“And you ain’t correct it,” he said.
“I didn’t get the chance,” I replied. “She caught me off guard, and before I could even say anything, you went along with her craziness.
“So, you just stood there.”
“I froze, and I regret it,” I said honestly. “It looked bad. I know it did. And let’s be real, you had cameras everywhere last night. I wasn’t going to cause a scene. I wasn’t trying to play you or use you, Kier. That’s not me.”
Kier looked at me. Maybe he was deciding how much of me to believe, I don’t know. But I was happy to get it all off my chest.
“I don’t operate like that,” he added. “And you know that.”
“I know, and I hate that it came off like that, which is why I was trying to talk to you. You shut me out, babe. That hurt.”
He repositioned himself, running a hand along his jaw before looking back at me. “I didn’t plan to shut you out last night,” he added. “I just wasn’t about to have that conversation at that moment.”
“Yeah, but even when you came home, you were mean.”
“I’m used to people trying to get in through whoever they can,” he said. “That ain’t new.”
“I’m not ‘people,’” I replied sharply. “I’m not stupid, Kier. You and I have had this conversation before. I know what honesty and sincerity mean to you. I know how hard you’ve worked on Kaori’s rollout all summer. Do you really think I would have my sister pop up on a night like that? Especially without a heads-up. I deserve a little more credit than you gave me.”
“You right.” He paused. “I hurt you, Si, and I’m sorry. A nigga ain’t perfect.”
I sighed, feeling a bit of relief after finally being able to let everything out. I just wanted to be heard, and I hope he understood everything I was saying.
“What do you want me to do about her?” He asked.
“Nothing,” I said. “You gave her studio time. Let her have that. Afterwards, she’s on her own.”
“Nah, that doesn’t feel right.”
“It doesn’t feel right having you do more than you’ve already done either, especially when she lied to get it. Naomi will be a reminder of this unnecessary tension between us. I can’t have you questioning my sincerity years down the line, Kier.”
Kier pulled my chair closer to him and stroked his beard. “Years down the line, huh? You telling me I got more than a summer with you?”
I looked down in my lap, took a deep breath, then looked back at him. “I’m telling you, I’ve fallen for you, hard as hell. I’m in love with you, Kier, and I didn’t realize it until we arrived in Houston, and I got sick at the thought of sharing you with the world again.”
Kier took my hand, pulling me closer to him, then sitting me on his lap. He caressed my cheek, then said,
“I’m in love with you too, Sibley. Everything about you. Last night hurt a nigga because I thought I lost a real one. I won’t mishandle you like that again.”
Suddenly everything from last night evaporated, Maya included. My heart dropped in relief knowing he felt the same way. I leaned into him. His hand came up to meet me halfway, steady at my jaw as he closed the distance the rest of the way. Our kiss started slowly. It felt like neither of us was trying to rush past what had just been said. His hand stayed steady against my face, while mine pressed softly against his chest, feeling the rise and fall of his breath. We’d conquered lust and transitioned into love.
“Um… maybe I should come back?” Naomi’s voice cut through our small bubble of passion. We both pulled back at the same time, foreheads still pressed together as a quiet laugh slipped out between us.
“Yeah… you probably should,” I said, not even looking in her direction.
Kier exhaled softly against my skin, shaking his head. I felt him, shit the moment had been interrupted too soon. Naomi stepped in anyway, hovering. Between my attitude and Kier and me kissing, she probably didn’t know whether to stay or leave.
“What’s up? You need something?” Kier asked, glancing past me toward her.
“Yeah… I just finished,” she said, clutching her notebook.
“Let’s hear what you got,” Kier said, tapping me on my hip. That quickly, he’d pivoted back into work. I slid off his lap, smoothing my hands over my thighs as I stood. My lips still felt warm, and even though I wanted more, I knew he had to get back to work.
The lineoutside The Breakfast Klub went by quicker than I expected. By the time we got seated, the place was loud, and Ikept hearing people toasting shouting ‘Sunday Funday’. It was no different from the brunch spots in Chicago. Plates clinked, people laughed, and waitresses weaved through tight spaces while music blared over the speakers. Naomi glanced around, taking it all in. She wouldn’t be so amazed if she stepped outside her apartment more.
“This is nice. I’ve never been to Houston before.”
