Zuri reluctantly turned and headed down the sidewalk, but she couldn’t suppress the grin curling her lips as she hurried toward Heron’s double glass doors, already eagerly looking forward to “Later”.
Chapter Eight
Juniper Park
Sunday, December 22nd
Kyree’s heart hammered against his ribs as he drove along Route 80 to meet Zuri at Juniper Park. He hadn’t believed his eyes when he’d spotted her downtown yesterday. Another Christmas miracle, or was it fate this time? Whichever, if she hadn’t heard him calling her name, he’d have chased her down the street; there was no way he was letting her disappear again without getting her number.
Last night, after texting with her about how the rest of her day had gone, and some more mild teasing about her “disappearance”, Kyree had lain in the queen-sized bed of his guest room, running through options of what to do with Zuri.
He’d considered dinner at Lombardi’s Chophouse, the kind of restaurant he imagined Zuri frequented. He knew his cousin could get him a last-minute reservation, but the idea of being separated from her by a table all night didn’t exactly excite him. Then he’d wondered if she’d enjoy Capers, an arcade and sports bar in the neighboring town of Evergreen, but how would they get to know each other better over the noise of the games and machines?
He’d also had to be mindful of her time. She hadn’t come to Granite Falls to see him, and if he tried to monopolize too much of it, he might lose favor with Soleil, Thao, and Avery. If Zuri’s friend group was anything like Aaliyah’s, he knew their opinions mattered.
In the end, he’d texted her, suggested a walk in Juniper Park, held his breath, and jumped off the bed with a shout when she texted back, “I’d love that”.
The sun was doing its best to push through the light overcast as he turned right onto Evergreen Drive, passed Hotel Andreas on his left, and crossed Beacon Street. A fresh layer of snow covered the ground, and a few flurries danced in the air, but Michelle’s Bentley Bentayga handled the mountain roads like it had been engineered specifically for them. He’d been reluctant when she insisted he take the SUV instead of his own car, but remembering how his Camry had gotten stuck in her driveway when he’d first arrived, he knew that with her wheels, he’d have better luck getting himself––and his precious cargo––to Juniper Park and back home safely.
Hearing a small bark, Kyree glanced in the rearview mirror at Princess, snug in a seatbelt harness in the back seat, and looking like royalty in his red booties and brass-buckled, burgundy wool coat. “We’re almost there, Princess. Sit tight.”
Kyree’s stomach flipped as he neared the park and spotted Zuri standing at the entrance, her eyes scanning the street. The fur collar of her chestnut brown, shearling coat was raised high around her ears, and she was hopping from foot to foot. She must be cold, he thought, as he cruised past. But damn, she looked incredible in her curve-hugging, black mini sweater dress, dark stockings, and black knee-high boots.
A car pulled out of a space just past the park entrance, and Kyree flicked on the turn signal, slid the Bentley smoothly into the spot, cut the engine, and turned. “Stay, Princess.”
Princess whined softly and laid his head on his paws.
Kyree unclipped his seatbelt and stepped out into the crisp winter air, the cold hitting him despite his black wool coat, red beanie, and beige and red lambswool tartan scarf––last year’s Christmas gift from Robert, who, at the time, had just spent two weeks exploring the Scottish Highlands with his family.
“Zuri!” he called, waving a hand.
She turned at the sound of his voice, and her entire face lit up, sending fire spreading through his chest.
She walked confidently toward him. “Hey, I didn’t even see you drive by!”
Kyree met her on the sidewalk in front of the car and pulled her into a hug. Her scent wrapped around him, and his pulse raced when she kissed his cheek, her lips soft against his skin before she pulled back with that alluring smile.
“Hey, you look absolutely beautiful.”
“Why, thank you. You don’t look so bad yourself.” Her gaze slid downward from his eyes to his dark jeans and leather boots, then past him to the Bentley. “Nice wheels.”
“Yeah, thanks.” He caught the flicker of approval in her eyes. He’d explain later, but for now… “I hope you don’t mind, but I invited someone to join us.”
Her forehead creased, confusion flickering across her features.
Kyree bit back a grin, stepped down from the sidewalk, walked to the back door, and opened it. He reached in, picked up the leash and tugged gently. “Come on.”
Princess bounded out, all energy and fluff, his little paws hitting the ground with enthusiasm.
Zuri squealed. “Oh my gosh!” Her leather-gloved hands flew to her mouth as Princess bounded up onto the sidewalk, straining at the end of his leash to greet her.
“Zuri, meet Princess.”
“Hi, Princess!” Zuri crouched down to pet the little dog, her fingers immediately finding the soft spot behind his ears. He leaned into her touch, wagging his tail furiously, his tongue lolling out the side of his mouth in profound bliss. “Oh, she is so cute! Whose dog is she?” Her eyes flicked briefly up to his before returning to the puppy who was now trying to lick her cheek.
“Well, first—” Kyree closed and locked the car doors. “Princess is a boy, and?—”
“A boy named Princess?”
