Page 52 of Tainted

“What?”

Kenyon was much braver than me, so he leaned in, his breath warm against my skin. Before I could even process what was happening, his tongue grazed my cheek, sweeping away the smear of ice cream.

“Did you just lick me?”

“Not where I wanted to, but it’s a start. You had a little something,” he said, his voice low and slightly amused.

“You could’ve just told me.”

“Where’s the fun in that?”

I laughed nervously because he always seemed to find a way to catch me off guard, and this time was no different. After finishing our treats, we moseyed around the boardwalk, making conversation until another old memory made me stop in my tracks.

“I used to be so scared of that place,” I recalled, pointing at Madame Serena’s Fortune Teller Hut.

“Yo’ ass should be scared of it now too.”

“It does look a little creepy,” I chuckled. Plus, Banana Girl would lose her mind if I thought about going inside.

The sun began setting as we reached the Oceanic Plaza to catch the rest of The Inkwell. Kenyon was more focused on his phone, but it didn’t bother me since he grabbed us pizza. I was full and enjoying sitting here with Kenyon so much that I found myself stealing glances at him.

His sandy brown locs were hoisted on his head in a messy bun. It allowed me a full view of the small scar underneath his right eye, joined by brown freckles scattered across the bridge of his nose. I could tell his hair texture was soft from how his new growth curled at the base of each loc. I was tempted to touch it, to feel the texture beneath my fingertips. Instead, I admired from afar.

After the movie ended, we trekked back to his car when the sound of country music floated through the air. I tilted my head, listening to the twang of guitars, which brought back memories of lazy summer evenings dancing with Mom.

With a wistful smile, I glanced at Kenyon, “We have to go inside. C’mon!”

Kenyon stared up at the sign and then back. “I’m not going in a country bar.”

“Please!”

“Fuck no.”

“My mom loves country music. You said we can do what she wants.” I smiled.

His nostrils flared because Kenyon didn’t want to, but he had given me his word. The fact that he was so devoted to doing what my Mom would’ve wanted made me feel closer to him. Maybe he wasn’t as mysterious as I presumed. I was just looking at the wrong things for clues.

“After this, Mom’s birthday is over,” Kenyon reiterated.

My features became animated as he pushed open the creaky wooden doors ofCharley's Juke Joint.

Kenyon

Listening to Kane Brown had Kross’s warning at the forefront of my brain. I should’ve minded my damn business, but it was too late. Zara was three drinks in and knocking the rust off herTexas Two Step. My phone vibrated, tearing my eyes away from Zara, effortlessly gliding across the wooden floor.

Sydney: Dad is forcing me to go to this campaign dinner tonight. Please, come with me.

Me: I’m handling something right now. I’ll hit you when I finish.

Sydney: Thanks Keyes.

Me: Welcome.

Zara walked toward me with her arms out, swaying her hips. “Come on!”

I waited until she was close enough to rest my palm against her forehead. “You got me here. Don’t push it,” she swatted my hand down, licking her sexy ass lips.

“Does Kenyon Keyes have two left feet?”

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