Page 87 of Only You
‘I didn’t have to before now,’ he said. She looked at him pointedly and he sighed, looking around. ‘I guess… I came to terms with it. I can’t control life doing what it does.’
‘Even if it’s tragic?’
He smirked. ‘The tragic stories are the best.’ Dani cracked a small smile.
‘Can’t beat potential.’ She slipped the Aaliyah out from his pile before walking to the checkout counter. ‘I’ll text you later.’ She didn’t look back as she paid for her records and headed for the exit.
‘Hey,’ he called softly. She turned, looking at him expectantly.
He was about to invite her back to keep the game going. Yet, the words got stuck in his throat. The craving to be near her and the need to protect her from what was coming battled inside him as he looked for something to say. The longer he stared, the more flustered he became. He looked around for a hint, the jazz section catching his eye as he forced himself to smile. ‘We’ll always have Charlie Parker, right?’
Dani’s expectant look transformed into fondness, and she held the Aaliyah album to her chest.
‘Charlie is so last century,’ she said with a playful eyeroll, nodding just to the side of him. ‘Let’s have Brandy instead.’
With that, she left, longing piercing his heart, his eyes staying on her until she was out of view. Only then did he look to where she had pointed and chuckled. He picked up the album and headed to the checkout.
‘You two are the cutest music nerds I’ve ever seen,’ Carter commented dryly as he rung him up.
‘Yeah, maybe.’
He looked at the Brandy album in his hand. The songstress’s sultry expression dominated the cover, the title,Full Moon, tucked into the corner. He made a mental note to keep the album for himself.
Chapter Thirty
Detroit
June 1946
‘Knock, knock.’
Demir looked up from where he sat lounging on Jack’s couch to see Nora standing in the doorway. Dressed to the nines, she wore a floor-length, satin pink gown with a matching coat and a pair of chandelier earrings that gleamed in the low light. ‘There you are.’ She stepped inside and knelt by his side.
‘You look nice.’
‘I thought I’d recreate the surprise you could’ve gotten if you’d come to the club the other night,’ she said, stroking his face. ‘That was one hell of a fight.’
‘Shoulda seen the other guy.’ He sat up slowly, making room for her on the couch.
‘I did.’ Nora giggled. ‘He needed a few more stitches than you.’ Her hand hovered over his ribs as though unsure.
‘I wouldn’t do that.’ The couple turned to see Selene enter the room. ‘He’s still healing. You could aggravate something if you’re not careful.’
‘And you’re what? His doctor?’
Selene smirked. ‘Actually, I am. Nice to see you again, Nora.’
‘It’s always a pleasure to see Jack’s girl,’ Nora said. Selene pursed her lips in displeasure. ‘Well, don’t worry. I’ll make sure that your prized fighter is in the best of shape.’
‘Sure.’ Selene cut her eyes towards Demir before walking out of the room.
Nora scoffed. ‘She likes to hover.’ She sat on the couch next to Demir, mindful to leave some space.
‘She’s just cautious. She’s seen some shit.’
‘Well as long as she’s not getting too close…’ Nora laid her head on his shoulder, her voice practically a purr. ‘I missed you yesterday.’
‘I’ve missed you, too,’ Demir responded almost automatically. ‘Wish I got a chance to see you in this dress earlier.’
