Mr. Producer:
Hey beautiful. I am in the 3rd black truck with tinted windows. Get in the back on the passenger side.
Glancing around, I found it and headed over with my carry-on and a bigger suitcase rolling behind me. The closer I got, the more real this felt. The actual presence of him excited me and the decision to keep moving forward gave me confidence. The passenger door unlocked before I touched it, and when I climbed inside, the noise from the curb got swallowed instantly, replaced by quiet leather and cool air. Kier sat behind the driver in a blackfitted tee and some black and gray basketball shorts. He looked me over like he was checking for something,
“That was a long forty-eight hours shorty,” he said steadily.
“Tell me about it,” I answered, trying to keep it light. “I had to tie up loose ends, that's all. And I had to make this work on my end. So, while this might be fun and games to you, I am actually gonna be working this time around.”
His mouth twitched in amusement, but his eyes didn’t soften. “Sibley, you’re not fun and games to me.”
“No, I didn’t mean it like that. I guess I-”
“It’s cool, Sibley, I know what you meant. But I also want you to know a nigga happy you came back. I am happy you kept your promise and I’mma keep mine.”
“Which was what?”
“Taking the summer to show you why being without me isn’t an option.”
Laughing nervously, I swallowed and adjusted my bag at my feet.
“Have you been to LA before?” He asked.
“Yeah, I have.”
“I’m sure you haven’t seen all it has to offer. I’mma take you to a few spots.”
“I look forward to it. But I do have a meeting first thing Tuesday morning. So don’t be trying to interrupt my bag.”
“Okay, Ms. Marketing Manager.” He finally reached over, hooked his fingers carefully around the back of my neck, and pulled me in. His hand stilled at my waist, possessive in a way that made my spine straighten before I could stop it. “Do what you need to do. Just don’t leave again.”
I let out a breath, feeling relieved in his embrace. I hadn’t planned on leaning into him, but my body told on me, anyway. I missed him more than I expected to. It was inconvenientinformation, and I hated that he could probably feel it in the way I relaxed against his chest.
“I won’t,” I said quietly. “I’m ready to take on the rest of the summer with you.”
“Good, that’s what I wanna hear.”
We rolled forward in the line of cars, creeping toward the exit. I started to relax, and then the flashes hit, startling me completely.
“Kier Stone! Kier! Over here!”
Three photographers stepped off the curb surrounding the truck. They did a good job of blending in, because to me they looked like regular folks waiting for rides until they started pulling out their equipment. The cameras had long lenses, and the paparazzi had quick feet. Their energy was intense and overwhelming. I looked at Kier, and he gripped my hand.
“Who’s the new girl?”
“Is that your woman, Kier?”
“Is she a new artist or another good time?”
My stomach tensed so fast it felt like I’d missed a step. I had spent so much time wondering if this thing between Kier and me was real that it never crossed my mind how the outside world might see it.Another good time.The words stuck out like a sore thumb. It was an insult, but if I was honest, it was the same question I’d been asking in the back of my mind.
Either Kier noticed the change in my energy, or the comment bothered him just as much. The truck slowed, attempting not to hit the paparazzi, and that gave him time to react to the moment. Kier didn’t smile, flinch, or address them. He just stared at him, calm but intense, and long enough for the photographer to second-guess himself and lower his camera. Finally, the driver was able to get around them and drove into traffic.
The silence inside the truck felt louder than the flashes had been. I kept my face turned toward the window, watching thecity blur past while my mind did what it always does when I felt exposed. Ruminating in my thoughts, I ran through scenarios, predicting what I thought all of this meant. I’d always known Kier’s world came with cameras, and now opinions. But knowing it and experiencing it were two different things.
Kier’s hand slid onto my thigh, taking me away from my thoughts. “Is that normal?” I asked, keeping my voice as normal as possible.
“It comes with it, Sibley.”
