SIXTEEN
The La Monte show has a larger turnout than in previous years, which I’m sure will gag cynics, along with the bold and classy couture causing photographers to snap away at all the ladies of various sizes.
I can barely contain my excitement at seeing the designs I collaborated on. It isn’t my first work to make it to a show, but my eyes still tear up. I can’t wait to launch my solo line in five months.
Reaching the finale, Chavonne walks out to cheers, dazzling in her silver unbuttoned pantsuit and swaying long black hair. I’m sure critics will have plenty to detail in the looming fashion coverage.
Afterward, the team heads to a fancy French restaurant for the celebration dinner.
“Thank you all for yet another wonderful show,” Chavonne toasts the long table. “I couldn’t have done it without an impeccable team.”
We raise our glasses and drink at the same time. As I’m about to converse, I feel my phone buzz in the clutch. It incites a sudden rush that makes me retrieve the device with haste. The dip of my shoulders from seeing Jamir’s name is quite sad.
Excusing myself, I hurry outside to answer. “Hey.”
“Hey, baby. Listen, I apologize for how I acted this weekend. I’m sorry for not prioritizing you and becoming angry when you expressed that. I should have assured you instead of leaving.”
“Hm.” I shake my head, noting how it took him all weekend and two days. “We’ll talk more when I’m home.”
“We will. Sorry I missed you yesterday too. I was tired after work, and the time difference is rough.”
It’s not that rough . “It’s fine. The show went well. We’re at dinner celebrating.”
“Oh, okay. I’m in the middle of paperwork. Have fun. Talk to you tomorrow.”
“Okay.”
“Love you,” he says.
I experience a strange delay before replying, “Love you too.”
Hanging up, I ignore the brief glitch and veer into the restaurant. The celebration continues for another hour before everyone returns to the hotel.
“Okay,” Iree says, wrapping up the call with her brother. “I wish I could stay in Paris longer.”
“It’s a beautiful city. Let’s explore as much as possible tomorrow before attending the events.”
“Yeah.” She starts undressing. “Congrats again on your designs being in the show.”
“Thank you,” I giggle. “I’ll never get used to that.”
With a pat on my shoulder, she grabs a towel and walks into the bathroom.
My mind drifts to Kross while I’m sorting my outfits. Hearing the shower, I pluck my phone from the nightstand and call him on the way to the balcony.
“Sup, Davi?” His voice sounds uneasy.
“Hi. Did I catch you at a bad time?”
“Not at all. What you up to?”
“Winding down.” I lean against the wall while staring at the well-lit street. “How’s your day so far?”
“You first. How was the show? You looked amazing, by the way.”
His compliment surprises me. “Wait, how do—”
“I checked your IG,” he admits. “I wanted to see an update. See you.”
“Oh.” I touch my neck, turning hot. “Okay.”
“So, tell me about the show,” he says again.
“It was fantastic. Seeing two designs I collaborated on made me feel like a kid on Christmas.”
He chuckles softly. “Your joy cheers me up.”
That simmers my delight a tad. “Everything okay?”
“Yeah,” he exhales. “It’s fine.” And yet, he sounds sad. We don’t know each other well, so it’s understandable not wanting to get too personal. What doesn’t make sense is why I’m excited to talk to another man while in a relationship.
“Stop overthinking,” he playfully scolds me. “Keep telling me about your day.”
I moisten my lips and say, “Tell me about yours.”
“Worked out with my boys. Bought stocks. Nothing exciting. Wish I were in Paris with you.”
That triggers butterflies. “Um, you could visit with your friends.”
“What if I want to visit with only you?” The sexy drop in his voice makes my pussy clench.
“Kross, behave,” I implore, trying to calm down.
“Can’t do that, baby girl.” His deep rumble arouses me more. “Calling me means you accepted my offer.”
“I just want to talk,” I murmur.
“I’m here to listen and do anything else.”
The shower stops, making me anxious. “I have to go. Iree’s about to exit the bathroom.”
“And we can’t let her know, right? Cause I’m your little secret.”
“It’s…” I shift in the spot.
“You don’t have to pretend, Davi,” he says. “That fire you’re feeling right now, I’m feeling it too. It’s an intense attraction.”
I squeeze my eyes shut, voice low as I say, “It’s a problem.”
His dirty chuckle stirs tingles. “I have the solution whenever you’re ready.”
“Kross…”
“Whenever you’re ready,” he repeats. “Until then, if all you want is to talk, that’s cool.”
It’s scary how much his statement accelerates my heart. “Goodnight.”
“Night,” he returns. “I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”
“What makes you think I’ll call?” I whisper, hearing Iree leave the bathroom.
His deep and sexy laugh triggers a surge between my thighs. “I know you will, baby girl.”
I hang up and paste on a smile as I turn to Iree.
“Jamir?” she inquires, pulling her covers back.
“Yeah. Just saying goodnight.” My body burns from another dose of sin. At this point, I’m heading straight to hell in my wet panties.
Sunlight dances on the water, each ripple reflecting moments with a man I can’t stop myself from desiring.
“It’d be so nice to be in Paris with my man,” Iree remarks while observing the scenery as we cruise the Seine River on the sparse boat. The weather is chilly this time of year, so fewer tourists are around.
“I didn’t know you were in a relationship.”
She snorts. “I’m not. I’m only fantasizing.”
I squint at her. “You crushing on someone?”
A cute smile curls her lips, and I almost see her bronzy cheeks turning rosy. “Been feeling this man for a while. I’m too scared to tell him. I tried dating other guys, but no one came close. He’s perfect to me. I think my parents would have liked him if they were here.”
It’s the most open she’s ever been with me. “Your parents passed?”
Sorrow clouds her eyes. “They died in a car accident eighteen years ago. I was seven; Cairo was twelve.”
I rub her arm to offer comfort. “I’m so sorry.”
She draws a long, profound breath like she’s suppressing her pain. “It was devastating, but with my gran and other family, we made it through. It brought my brother and I closer.”
“Your parents would be so proud of you.”
She sniffles and looks at me with a smile. “Thanks for saying that, D.” She blinks back to the river. “As for my crush, I want him to see me.”
“If you spend a lot of time together, he has to know.”
“Doubt it. Either way, I have to find the courage to admit my feelings or move on.”
I give her hand a gentle squeeze. “Hope it works out.”
As the cruise ends, we eat at a patisserie and return to the hotel to change for the fashion events.
I lose interest and sneak off for an evening stroll. My heart is restless. Seeing all the couples makes me force myself to call Jamir. Maybe if we had a good talk, I could fix things.
He answers just when I think it’ll go to voicemail. “D, I’m heading to a meeting.”
Of course . “I’m only checking in, saying hey.”
“Okay. I’ll see you tomorrow.” Geez. He’s rushing me off the phone.
“Right. See you then.”
“Uh-huh. Love you.”
“You too.” I hang up, slip my phone into my jacket, and pause on the footbridge to appreciate the Eiffel Tower, its grandeur emphasized by the lights. No wonder so many proposals happen here.
Surrendering to the intense desire, I retrieve my phone and call the person on my mind.
“There you are.” His deep, warm voice instantly soothes the unease, affirming it’s indeed him I’m craving.