Page 38 of Caden the CEO
“I’d put it over there in that left corner,” Nikolai said as he pointed. “I can have you a row of greens, tomatoes, corn, . . . whatever you want. We can do a peach and orange tree too.”
“Peppers too?”
“Peppers too.”
“Yay, I’m so excited! You’ll have to help me with it, Daddy Spencer. I don’t have a green thumb at all. I just always wanted a garden after I watchedBaby Boy.”
Nikolai laughed. “I got you, daughter. We gon’ keep it together. It’s going to take time, patience, and care, but it’ll be easier than you think.”
A lazy smile was on Caden’s face as he lifted Dru out of her chair, sat down, and put her on his lap. As he placed a kiss on her shoulder, she snuggled against him.
“Thank you for sharing your family with me,” she said softly.
“Aww, ain’t she sweet,” Nikolai said. “I love her.”
Caden chuckled. “I love her too, Pops.”
Dru’s smile faded as she looked at him. Though they never kept it a secret that they were falling in love with each other, that was the first time he’d actually made that statement. That declaration.
“You do?” she almost whispered, cupping his cheek.
“I do.”
Dru smiled and brushed her nose against his. “I love you too.”
“I’ma leave you two lovebirds alone, but let me say this,” Nikolai said, sitting up in his seat. “Dru, you are a part of this family for life. Love, family, they heal. We have welcomed you in sincerely, and I hope you feel the healing power of our warmth and embrace.” His eyes shifted in his son’s direction. “You make sure you give her the safety, security, softness, and gentle love that she deserves. And don’t take too long to propose. She already in the family now.”
“I wasn’t going to do that anyway, but yes, sir.” Caden agreed as Nikolai squeezed his shoulder before walking away.
“Well, I like how he just put me in my feelings, made me wanna cry, then casually walked away,” Dru joked, blinking back tears.
“Yeah, Pops doesn’t talk a lot, but when he does, it’s either some real shit or jokes. The fact that he sat out here talking to you says a lot. He really don’t like people like that. It took him about two years to start talking to Lorenzo.”
Dru giggled. “Love that for me. And I love you and your family for me.” She turned a bit more and caressed his chin. “I’ve gotten close to exes’ families before, but it never felt like this. Never felt this real and sincere. I didn’t know getting you would include getting your family and being accepted by them, too, but I love it. And I really do love you. Your parents treat me like I’m their own, and after going my whole life without that . . .” A shaky breath escaped her as she rested her forehead against his. “Thank you, K.”
“You’re welcome, beautiful. We got you always.”
Her cheeks lifted, and a smile turned into laughter when his kisses turned into tickling her. They sat on the patio for a while before Dreya challenged Nikolai to a game of Monopoly. Everybody wanted a part in that game. As they all made their way down to the game room, Caden sent up a quick prayer toGod. With the addition of Dru and Dreya in their lives, their family felt complete.
“Oh, you getting your pussy ate off the bone for this,” Caden declared, looking at the tickets Dru had gifted him with. Not only did she get him tickets for the rest of the Memphis Grizzlies games that season, but she got him tickets for all the Demolishers home games as well. She’d taken the time to casually ask his favorite teams and players, then used that information to give him the perfect gift. As if the tickets weren’t enough on their own, she’d gotten him team shirts, hoodies, and hats, and had a pair of Nikes custom painted in Grizzlies colors. “These shoes are dope as fuck. Zo gon’ try to steal these off my feet. Thank you, sweetheart.”
“Yay! I’m glad you like it all, but can I wear the Demolishers shirt when we go to Falcon’s bar this weekend? I have a pair of heels that will match that perfectly.”
Caden frowned as he looked at her, making her laugh heartily.
“Hell naw you can’t wear my shit. Not before I wear it.”
“Caden, please!”
“Why you ain’t get you one when you got mine?”
“I didn’t think you’d have a problem sharing with me,” she whined.
A groan escaped Caden as his eyes lifted toward the ceiling. It didn’t help that she was fighting back laughter at his expense. “You can wear it after I wear it. Is that fair?”
“I guess. Just make sure you wear it before Saturday so I can wear it.”
Her cackling turned into a yelp when he smacked her ass and picked her up before she could run away.
