. You can fill me in on New York City when we talk next time. You need to get some sleep and I need to finish packing so I can hit the road.”

“I can come help you,” I offer.

Rome shakes head. “Nope, get some sleep. I can see myself out and set the alarm.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes, I’m sure. Last I checked, I’m the older brother and you should just listen to me.” We both laugh.

“And we both know that was never my strong suit,” I reply.

Rome chuckles. “That’s true.” Silence falls and I yawn again. “Okay, that’s enough. Get your ass to bed. Thank you for letting me stay.”

“You know you’re welcome anytime. Be safe getting back home.” We share a brotherly hug and he pulls my bedroom door closed. I strip out of my clothes and hop in a scalding hot shower before climbing into bed. I’m determined to wait up for Kenndrix, but the minute my head hits the pillow I’m out.

Thirty-Two

Kenndrix

The moment I walk through the front door, I feel the exhaustion set in but I quickly call my mom who picks up almost instantly. “Did you make it home safely?” she asks, worry evident in her voice.

I smile to myself because aside from Kynlee she’s been the best friend I’ve ever had. “Yes, I did. I’m sorry to call you so late though.”

“Nonsense. You know I wouldn’t have slept a wink until I knew you were safe and sound. So, tell me all about New York City.”

I laugh. “I’ve been there before, you know that.”

“Yes, but you have never turned your phone off before and Kynlee told me her theory on that situation.” I can hear the question in my mom’s voice. It makes me curious what exactly Kynlee came up with inside that wildly imaginative head of hers.

“Well, apparently Jaxx was also in New York City this weekend, something about a movie premiere and according to Kynlee he had been on the quiet side as well. It made us both very curious,” she explains with a laugh.

I might as well tell her now. There’s no use in denying it. Kynlee will know soon enough. “That theory might have some correct points.” I go into the weekend and how Jaxx and I are pretty much getting a second chance. My mom is so happy. She was never a fan of Ronin, not that I can blame her. If I had a daughter, I wouldn't have been happy with him either.

“I’m so happy to hear that Kenndrix. Jaxx truly cared about you. It was always written all over his face. I couldn’t be happier for you baby girl.”

I just dropped a load of laundry in my washer and I’m heading towards the bathroom when I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror. For the first time in a long time I look truly happy and I feel beautiful. It’s because of Jaxx and the hard work I’ve put in to be a better version of myself but it’s paid off. “I’m happy, too. We’ll have to come visit soon.”

“Oh yes! Please do and please tell Jaxx I said hello,” my mom gushes.

I laugh. “I will. I’m going to shower and then head to his place, but we’ll talk tomorrow.”

“Good night, baby girl.”

“Good night, mom,” I tell her, and hang up the phone.

I let the shower warm up while I pack an overnight bag to take with me to Jaxx’s. I’m not high maintenance, but I do require a few things. While in the shower my mind instantly comes up with another new story line. The moment I step out of the shower, I just grab my towel and make a beeline for my room. I don’t even bother drying off. Almost an hour later, and I’m air dried with an outline for the new idea. When I check the time I realize it’s even later. I didn't mean to be this late getting to Jaxx’s. Quickly, I slip on my sleep shorts, a tank top and my zipper hoodie over that. I pull my still damp hair into a messy bun and slip my glasses on while grabbing a pair of sandals. As I head out the door, I grab my purse and overnight bag before locking up and heading to my car.

Luckily, there isn’t a lot of traffic so it doesn’t take too long to reach his house, but I can barely keep my eyes open. Jaxx’s house is tucked away behind a tall, white stucco wall of a fence with black iron gates. I stop to key in the security code and wait for the gates to open. Once inside, it’s like a perfectly kept jungle. Everything is so green. Trees and plants are everywhere. I park in the circle drive and admire his house. It has a more modern architecture look than mine. White, two stories with large picture windows on both the bottom and top floors. You can see his living room from here, gray tones with hints of blue and black contrast with the white tiled floors and stark white walls. From here, I can see a patio on the second floor and I’m curious if it’s connected to his bedroom.

It seems surreal to be here. Silly nerves settle in my stomach. I shouldn’t be this nervous at all after everything this weekend, but I am. I dig the key to his house from my purse and unlock the door. The security system blinks as I enter and I quickly key in the security code. The house is surprisingly clean and neat. Jaxx was never messy, but I just assumed with his new celebrity type status and being a bachelor, the house wouldn’t be this clean. The lights are off but I call out his name. “Jaxx?” I get no reply so I head up the stairs. The floating stairs and a glass banister make me a little nervous to be honest. They just seem dangerous. When I reach the second floor there are four doors. I end up opening each one. One is a guest bedroom, one an in-home gym, and the other is a bathroom. Finally, at the far end of the hallway I find his master bedroom. If I wasn’t so tired, I would have started here first. The large double doors scream the master bedroom.

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