As Mena FaceTimed me, I heard another knock. I connected the video call on my way back to the door and slowly pulled it open.
“Hey. Umm, what’s up?”
“I hope I’m not interrupting you. I’m headed toGrill & Vineto get dinner, and I was wondering if you’d join me.”
“Oh, I—” I began.
“She will. She absolutely will.”
Sylas and I looked at my phone, but he couldn’t see the screen.
“Mena, please.”
“What? Weren’t you just saying you were hungry? No sense in eating alone when you got someone right there who wants to eat you—I mean, eat with you.”
“Oh my—Sylas. Can you give me about fifteen minutes? I want to shower and change outta this uniform.”
“No problem. Knock on my door when you’re ready.”
“Hold on! Hold on! Let me see what he looks like in case I have to identify him in a police lineup,” Mena demanded.
I sighed as I shook my head and turned the phone so that she could see his face.
“Hello. I’m Sylas McCoy.”
“Hi. I’m Mena, Khiya’s best friend, and I don’t play about her. Don’t do nothing stupid. I took a screenshot and will have your face plastered all over social media in an instant.”
He laughed. “I promise, I’ll be on my best behavior.”
“I mean, you can be misbehave a little if it entails folding my friend up like a?—”
“Okay. That’s enough. Fifteen minutes.”
The smirk he wore was sexy as hell as he nodded. I quickly closed the door and leaned against it.
“Sis! He is fine as hell. If you don’t call me tomorrow and tell me you sat on that gorgeous face, our friendship is over.”
“Bye, Mena.”
“Fine. Love you.”
“Love you, too.”
I chuckledas I returned to my room to wait for Khiya. When I checked in, I’d planned to order room service and chill for the night, but I couldn’t stop thinking about her and the soothing sound of her voice. I was surprised she couldn’t sing, but I could listen to her talk all day.
In the dim light of the hallway, her cinnamon-brown skin glistened, and her almond-shaped eyes were surrounded by lavish lashes. Her hair was cut into a bob, framing her face perfectly, and I could hardly fight the temptation to kiss her full, round lips that were covered in a shiny gloss.
I wanted to see her again and didn’t want to miss my opportunity, in case the weather broke, and we were able to flyout tomorrow. It was a long shot, but I took a chance and invited her to dinner. Admittedly, I was surprised she’d agreed.
While I waited for her, I watched one of the sports news channels. I wasn’t paying close enough attention to know what or who they were talking about. My mind was on Khiya and why I felt so drawn to her. I’d never felt an attraction this strong to anyone, and surely not upon our first meeting. Light taps on the door pulled me out of my thoughts.
I turned off the television and headed to the door. When I opened it, Khiya stood a few feet away wearing a black zip-up hoodie and black sweats. On her feet were a pair of Cortez Nikes, and I had no idea why that made me smile. She had one hand in the pocket of her hoodie, while the other held onto the strap of a small purse on her shoulder.
“You look good,” I said.
She looked down at her outfit before responding.
“Umm, it’s just some sweats, but thank you. Are you ready?”
