The Soft Fall

Chapter 1

Kennedi Rachelle “Kenni” Barre

“Well, I love what I’ve seen. These pieces are really going to be a hit, Lawrence. They will be perfect for the vision that we’re aiming for in our spring session.”

“Well, if you’re truly interested, what are we waiting for? Let’s sign the contract now.”

“What about the terms? Are you sure that you’re okay with not being able to negotiate them?”

“Black Glamour Magazine is the elite magazine of black fashion right now. Everyone turns to your magazine to find out what’s trending and what’s going out of season. Models’ careers are made from being in this magazine. Why would I not want to work with you all?”

“I didn’t say that it wasn’t a great idea, but usually, we get people in who are looking to negotiate on the terms because they don’t like them. If you’re saying that you’re good with what we’re offering, then I have to admit you’re the first.”

He smirked and leaned forward. “Kennedi, you have an amazing eye for fashion and detail. I know that you’re going to go far in this industry.

I admire how you handle your business and how hard you work.

Your name is already known in certain circles.

When I tell you that the details of this contract are not of any concern to me because I know that I’m getting a good deal out of this, I mean it.

Besides, these terms are only for first-time vendors.

Based on the contract, if this works out, future terms are much greater and worth the initial sacrifice. ”

“Then why do I hear a but or an addition in that sentence somewhere?” I asked, smiling at him.

I had met up with Lawrence Kerner, a fashion designer, for dinner to discuss having him design some pieces to show off in our fashion magazine, Black Glamour, for the spring season.

We loved showcasing various designers rather than always circulating our looks around the same designers and styles.

And Lawrence was an up-and-comer who we knew would blow up the scene quickly.

Our fashion editor and my boss, Milicent Jones, was not able to make the meeting, and she requested my presence at the last minute.

I had to cancel my dinner plans with my boyfriend, Bryson Fuller, to make this meeting.

While I knew that he wasn’t happy about it, I also knew that he had canceled on me plenty of times in the past.

As a criminal defense attorney with his own practice, there had been too many times when he had to leave home in the middle of dinner plans or the middle of the night to see about a client.

We never really knew when he might be called away, and for the last four years, I had been extremely versatile where his career was concerned.

I felt like he should be more than understanding where my career was concerned.

Over the last year, I had been getting more work opportunities tossed my way, and I had to cancel quite a few plans.

Unfortunately, it ended up in arguments with Bryson.

I just hoped that tonight wouldn’t be another one of those times.

I already had a pounding headache, and the only thing I wanted was to go to bed.

Lawrence flashed a beautiful smile my way.

He was a good-looking man, and I was certain that he knew it.

Those gray eyes held secrets untold, and he had raked his hand through his curly hair one time too many, and it had taken on a just-fucked look.

His light brown skin was smooth and unblemished like a baby’s.

At five-eleven, he was toned and muscular, but not overtly so.

He was a very sexy and attractive man, but he wasn’t my man.

So the minute that he started flirting, I knew I had to shut that shit down.

Bryson was a whole package himself. Besides being a lawyer, he was good-looking as hell.

At six-four with amber colored skin, hooded, nut-brown eyes, high cheekbones, and full, pouty lips that oftentimes covered a big, bright smile he was giving Shemar Moore vibes.

His slightly crooked, broken nose added character to his face, and the tattoos that covered his body, including the one on his face, added an element of danger.

“I’m willing to do whatever it takes to get you to go out to dinner with me, Kennedi.”

“We’re already out at dinner, Lawrence.”

“I think you know what I mean. I’m not referencing a business dinner, but something more private and personal. Just you and me so that I can get to know you better.”

“That wouldn’t be a good idea.”

“Why not?”

“Because this is a business arrangement, and I don’t mix business and pleasure.”

“That’s the best type to mix. People often say that, but they don’t realize what they’re missing.”

“I’m not missing out on anything, I can assure you. I have the best of everything, including a man who loves me.”

“Are you sure about that?”

“What? That my man loves me?”

“That you have the best of everything. You don’t have me, gorgeous.”

“And I’m sure that some lovely woman out there would love to have you. So, maybe you should save yourself for her.”

Lawrence reached across the table and took my hand into his. “You’re beautiful, Kennedi, and I don’t want to miss an opportunity to get to know you better.”

“There’s no opportunity open, Lawrence,” I replied and pulled my hand back.

I stood to signal the end of this dinner and the conversation. He stood along with me and took my hand again.

“Is this going to pose a problem for us working together, Lawrence?”

He wrapped his arm around my waist like a possessive lover and then cupped my chin.

I tried to pull away, but he tightened his hold on me.

My heart was beating rapidly in my chest, and fear dug a dagger in my heart.

There were others around, but I didn’t want to make a scene.

If they thought we were lovers, then so be it. I would hold my own against this man.

“It might. I’m a man who’s used to getting my way and—”

“And ya ass ain’t gon’ be getting your way with her tonight.”

The voice shocked me, along with the hand on my arm that snatched me away and shoved me backward. I looked up to see the hard back of my boyfriend, Bryson, who stood in front of me. He stared down at Lawrence. With his fists clenched by his side and his shoulders hunched, he walked Lawrence down.

“I suggest you listen to her words the next time and respect what she’s saying, or there will be problems in your life that you can’t handle.”

“And who the hell are you?”

“Her man.”

I was mortified. People in the restaurant were looking in our direction, and I could tell that Lawrence was extremely angry. I knew that just might mean that we could lose this contract, and I didn’t want that. I couldn’t believe that Bryson showed up and showed his ass.

“I don’t want any problems. We were having a nice business dinner, and I expressed my interest. I meant no harm.”

“Unfortunately, I’m about to mean a whole lot of harm if you don’t step out of her face.”

Lawrence held his hands up and apologized. “Kennedi, I’m sorry about all of this.”

Lawrence turned and walked away before I could respond. I turned my angry gaze onto Bryson and shook my head. Grabbing my purse, I headed out of the restaurant, and he was hot on my tail.

“Did you stalk me tonight?” I demanded as I blew through the restaurant doors.

“Hell nah. I was picking up dinner for us. Why’d you bring him here? This is our place, Kenni!”

“River & 3rd was convenient. It’s only twelve minutes from the house, so I told him to meet me here.”

I continued storming down the sidewalk and around the building until I reached my car, and his was parked right beside it.

“What the fuck was that?” he growled when we reached the parking lot.

“That . . . was a business dinner that you just ruined. I have no idea if that man is going to consider being in partnership with us after tonight.”

“Do all ya little partners take you out to dinner at night at eight-o-fucking-clock in the evening when you should have your ass at home? All of ’em make passes at you?”

“You’re being ridiculous, Bryson. You take work meetings for your clients at all times of day and night, including the weekends.”

“My clients need their lawyer at all times of the day and night. And the majority of them are men, not women who’re expressing an interest in me, Kennedi. Maybe you should consider getting another job, because this shit ain’t gonna fly.”

Tears flew down my face. “I can take care of myself, Bryson. I don’t need you to pull this type of shit on me. Why are you so demanding, Bryson? What happened to being supportive of my career and my goals, huh?”

“When your career and goals start keeping you out at all hours of the night for the last few months, then that shit is dead!”

“You’re not my boss or my husband, Bryson. You’re my boyfriend!”

Bryson’s hands clenched at his side, and he worked his jaw back and forth. “At the rate we’re going, I’m not sure I’ll even be that for much longer.”

He jumped into his car and sped out of the parking lot. All I could do was stand there and let the tears fall down my face like rain.