Page 34 of Kisses Behind the Spotlight

“Let me hold your watch until we get back upstairs.”

I laughed, astounded that I was letting him get his shit off. Carefully unclasping my Rolex, I passed it to Noah, and he secured it on his wrist.

“Deal.” Noah extended his hand in my direction, and we shook on it.

“This is easy money. My sister hasn’t dated since Montell. Every time I come over there, the last thing on her watch history is Waiting To Exhale. You gon’ have to have patience if you want to win her over, big dawg.”

“Does she still entertain Montell? Or is she over him?”

“Nah, she don’t entertain him at all,” he shook his head from side to side.

“What does she like?”

“She likes to be bossy,” he commented.

“I’ve known that since the day I met Khaleesi,” I laughed.

“Outside of that, I can’t tell you what stuff my sister likes. That makes it too easy for you to manipulate her.”

“Well, what can you tell me?”

“If you want kids, she ain’t the one for you. That’s a hard line in the sand for her. She already has two kids, me and our brother Maurice. Oh, and Khaleesi isn’t the type to ask, you have to take over for her if you see she is in need. Her work will always come first because she loves her job. That’s about all I can think of.”

“That’s good for now, but if I have a future question, that thousand dollars will also cover me. You understand?”

“I got you,” he nodded.

The treadmills stopped, and we both stepped off the machines.

“Can I ask you a question?”

“Shoot,” I nodded.

“What happened to your face? I need to make sure my sister isn’t going to be mixed up with somebody that will put her in danger,” Noah snooped.

“I got attacked by iguanas.”

“Say you swear,” Noah cackled.

“Right hand to God. Ask your sister,” I attested, raising my right hand high to the sky.

We spent an hour doing a light workout since it was my first day back. I got to know Noah, and we scheduled Sunday morning sessions since that’s when we were both available.

I still had access to Khaleesi’s smart lock when we returned. We found her sitting at the kitchen island, sipping red wine and eating Noah’s pizza while on FaceTime with her Aunt Anila. Her head snapped in our direction as she took a sip from her glass.

“Noah just walked through the door. I need to see what he wants. If I hear from Q, I’ll let you know,” Khaleesi bubbled.

“Hey TT.” Noah popped his head into the camera and waved, then turned to peck Khaleesi’s cheek. “Hey sis.”

“Hey Noah!” Anila waved for a moment, then emitted an audible gasp when I passed behind them. “Is that Xain back there?”

“Girl, long story. I have to go.” Khaleesi quickly disconnected the call and wiped Noah’s kiss off her cheek.

“Ewwww, please. You are all sweaty. Y’all have to take showers before you sit on my furniture.

“Nobody wanna sit on those cute bricks anyways. I keep telling you they are uncomfortable,” Noah complained.

“Oh, so it ain’t just me,” I chimed in.