Page 83 of Heavy Is The Crown

Kenyatta rubbed his chin, before his eyes widened slightly in realization. He gave her a slow, knowing look.

“Nah.” He shook his head, voice dropping. “Stepmama.”

The entire room exploded.

Krys’ jaw dropped open. “Are you serious?”

“You waddling like you got a stepbaby on the way,” he grinned.

“Boy, go to hell,” she smacked his arm, but she was laughing.

Ray was in tears. “Oh nah, he gets you, girl.”

Kenyatta winked at her. “I got the point though, didn’t I?”

Krys glared at him, but the corners of her lips twitched. Oh, he was good.

The next card…something changed.

Krys stared at it, lips parting slightly. She hesitated.

Kenyatta frowned, watching her reaction. “What?”

Krys took a slow breath, set the card down, and locked eyes with him. Then she simply held out her hand.

Palm up.

Waiting.

Kenyatta stilled. For the first time all night, he didn’t immediately answer. He just…looked at her.

For some reason the room got quieter. Like everyone felt the shift.

Kenyatta’s eyes searched hers, the teasing momentarily gone, something heavier settling between them.

Then a smile formed, slow and smooth. “Love.”

A hush fell over the room.

Krys inhaled.

The timer buzzed.

She snatched her hand away quickly, shaking off the moment. “Nope. That was wrong. Drink up.”

The room burst into groans and protests; everyone thought he had nailed it.

Kenyatta chuckled, grabbing a shot. “Damn, Bae. You was just gon’ let me lose like that?”

“You got it wrong,” she said quickly, trying to sound unaffected.

“Did I?” His voice dipped, eyes still locked on hers.

Krys looked away, sipping her wine. For a second, she really wasn’t sure.

And neither was he. But neither of them spoke on it.

Not yet.

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