I considered her question before answering. “I never thought that in the past, but earlier today, you weren’t yourself. At least not the Kensie I remember.”
Kensie explained, “Honestly, we don’t really know each other. I was merely telling a story to my followers.”
“A story you don’t have to tell. Let the people just see whatever we do naturally.”
“Our relationship is fake . . . or did you forget?”
“Our engagement is fake, but you and I are real. We have chemistry, and I think we actually like each other a little bit.” I smirked. “Well, maybe you like me more since you like to threaten to stab women like a crazy, jealous wife. Had the women screaming because they believed you.”
She punched my arm. “You do remember.”
I chuckled, shaking my head. “I don’t remember. Malcolm told me how the women ran from my place, scared out of their minds. I called him when I dropped you off. I hate that I don’t remember it at all. I bet you look so fucking hot when you’re in a jealous rage.”
“Let a woman hit on you in my face when we get to Miami, and you’ll find out.” She pulled on my earlobe. Unfortunately, she pressed the diamond stud into my lobe.
I winced and removed her hand. “While we’re in Miami, I’m flying in an anger management specialist. You need serious help.”
“Mess with another woman and find out how much help I need,” Kensie half teased.
I stopped walking and turned to face her. “This is us being chill. Enjoying each other’s company. This is what your peeps should see.” I pulled my cell phone out of my pocket, held it high enough to see us both, and hit the live button on my Instagram. “Hey, this my girl, Kens. We just did some shopping and headed back to the resort. Can’t wait until you see all that we have in store. I’m grateful and excited about Miami, and she’s a big part of that. See ya.” I clicked off. “See, that’s how we’re going to do it if I’m going to be on camera with you.”
Kensie folded her arms and looked up at me. “Is that true? Do you really feel grateful and excited because of me?”
I crossed my arms too. “You tell me first.”
She shuffled from one foot to another. “I guess I do.”
“Is it so hard to admit that I make you smile?” I pushed down her arms.
“Yes,” she promptly replied, wearing a petulant pout.
“Why? Because of the bullshit of my past. We were still in college. You don’t know me now, either.” Tourists and natives walked around us as we stood in the middle of a sidewalk.
“Um . . . Weren’t you just in trouble for messing with the wife of one of your sponsors?”
“She approached me as a single woman. Had no idea she was lying or who she really was until the media blew it up,” I protested.
“So married women are off-limits?”
“Yes. I don’t need that drama. Enough drama with single women trying to tie a brother down like you,” I said slyly before walking ahead of Kensie.
“Come back here,” she called from behind me. “Bet you won’t say that to my face.”
“You’re right. My grandmother raised me to be a smart man.” I laughed loudly and jogged to the parked car. Once I started it, she hurried her steps as if I would drive away. I rolled down the window. “You don’t have to rush. I would never leave you.” As soon as the words left my mouth, I regretted them.
I prided myself on being truthful, and one day, Iwouldleave Kensie.
Of that, I was sure.
Even with a tempting woman like Kensie Garrett, I couldn’t afford any serious entanglements.
Chapter 12
Kensie
My heart skipped a beat at the sincerity in Canaan’s expression when he told me he would never leave me. Did he really mean it? I’d been irritated with him since the twenty-minute ride into the town. I had already decided to find my way back to the resort and spent my sweet time shopping. I didn’t like his tone when he commanded me to meet up with him in three hours, so I refused to rush. I was determined to maintain emotional distance . . . until he wrapped his arms around me while I tried on the very dress I chose with him in mind, and it made me feel like the most beautiful woman in the world.
He slid out of the car and quickly hurried around to open my door. “Sorry about earlier. My grandmother taught me better than what I’ve been showing you.”
