Page 100 of Rules Of Engagement: St. Louis
“She’s going to fit right in,” Elijah continued.
“You think so?”
“I know so. Look around. When’s the last time you saw the family this relaxed with someone new?”
He was right, which I knew. Naomi was talking easily with Aunt Cherry about her garden, laughing at my father’s jokes, and letting Sade braid her hair. It was natural, effortless.
“Christian.”
I turned to find Dahlia standing behind me, looking professional in a black dress that was ideally suited for Sunday dinner.
“Dahlia. I didn’t know you were coming.”
“I tried to get you on the phone, but I couldn’t get an answer.”
I frowned. “Is everything okay?”
“Yes, yes, but I’ve added some things to your schedule and wanted you to approve them before the new week started. So here I am, and something smells delicious.”
I smirked. “It’s Sunday dinner. Have you eaten?” As soon as I asked, her stomach growled. “I guess that answers that question.
She laughed. “I’ve been busy.”
“Doing what?”
“Making sure I’m on top of things.”
“Don’t tell me you’re starving yourself because of work? It’s okay to take a break.”
She grinned, sheepishly.
“I’ve got a plate with your name on it,” Elijah said.
I nodded. “You heard the man.”
“I’ll gladly take it.”
Elijah left to go make Dahlia a plate.
Dahlia’s gaze moved to Naomi, who was now on the floor with Sade, both of them giggling about something. “Is that her? The woman everyone’s talking about?”
“That’s Naomi.”
“She’s lovely.”
“She is.”
“I didn’t know you had a girlfriend.”
I nodded. “The relationship is new, and it’s not something I would’ve added to the calendar.”
She laughed, but I got the feeling she wasn’t amused.
“You’re not going to crack the whip on me about that, are you?”
“Not this time.”
I glanced at Naomi and found her watching us. I winked, and she winked back, and her eyes traveled to Dahlia. When I looked back at Dahlia, she was also watching Naomi, but neither of them spoke. That was interesting. Tension settled between us.
