Driving Heat by Day Zuri

Author:Day, Zuri
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Kensington
Published: 2015-03-30T16:00:00+00:00

27

“I’ve been thinking about you,” is how Byron answered his phone.

“But you didn’t call.”

“No.”

“I understand.”

“Do you?”

This evoked an unlikely snort that would have made Anna swoon. “For the second time tonight, my ability to understand has been questioned.”

“Perhaps there’s a reason.”

“There is, and I’d like to tell you about it.”

“I’m listening.”

“Not over the phone.”

“It’s late, and a weeknight. Tyra’s already in bed.”

“I’m . . . it’s . . .” The dam of restraint tethered to resignation slipped. She closed her eyes to staunch tears, held a sob behind clenched teeth, straightened her spine, and swallowed pity. “It’s okay. I’m sorry to have bothered you. Good night.”

“Cynthia.”

“Yes.”

“Give me a half hour.”

“Don’t ring the bell. Call when you get here. I’ll let you in.”

Forty-five minutes later, her phone face lit up. She tipped down the stairs and opened the door. “Hello,” she whispered, before placing a finger to her lips and motioning him inside.

They were quieter than cat burglars as they returned to her room. She closed the door and visibly exhaled. “I can’t believe I’m so nervous. He’s a very sound sleeper.”

“If he knocks on the door, I’ll jump in the closet.”

“That’s a good idea!” She attempted a smile and failed miserably.

Byron’s eyelids lowered along with his already soft voice. “Cynthia, come here.”

She fairly ran into his arms. Tears followed suit and ran down her face.

“Shh. It’s okay.” He looked around. “Let’s go over here and sit on this big chair.”

Chaise, she thought automatically but didn’t correct. As long as he kept his arms around her, she didn’t care what he called it.

He sat down and settled her between his legs, gently rocking her silent but shaking body as the tears flowed. After several long moments she pushed away from him, and got up to blow her nose. “Would you like something to drink?”

“No, I’m good.”

“Well, I’m in need of liquid courage. Be right back.”

Byron watched her leave, then looked around him. His brow furrowed as he thought. What in the world has happened? It had to be serious for her to invite him here. He rested his head back against thick, plush fabric, noting how the chair almost conformed to his frame. Everything around him matched and looked expensive. As was the case on his other lone visit, not so much as a piece of paper was out of place. Yet his being there alone was proof of a mess somewhere.

Cynthia returned. Still shaken, but composed. “I brought the bottle and an extra glass in case you changed your mind.” She placed the tray on a table beside the chaise. “There’s a savory trail mix as well, so please, help yourself.”

She sat at the end of the chaise facing Byron and took a couple sips of wine. “Where’s Tyra?”

“My neighbor came over to watch her.”

Now, Byron watched Cynthia. And waited.

She drank half of the wine in her glass. “Jayden asked about his father.”

“Not an unusual question, especially for a boy his age.” She nodded, took another sip. “What exactly did he want to know?”

“Where he lived .

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