“You’ll see.” I opened the passenger door for her. “We’re running a little late, so buckle up tight.”
“You better not speed,” Kensie threatened, though her eyes sparkled with anticipation.
“All I know is fast and faster. The cops in Houston stopped giving me tickets a long time ago.”
Twenty minutes later, on a drive that would’ve taken thirty-five, we were boarding my family’s private yacht. A yacht, she had no idea I owned until we arrived at the marina. We’d flown on a chartered plane to Miami and caught a ferry to Fisher Island. I arranged for the yacht to travel here from Galveston. Her excitement thrilled me as she walked around in wonder. She ran her hand across the marble island in the small galley area, where the chief stewardess greeted us and said our dinner would be served in an hour.
Kensie bounced on the king-sized bed in the bedroom. “Are we spending the night here?”
I smiled. “The boat will cruise the Atlantic and arrive at dawn, early enough for me to get back to practice.”
She pulled me by the button of my slacks to stand between her legs and batted her eyes. “Maybe we can amend our sex agreement again.”
My pants tightened as I lifted her chin with my finger. “We can play a little numbers game later.”
“You’re really holding strong to this no sex until victory?” Kensie’s gaze was drawn to my bulge, and she licked her lips.
“Shit,” I whispered. “I’m trying, but you’re making me too damn hard.” Thoughts of her full lips around my manhood consumed me. She gave the best head I ever had on my birthday, and if we had a repeat on this yacht, fucking was happening.
“Excuse me, sir,” the captain announced over the intercom. “We’re about to leave the dock.”
I bent down to swoop my tongue in her mouth briefly before stepping back, willing my dick to go down. “Later.” I reached for her hand, and she reluctantly took it. “Let’s go sit on the deck and talk.”
We settled on the comfortable beige leather sofa and headrests, which felt like down-filled pillows. The brown, beige, and red décor created a warm, serene ambiance. The affable captain introduced himself and said he would leave us alone for the trip unless we needed him. The stewardess approached with two cocktails and a grilled seafood tower of crabs, shrimp, and lobster.
“We’ll eat dinner in a few, but for now, I just want to relax here with you.” I propped my arm behind her shoulders and lifted my drink to her.
Kensie shook her head slowly as she lifted her glass. “Can you tell me why I can’t at least take a picture of this? Canaan, you didn’t get this from racing. You’re a self-made billionaire because of your scientific mind. People, especially Black children, need to know that about you.”
I shrugged. “I’m not trying to be anyone’s hero or mentor. Just want to be free to do me.”
“Whether you want that title or not, you’ll be the first Black man to win both NASCARanda Formula One race. The world will look up to you, and you need to let them know that education also pays off. Young people nowadays respect material things, and a private yacht is next level,” she praised.
My chest tightened as I studied the drink. “How does my money affect you?”
Kensie asked, “Not sure what you mean.”
“I mean, does it change how you see me?”
She took a second to ponder my question. “Honestly, it’s hard to separate the two. I’ve known you as a rich, entitled man for eight years. I didn’t know how rich until now.”
“I wasn’t always rich. My father started an engineering firm when I was in high school with a business loan. In my senior year of college, I developed a method to filter oil, which has since helped protect the environment. Over the years, we’ve amassed a significant fortune. No, you’ve judged me for eight years because of Emme.” I chuckled softly. “Oh boy, how do I start this conversation?”
Her nose wrinkled, and she untucked her leg from under the other leg. “Just say it.”
The motion of the boat caused us to sway as I studied Kensie’s face. “Emme texted me earlier today. Told me she wanted to talk in person when I return to Houston.”
The way I dropped the bomb that Emme wanted to meet up with me was like a record being scratched, stopping the melodic flow. Her eyes narrowed, and I watched Kensie anxiously for her reaction.
Kensie jabbed the leather space between us. “She can’t pick up a phone for me, but she contactsyou? Are you planning to meet up?”
I grabbed her shaky hand. “Only if you come with me, and we explain together. I’m not trying to get caught up in drama or have you believe I still want her.”
Her eyes were now slits. “Why? What did she say?”
“She wanted to know if I still had feelings for her. When I said no, she asked to see me as if once we were in the same place, my feelings would change.”
Kensie shrieked. “What thefuck? It’s beeneightyears, and she has a whole fiancé! Why does she want you now? And how does she still have your number?”
