Chapter 8 #2
We stepped into two more boutiques. I didn’t even realize they were Jimmy Choo and Louis Vuitton until the associates began bringing out options for me.
I slipped into pair after pair, enjoying the way the leather fit snug and smooth against my feet.
Kier leaned forward , nodding in approval while watching me walk across the carpet.
If I didn’t know any better, I’d swear he was enjoying the shopping spree more than I was.
Hell, the way he watched my feet, I started wondering if the man had a little foot fetish.
I walked out of both stores with three pairs each.
Our final stop was Tiffany’s. I left with two beautiful pairs of earrings, a bracelet, and a breathtaking necklace Kier practically had to insist I take.
When we got back to his house in Malibu, everything happened quickly.
Treasure had previously arrived and claimed the room next to mine, but she wasn’t there.
She had gone ahead of us to start networking, which was why Kier urged me to get dressed.
We had to get ready for his new artist Kaori’s listening party.
By the time we reached the party, the sun was melting toward the horizon.
String lights hung from palm trees and along the balcony rails, forming warm pools of light across linen couches and low tables.
The air smelled like salt, grilled seafood, and perfume mixed with the ocean breeze.
Soft R it was respect and admiration. I considered myself a music connoisseur. The fact that I didn’t know who Kier was told me one thing: if he wanted to be noticed, he would be.
Kaori, his up-and-coming artist, performed a few tracks in the main room. Her voice was beautiful, but her swagger is what stood out. She wasn’t half naked, and her music wasn’t all about sex. She sang about being loved correctly and immediately made a fan of me.
Legacee arrived later, and when all the attention landed on him, he diverted it back to Kaori. He shook up with Kier, who looked and pointed in my direction. Soon after, Legacee made his way over to me.
“Marketing lady,” he said with a grin. “You here too?”
“Yeah,” I laughed. “This is my girl, Treasure, the one I told you about.”
Treasure extended her hand immediately, and her confidence snapped into full gear. “Nice to meet you.”
Legacee looked her up and down, then asked, “You the gossip blogger?”
“Uh, excuse you? I am a Cultural Commentator, soon to be your publicist and strategist.” Treasure replied boldly.
He laughed. “I like her. Let’s talk.”
“Let’s.” Treasure smiled as she followed Legacee away from the crowd. All but one of Legacee’s entourage followed him. The other gentleman stepped closer to me. “I’m Knox, and you are?”
“What’s good?” I heard from behind me, feeling Kier’s hand slide to my waist as he stepped closer. It was subtle but firm.
“Oh, this you?” He asked, pointing at me. Kier nodded, and the man replied, “My bad, Stone, respect.”
Kier leaned into my ear, voice low. “Come walk with me.”
“Hold on.” I reached into my purse and texted Treasure. I knew Legacee was family, but either way, Treasure and I were new to this world. I couldn’t leave without knowing for sure she was okay.
Me:
Tre, are you going to be okay? Kier and I are about to step away for a few.
Bestie:
I’m fine, bestie, making some connections. Give that man some coochie to show a token of my appreciation.
Me:
Bihhh lmaooo.
I’ll text you when it’s time to go.
Bestie:
K
“Okay, we can go,” I said, turning to Kier.
Kier’s hand slipped to my lower back and he guided me out of the glow of the party lights, down a narrow path that led toward the beach.
We walked in silence for a while, as the waves rolled in steady rhythms. The sound of the ocean got louder as the music faded behind us.
The sand was cool beneath my feet, and the wind blew through my braids.
Kier reached up instinctively, tucking it behind my ear.
I shuddered when his fingers lingered against my cheek.
“Tell me something, Kier. Why is it that you allow the paparazzi to say whatever they want, but tonight, you stepped in? It’s like one minute you are unsure, the next you’re not.”
Kier glanced at me, then out toward the water before looking back.
“Because most of the time, it’s noise,” he said.
“Paparazzi want to be nosy so they can spin a story. But tonight was different. I’ll never give a nigga the opportunity to think they have a chance with you.
I keep telling you, Si, you’re the only one that’s unsure here. ”
“I’m not confused, Kier. I’m not trying to get ahead of myself if you’re not there.”
“It sounds like you’re waiting on me to give you the okay to fall for me. That’s a decision only you can make.”
“We’re different. You make decisions off impulse, I like to think things through.”
“Maybe your thoughts are the real problem. I may be impulsive, but you overthink. I don’t move accidentally, Sibley.
I didn’t ask you to spend the summer with me because I’m bored.
If I wanted easy, I could have easy. I’m more thoughtful than you think.
You being here isn’t an impulse, it’s a choice. ”
“You make everything sound simple, Kier. Life rarely is.”
The wave behind us crashed, spraying mist into the air. He stepped even closer, and his hands curved around my waist. “If you’re going to be guarded, be guarded. I can handle that. “But don’t punish me for another nigga’s sins.”
“My instincts have been to pull back, Kier, but I don’t want to anymore.”
“Then don’t.”
He brushed his thumb along my cheek and trapped me in his stare as his gaze dropped to my lips.
I stepped closer before I could overthink it.
My hands found his chest, feeling the steady heat under his shirt.
I stood on my toes and placed a kiss on his lips.
When he kissed me back, one of his hands cradled the back of my neck.
When we finally pulled apart, he rested his forehead against mine.
We sat down in the sand after that, close enough that our shoulders brushed. His hand covered mine where it rested between us. The party lights glistened in the distance, reminding me of our first stop. Vegas had felt fast, fun, and temporary, but Malibu was different.
Kier appeared less like a moment, and more like a possibility.
I still had doubts. I wasn’t na?ve enough to think a kiss erased the fact that his world had access to whatever he wanted: cameras, assumptions, and people who would try to attach themselves to him.
But sitting with him now, staring out into the ocean, none of that mattered.