EIGHT
The heavy booms of the dancehall song rattle my bones. I weave through the lively crowd after leaving my coat at the entrance, scanning the place until I spot Trishell grinding her bubble butt on Reeve.
My curvy cousin is sexy in her off-the-shoulder, leopard print midi dress, hair styled in loose waves, while her boo’s rocking an olive green textured shirt with dark jeans, his straight-back braids and fades looking fresh. She wraps her arms around his neck as the DJ plays a track by Spice, Shaggy, and Sean Paul.
Watching them having fun makes me envious. Jamir and I haven’t been out dancing in a while. He’s not into that.
My mind drifts to Kross, and an impulse has me searching the club for him, craving another contact.
“Cuz, you came!”
I peel around at Trishell’s squeal. “Hey!” I nod to her man. “Hi, Reeve.”
“How you doing, girl?” he returns in his thick Jamaican accent, giving me a partial hug.
Trishell motions to the top. “Your friend hooked us up with a reserved section after I told him we’re cousins. Let’s chill for a bit.”
My heart starts to race as I follow them upstairs, pounding harder when my eyes locate Kross sitting with his friend, Preston, and two other guys and women.
Noticing me, he stands and wanders over as I sit with Trishell. “Good evening, Ms. Designer.” He’s sleek in his black shirt and dark jeans, smelling like a rich, warm blend of oud, sandalwood, and bourbon vanilla. Sweet lord. “Didn’t expect to see you tonight.”
“Changed my mind,” I reply smoothly. Meanwhile, I’m fanning flames inside.
“I’m glad you did.”
Our eyes linger a little too long before I catch myself. “Uh, you’ve met my cousin.”
“Yeah.” He smiles at her. “Enjoying yourself?”
“I sure am,” Trishell chirps. “Dope place.”
“Appreciate it.” He refocuses on me, taking in my purple bodycon dress. “You look great. Another one of your creations?”
“Not this time. Thanks, though.”
He starts to leave as Reeve returns with our drinks. “Y’all enjoy the rest of your evening.”
I watch him walk back to his friends. A lady scoots closer after he sits, but Kross doesn’t oblige her. As he flicks my way, I turn my head, meeting Trishell’s curious gaze.
“What?” I ask before sipping my peach vodka.
She scoffs. “Thought you didn’t want to upset Jamir?”
“Man needs to take a break,” Reeve adds. “Can’t only focus on the money, you know?”
“Jamir’s at a country club chilling with a client. He’s quite all right.” As both crumple their foreheads, I add, “Long story. I want to have fun and not think about it.”
“Fine by me.” Trishell raises her drink. “Cheers!”
We clank glasses and chug the alcohol, relaxing until the hypnotic beats lure us to the crowd below.
I’m already warm from drinking, and that, mixed with moving to uptempo track after track, makes me break a sweat. It becomes awkward when the DJ slows it down with a reggae love song, so I tell the swaying couple, “Going to chill.” They barely break eye contact to respond with nods.
I return to the VIP area, order another drink, and relax on the comfy velvet seat. I’m ashamed that I can’t suppress my delight as Kross moseys over.
“May I join you?” he asks, voice like silk.
“Yes, you may.” I try to reel in the odd emotions as he sits on the seat beside me. God, that cologne arouses my senses.
“Everything cool?” he checks.
I touch my neck nervously. “Why do you ask?”
“You told me your man had an issue with you coming to my club. Yet, here you are.”
“It’s all right.” I glance down and pick at my dress.
“Y’all broke up?”
I lift my head, realizing his expression is serious. “No. We’re fine.”
“Hm.” His sexy smile returns. “Looked like you were having fun out there. You have some moves.”
“Why were you watching me?” My voice sounds more sultry than intended.
Kross keeps his unraveling eyes on me as he drinks. Placing the glass on the table, he glances over my appearance and hums. “Why would I not watch you?”
The sudden spike in my temperature makes me shift on the seat. “Now look here. I don’t want people starting rumors about us.”
He moistens his lips. “Too late. I may have slipped up and said you’re mine.”
I stare at him wide-eyed. “You’re playing, right?”
“Am I?”
“Kross…”
His deep laughter reverberates in me, causing tingles where it shouldn’t. “I’m just messing with you.”
“Geez.” I drink to calm the heat.
He settles down. “Coming back another night?”
“Maybe. So long as you behave.”
“I will,” he says, touching his chest. “There’ll be a performance next Thursday. You should check it out.”
“I won’t be in the country. I’m flying to France Monday night for Paris Fashion Week.”
“For real?” he cheers. “Damn, girl. That’s fantastic.”
“Sure is,” I gush. “It’s a great experience. Iree’s coming too. She’ll find out tomorrow.”
“Ree will be ecstatic when she hears.” He smiles while absorbing me. “You know, you light up so much when discussing your career. I like your passion.”
“Thank you.”
As Tessanne Chin’s Hideaway creates a sensual soundtrack, Kross finishes his drink and says, “Let’s dance.”
I eye my drink and tell him, “I’m in a relationship, so that’s probably…”
“Friends dance together,” he points out. “Come on. Let’s do a two-step.” I giggle as he rocks on the seat.
“Okay.” Chugging my drink, I join him in an open area, and we fall into a rhythm.
Whenever Kross drifts close, my breath catches in my throat, and my skin tingles. Still, I continue to groove with him, amping up the moves as the rock break of the song kicks in. My eyes close on their own when the artist slows down again with her heavenly harmonies. It’s the most relaxed I’ve felt in months, between pushing myself at designing and feeling overlooked by Jamir.
My lids pry open at the sudden touch on my waist, and I stagger back while fighting off a shiver.
Kross lifts his hands apologetically. “I’m sorry. You just looked so at peace. I forgot for a second.”
“Forgot what?”
“Where we were,” he says softly. “That you’re not…” I’m not his woman .
As everything drones around us, we hold each other’s gaze for what feels like forever until familiar laughter dissolves the moment.
Trishell appears at my side, passing a look between Kross and me. “Cuz, you good?”
“I’m all right,” I answer coolly. “What’s up?”
“Reeve and I are ready to head out.” She gives her man a sexy wink, revealing why they want to go home immediately. “Riding with us?”
“I drove. I’m all right. I only had two drinks.”
“Okay. Text me when you reach home.” She smiles at Kross. “Until next time.”
“Glad you had fun,” he returns with a polite nod.
“Y’all be safe.” I wave and watch them descend the stairs, all touchy-feely the entire way to the exit.
Catching my breath, I turn to Kross and tell him, “Guess I’ll take off.”
“Stay.” His deep voice holds me in place.
Part of me knows I should leave after that brief yet stimulating touch. But the other side is humming in his presence. It’s been a while since I experienced such a sensation. I want to feel it longer, so I say, “Okay.”
Blatant relief mists his eyes. “Come with me.”
I swallow to speak. “You remember what I said about rumors starting?”
“Don’t worry,” he says. “Trust me.”
“Kross, I don’t know you.”
“You can trust me, Davi.”
The organ in my chest gallops with his confident strides down the stairs. As if placed under a spell, my body follows him without hesitation.