Crises in Love (Zora and Jaylan) novel Chapter 89

A car was parked outside the club, and Jaylan was leaning against it, puffing away on a cigarette.

At a glance, it was clear he was waiting for someone. But I knew damn well it wasn't me he was waiting for because there was no way he could know I was attending this party.

Jaylan felt nervous the moment he saw us walking out together, but recovered immediately. He put out his cigarette and strode over to me, took my purse from my hand, and wrapped his arm around me, "Tired?"

Catherine muttered with annoyance, "Stop showing off. Who are you trying to impress?"

I leaned into Jaylan and asked him, "Are you here to pick me up?"

He looked at me with affection as he replied, "Who else would I be here for?"

"Well, I don't recall informing you of my plans. Do you have some kind of psychic ability, knowing where I am at all times?" I teased him.

As he led me towards his car, he explained, "I was having dinner with Irving. He mentioned that his wife was hosting a party at Illusion Paradiso. Before dinner, I called home and Zora said you were out. After dinner, I called home again and you were still out. I figured you might be here, so I thought I'd surprise you."

He chuckled, "And I was right, wasn't I?"

His reasoning was sound. If I didn't know him better, I might have believed him.

When we reached his car, he let go of me and stared at me appreciatively. He tousled my hair and said, "I never realized how good you look with short hair. It suits you well. I guess I had the wrong idea about it before."

I held his hand still, "Your mother is here too. Should we wait for her?"

"No need. She's got her plans. And besides, she's not one to leave a party early," Jaylan replied, his gaze filled with a mix of wonder and desire.

It was a natural desire; perhaps he hadn't anticipated that I would look so radiant. In truth, I was barely holding it.