Page 9 of Koda's Love

Relief filled me when he said it was his sister. I felt like something was brewing between us, and I would hate to step on someone’s toes.

“I understand. I’m ready.”

Everything in my room was organized in a way that made it easy to pack it up. I always made things as simple as possible if I could.

I double-checked everything while Koda grabbed my bags, then we left the room.

We walked toward the elevator, and when it opened, Koda stood back like he did the last time and gave me space to enter.

Once the door closed, Koda pressed the button to take us up to the suite.

“I appreciate you again for upgrading my room, but I feel like I have to pay you back for it.”

Koda looked at me like I insulted him before his crooked smile made its appearance.

“You can repay me by having dinner with me tomorrow night.”

I bit my bottom lip and contemplated my response. At least that was what I tried to give off, but I already knew I would say yes. This weekend was supposed to be about me honoring Miles, but I also knew that he would want me happy. I wasn’t sure if that would come from Koda, but it was worth a shot. It was only dinner, and I would be leaving to go back home soon. If for whatever reason dinner went the wrong way, we could both go on about our business.

“I’d like that.”

The elevator door opened, and we both stepped out. When we reached the door, Koda allowed me to enter first, then he came inside. He put my bags near the door.

“I hope everything is to your liking.” He walked over to the television and turned it on. “It works.” He smiled. “Do you mind if I check the one in the bedroom?”

“No.” I didn’t mind what he did as long as he stuck around for a bit. Just like in the last room, his scent traveled through it as he moved through the room.

While he went to the bedroom, I looked around. There was a brown leather couch when we first entered the room. There was also a small wooden table and two chairs to match the couch.Going a little further, there was a dining table that matched the wooden table in the front room that sat near the balcony doors. The balcony overlooked the beach, and I couldn’t wait to sit out there with a glass of wine and my book.

“Both televisions work. If you need anything, let me know. If not, I’ll see you tomorrow at seven. And yes, I’m coming to pick you up.”

“Okay.”

“Great. Enjoy the rest of your night, Ms. Avalon.”

As soon as he walked out of my room, I pulled my phone out of my pocket. I bounced on the balls of my feet as I waited for Diamond to answer.

“Hey, Ava.”

“You wouldn’t believe who I met while I was eating dinner?” I bit my bottom lip as I visualized Koda’s face.

“Who, girl?”

“Koda Bishop, and he wants to take me to dinner. Oh, God. I’m nervous.” I started rambling until Diamond called my name.

Diamond and I fawned over Koda a couple of times when we saw him on social media, so she knew exactly who he was.

Just the thought of going to dinner with him made my palms sweat.

“Girl, take a breath and tell me everything.”

I walked over to the couch and told Diamond about my encounter at the restaurant, and the room situation. I told her how he flirted with me and wanted to take me to dinner.

“How do you feel about that?” she asked when I was done talking.

“Good, but also a little sad. I do owe it to myself to go. It’s not wrong for me to move on, right?”

I sat back with my head against the couch and closed my eyes.