Page 11 of Beyond The Stars

“It’s just a fancy cocktail,” he said, referring to the lemon drop. “But if you like beer, then beer it is.”

Siasia took the beer, feeling a bit more comfortable. She appreciated his effort to make her feel welcomed, even if she still felt a bit out of place. “Thanks,” she said, taking a sip. “I guess I’ll have to try that lemon drop someday.”

“I’ll make sure I take you somewhere fancy so you can order all the lemon drops you want.” He sipped his own beer, keeping his eyes on her.

Siasia choked at his words, driving herself into a coughing fit. He rushed around the island to pat her on the back. Her coughs turned into embarrassed laughter and her hands covered her heated face.

“I can’t believe that just happened.”

Qamar chuckled with her while removing her hands from her face. “Don’t be shame.” He forced her to look at him.

“It’s hard not to.”

“Why?”

“Because you’re you and I’m me.”

Without permission, Qamar was in her face standing before her with his forehead pressed into hers. “I’m me and you’re you. We both just people put on this earth to figure shit out.”

“Like what?” Siasia stuttered at the same time her heart skipped a beat.

“I ain’t figured that part out yet. Come on.” Qamar’s fingers interlocked with hers as he damn near dragged her to another location in his house.

Like the star struck fool she felt she was, she didn’t ask any questions the further they got down the hall. One room they passed, she peeked in and noticed it was full of girly things: pink walls, Barbie dolls, and a little vanity. Her thoughts went to the warning Ally gave about him having kids. She didn’t care then and didn’t care now because time with him was temporary.

“You cool with being in here?” Qamar asked, pulling her from her own thoughts.

Her eyes swiveled around the room. It had to be his room. It smelled like him and some of his things were thrown around. There was also a scent of a woman but she wasn’t going to mention that.

Siasia took a deep breath, trying to calm her nerves. She walked over to the bed and sat down, feeling the plush comforter beneath her. "I like your room," she said softly, her eyes scanning the space. "It's cozy."

Qamar sat down next to her, their shoulders brushing. "Thanks. It's my sanctuary, I guess. A place to unwind."

She looked at him, her eyes searching his face while still thinking about what he said earlier. "Do you really think we’re just people trying to figure things out?"

He turned to face her; his expression serious. "Yeah, I do. Life’s complicated, and we all have our own battles. But it’s moments like this, with people who make us feel something, that make it worth it."

Siasia felt a warmth spread through her chest at his words. She reached out and took his hand, squeezing it gently. "I think I’m starting to get that."

Qamar smiled, a genuine smile that reached his eyes this time. "Good. Now, let’s just enjoy the moment."

They sat there in comfortable silence. The sounds of the ocean waves crashed in the distance. For the first time in a long time, Siasia felt like she was exactly where she was supposed to be. Feeling just as comfortable around her, Qamar got a little more comfortable by removing the sweater he had on. It was cold outside but toasty in his crib. Next, his jeans hit the floor leaving nothing but black boxer shorts.

Siasia gulped at the outline of his dick. To distract herself and not feel like a pervert, she pulled her hoodie over her head. Underneath she had on a plain white sports bra that looked beautiful against her brown skin. She opted to leave her sweatpants on but removed her socks. Slowly, she climbed into his bed that sat up high.

Qamar appeared again with a pair of ball shorts on. “I saw you looking.”

“Whatever.” She blushed, knowing she’d been caught. “I see you put that little shit up.”

“Little? Stop playing with me before I skip all the bases and have your ass on all fours taking some of the best dick you ever had… the best you’ll ever have,” he doubled down.

She pushed her hands through her long box braids. She’d installed them two days ago and was happy she did. Siasia learned how to do a lot of things herself because money had always been tight. Even now, she made enough money to spread it over the bills in the house, get gas for her car, and groceries for the house. Throughout the years she’d learned to do everything: hair, nails, toes, and lashes.

“You good?” Qamar asked, reaching into his nightstand to retrieve a cigar and some weed.

“Why you ask me that?” She watched his movement.

“You’re face scrunched up. I think you do that when something is wrong.”

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