Savor (Cottonwood Falls, Book 5) by Aliyah Burke Read Free Book Online Page B

our
thing.”
    “Our thing needs to be done in warmer
weather.”
    “You wouldn’t complain if you had a man to snuggle
up against.”
    “Is that an offer to share Vance?” she quipped,
reaching for three of the cups.
    “Vance says yes.” The man in discussion spoke as he
reached in front of Kendria to pick up the last of the coffees.
    London experienced a pain of longing when the couple
shared a long, passionate kiss.
    “Cold, standing, waiting to get back to my seat,”
she drolled.
    Kendria wrapped her arms around the man who’d stolen
her heart and waved London on.
    “I’ll just get these back and let the two of you
reunite then.”
    She handed out the coffees back at the table and
tried again to join in the conversation. She enjoyed the women, but
her mind continually drifted back to Piers. When her cell rang, she
answered without checking the screen first.
    “Yes?”
    “What’s for dinner, sister dearest?”
    Brows furrowed, she cocked her head to the side.
“Card?”
    “I’m hungry.”
    “Where are you?” She tugged on her hat once
more.
    “Don’t you think you should wear like a pink hat
with the pom pom on top like other girls instead of a Captain
America one?”
    She jerked her head and stared across the street.
Balancing on the curb stood her brother, waving at her. She hung up
and called, “Card! I’ll be right back, ladies.” London slipped from
the seating area and hastened across the street to hug her brother.
“What are you doing here?”
    He wrapped his arms around her and kissed her cheek.
“I’m hungry. We’re on a three day in Atlanta, so I came here.”
    “You do know they serve food in Atlanta, right?”
    He tapped a gloved finger on her nose. “I know. But
my sister is here, and she cooks a mean meal.” He gripped her
shoulders. “You’ve lost weight. Bags under your eyes, but it’s damn
good to see you, Lonny.”
    Tears pricked her eyes at the mention of her
childhood name. It had been so long since he’d called her that. He
canted his head to the side.
    “Come on,” he said. “I’m freezing my ass off
here.”
    “Let me just say goodbye to the ladies.” They did
that swiftly, and she walked back to his car with him, arm in arm.
“Thanks for coming, Card.”
    “I’ve missed you.”
    “Ditto.” She reached over the console and kissed his
cheek. “Drive, James.”
    “Usually, it’s ‘Fly, Cardiff’. But I’ll take it.” He
started the engine. “I’ve come bearing gifts, from Mr. Hawkins, as
well.”
    “Your boss is so sweet.”
    “He loves you, for some reason, not sure why.”
    She punched him in the arm, and he just laughed.
Once they were back at her place, while Cardiff showered and got
settled in the guest room, London began making them some dinner.
Picking some of her brother’s favorites.
    ***
    “Are you sure?” Piers asked his attorney.
    “Yes, I’m staring at the results right now.”
Shuffling papers. “Are you okay?”
    “Sure thing. Not much choice.” He glanced at his
watch, rage simmering in his veins. “I have to go.”
    “Call if you need me to do anything more.”
    “Sure.” He ended the call and stepped from his SUV
before striding up to the school’s front door.
    It always surprised him to be able to walk right in
when at the other school he’d had to be buzzed inside. He waved to
the principal as he took brisk steps to the room he sought. Pausing
outside the door, he stared in the small window.
    London sat at her desk while a tall, black man spoke
to the class. His hair was cut close to his head, and his slacks
and pressed shirt presented a good look. The entire class sat
enraptured by whatever the man spoke about. He allowed his gaze to
drift back to London. Her hair had been captured tight on the top
of her head in some bun, one he longed to take down and thread his
fingers through.
    He shoved back those thoughts and rapped on the
glass. Her dark eyes snapped to the door, and she pushed to her
feet when she