Page 40 of Capacity
“It did. I actually wanted to tell you two something. I’m glad we’re having dinner together.” The smile on my face broadened. “I’m going to start a photography business.”
“Wow!” Lumi blurted, excitement bubbling over in her eyes. “Wait,” she paused. “Does that mean you’re leaving Lakeview?”
“No, For now, it’s just a side business,” I told her with a slight shrug. Terrance smiled at me and we slapped hands across the table.
“That’s what’s up, Knight. Right up your alley.”
“I want to focus specifically on hospice patients though. Especially married couples,” I explained. “In Hazel’s last months, I constantly took pictures of her because I was terrified of forgetting the small details of her face…her smile.” A pang of sadness echoed through my chest. “Once she was gone all I had to pull me through were those last pictures. They were so beautiful. They captured her spirit and now I feel like she’s always around me. I want to do that for other families. I want to give their loved one the gift of immortality through film.”
When I made the decision to start a hospice photography service, I wondered if I’d have the capacity to relive what I went through with Hazel over and over through new people. I went back and forth but finally settled on going for it. I wanted to help other people dealing with the pain of watching their loved ones slip away.
“That’s beautiful,” Lumi spoke softly, stroking the back of my hand with her fingers.
“Yeah, Knight, this might be the best idea I’ve ever heard.”
“You think so?” I looked from Terrance to Lumi and they both looked sincere. Relief flooded my veins. I was worried the entire idea was too lofty but helping people is never a small task.
“I think it’s phenomenal. I also think it calls for another round of iced tea. On me,” Lumi smiled and my heart lit up. She was breathtaking. I was going to pay for the entire dinner bill but Lumi was cute as hell saying the tea was on her. Once we established our official relationship, she would never have to pay for another thing if she didn’t want to. Lumi had me wrapped around her finger more times than I could count.
I wasn’t complaining though.
…
CHAPTER 11
“Every time I look at that TV I’m impressed,” Knight said. He stood in the living room staring at the TV he mounted for me. I put my hands on my hips and eyed him incredulously.
“If you were any more full of yourself you’d pop,” I warned him with an outstretched finger. He snagged my wrist like he always did and I tensed to my bones like I always did. One day he was going to uncover my scars and I hated how much that moment terrified me.
Why couldn’t I just tell him? Knight wasn’t unreasonable. He wasn’t the type of man who’d judge me for feeling weak and trudging through darkness. Still…I couldn’t fix my lips to tell him about my attempted suicide.
“Can I help that I’m flying high tonight after dinner and being sober for two months?”
“I’ll allow you that but the TV you mounted an entire fucking month ago has nothing to do with your pride about tonight.”
“I can’t confirm or deny what you’re saying.” He pulled me close then dipped his head down and kissed me. It was a brief peck that meant he was getting ready to leave. My stomach dropped.
“Guess I better get ready to head home. I had a great night, Lumi.” He slid his fingers through my hair and smiled at me. It was a smile that made me feel seen and beautiful. Not only physically but inside. Knight smiled at me like he could see all the colors of my soul.
“Stay,” I blurted, grabbing his big warm hand in mine. His brows fell low on his forehead as he regarded me.
“The night?”
“Yes…please.” I squeezed his hands between mine and batted my lashes at him.
“I thought you didn’t want the temptation.” His voice was low and rough, sawing away at my resolve. Today in his office had already torched away the first half of my willpower.
I seriously thought I was going to pull his dick out and ride it right there on that couch. The way his mouth felt on my breasts, sucking my nipples, biting them with just the right level of pressure and helping me come first…I was sold.
I was tired of waiting for the right moment. There was no right moment. He was consistently kind and patient with me. He made me feel sexy and I was tired of rubbing one out every time he left for the night. My fingers were going to fall off at the rate I was going.
It was time.
“Yeah, but maybe I’m ready for the temptation now.” I let his hand go and tugged on his collar so he bent low enough for me to lock my arms around the back of his neck.
“Are you sure? I don’t want to…”
“Knight. Stay the night with me, please.” His Adam’s apple bobbed in his throat before he nodded.
