Page 8 of Blade's Return
From somewhere behind him, Bear bellows, “Damn it, Blade, let her in! It’s cold out there!”
Blade mutters, “Shit. See what you do to me, Usdi?”
The Cherokee word rolls off his tongue like silk—soft, possessive. He’s basically calling me, little one or baby. Yet, it feels much more intimate using the Cherokee language. My heart trips over itself. I step inside before I can melt right there on the front steps. Instantly, the warmth of their house wraps around me—bright yellow walls, large windows that are inviting and make the space feel bigger than it probably is. Ayita has such an eye for beauty. Everything feels alive here. There’s a dreamcatcher hanging near the entryway and a big rug patterned in turquoise and red under the coffee table.
Ayita appears from the kitchen, her glossy black hair braided over one shoulder, eyes shining with welcome. She’s breathtaking—mid-forties maybe, elegant and strong in that effortless way only she can pull off.
“Livy!” she says, pulling me into a hug.
Bear’s right behind her, grinning wide. “Hell yes, you brought the cookies!”
I laugh and move to hand Ayita the tin, but Bear snatches it. “Nope. These are mine.”
“Bear,” Ayita scolds gently.
He’s already prying off the lid. “Livy made these for me. Blade can get his own damn cookies.”
“Hey!” Blade protests, still grinning. “Give me one!”
“No!” Bear says, around a mouthful of cookie, crumbs flying. “These are mine. Ask her to make you some.”
Ayita and I both start laughing, and I shake my head. “You two fight like little kids.”
“We’ve done that our whole lives,” Bear says proudly, thumping Blade’s shoulder. “Even if I am older and more mature than this asshole.”
Blade flips him off without missing a beat.
I can’t help smiling. “You act more like brothers than lawyer and client.”
The room stills for half a heartbeat. I’m afraid I said something wrong, but I clearly was mistaken because Ayita starts laughing. “It just proves men are big babies, no matter who they are.”
I join her easily. “That’s the truth.”
While Bear’s distracted, Blade sneaks a cookie from the tin and takes a bite. “Oh, damn, Livy. This is so good.” He groans low in his throat. The sound making goosebumps spread across my skin. “It just needs to leave out the coconut and add peanut butter instead.”
“You like peanut butter?” I ask, amused.
“Love it.”
“I do have a recipe for peanut butter cookies. If you play your cards right, I might make them.”
His eyes darken, that slow, wicked grin spreading. “Usdi, I should warn you—I’m a very good card player.” A shiver slides through me, and I forget how to breathe for a second.
Ayita saves me by handing Bear a platter of steaks. “You and Blade get to grilling. My twice-baked potatoes are almost done.”
Bear kisses her cheek. “Yes, ma’am.”
I sigh softly, watching the easy affection between them. When they disappear through the back door, I turn to Ayita. “You two are so happy. It makes me think maybe love really exists. That it can actually end in a happily ever after.”
She smiles as she starts arranging the vegetables. “It took having Bear in my life for me to believe it. But every day with him just gets better.”
“That makes me so happy. You deserve a second chance—you both do.”
Ayita tilts her head, studying me. “Tell me, Livy—what’s the story between you and Blade?”
Heat floods my face. I wave a hand, flustered. “There’s nothing between us. We just met. He’s … a nice guy, that’s all. You know me—I’m retired from relationships, Ayi.”
She laughs softly. “Livy, you’ve never had a relationship. Not a real one.”
