Page 21 of Crossing Lines

Kross keeps his unraveling eyes on me as he drinks. Placing the glass on the table, he glances over my appearance and hums. “Why would Inotwatch you?”

The sudden spike in my temperature makes me shift on the seat. “Now look here. I don’t want people starting rumors about us.”

He moistens his lips. “Too late. I may have slipped up and said you’re mine.”

I stare at him wide-eyed. “You’re playing, right?”

“Am I?”

“Kross…”

His deep laughter reverberates in me, causing tingles where it shouldn’t. “I’m just messing with you.”

“Geez.” I drink to calm the heat.

He settles down. “Coming back another night?”

“Maybe. So long as you behave.”

“I will,” he says, touching his chest. “There’ll be a performance next Thursday. You should check it out.”

“I won’t be in the country. I’m flying to France Monday night for Paris Fashion Week.”

“For real?” he cheers. “Damn, girl. That’s fantastic.”

“Sure is,” I gush. “It’s a great experience. Iree’s coming too. She’ll find out tomorrow.”

“Ree will be ecstatic when she hears.” He smiles while absorbing me. “You know, you light up so much when discussing your career. I like your passion.”

“Thank you.”

As Tessanne Chin’sHideawaycreates a sensual soundtrack, Kross finishes his drink and says, “Let’s dance.”

I eye my drink and tell him, “I’m in a relationship, so that’s probably…”

“Friends dance together,” he points out. “Come on. Let’s do a two-step.” I giggle as he rocks on the seat.

“Okay.” Chugging my drink, I join him in an open area, and we fall into a rhythm.

Whenever Kross drifts close, my breath catches in my throat, and my skin tingles. Still, I continue to groove with him, amping up the moves as the rock break of the song kicks in. My eyes close on their own when the artist slows down again with her heavenly harmonies. It’s the most relaxed I’ve felt in months, between pushing myself at designing and feeling overlooked by Jamir.

My lids pry open at the sudden touch on my waist, and I stagger back while fighting off a shiver.

Kross lifts his hands apologetically. “I’m sorry. You just looked so at peace. I forgot for a second.”

“Forgot what?”

“Where we were,” he says softly. “That you’re not…”I’m not his woman.

As everything drones around us, we hold each other’s gaze for what feels like forever until familiar laughter dissolves the moment.

Trishell appears at my side, passing a look between Kross and me. “Cuz, you good?”

“I’m all right,” I answer coolly. “What’s up?”

“Reeve and I are ready to head out.” She gives her man a sexy wink, revealing why they want to go home immediately. “Riding with us?”

“I drove. I’m all right. I only had two drinks.”

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