Page 51 of Crossing Lines

“Thank you,” I smile at her. “It was so good meeting you and Mr. Falcon. Lunch was delicious. Take care.”

Iree squeezes my arm. “Thanks again, D.”

“No problem. See you at work.” I wave and walk outside with Kross, climbing into the passenger side after he opens the door for me.

“Alone at last,” he jokes as he drives off.

Secretly, I like that it’s only us. But I’m nervous he’ll mention last night.

“I’ll bring you to the grocery store before driving you home,” he offers.

“You don’t have to. I’ve already taken up your time.”

“Just accept and stop being humble,” he jokingly scolds me. “That way, you can relax.”

I concede to his kindness. “Thank you. I shop at the local market in my neighborhood.Sanders.”

“I know the spot.” He turns at the intersection that leads to Lakeland Park. “Still coming to the youth center tomorrow? If you’re too tired, changing your mind is okay.”

The best thing is probably to avoid him, but that’s hard. “I’m good. I don’t want to cancel on the kids. I’m looking forward to hanging with them.”

“So are they.” He flashes me a quick smile that makes me turn away. “Will I see you at the club soon?”

I pick at my jeans. “Not sure. It’ll be busy at the office now that we’re starting work on the next launch, including my line. Chavonne’s taking a huge chance on me. I don’t want to disappoint her.”

“I’m sure you won’t. Congratulations again.”

“Thank you.” Our eyes lock in the brief second I look over, and it’s enough to cause a flutter. “So, how come Mama G raised you?”

“It’s a long story.”

“Always is, huh.” I discern sorrow in his expression. I wonder what happened to his parents.

Reaching the grocery store, Kross accompanies me inside and pushes the cart.

“I can’t stop thinking about how you called me from Paris. All three nights.”

My pulse spikes, and I rifle through the avocados while battling the emotions.What do I even say?

“So…” He shifts a little closer. I shiver, drawing a sniff from him. “Why wasn’t your man waiting at the airport?”

Finding a bit of composure, I place the bag of avocados in the cart and answer without meeting his gaze, “Jamir got caught up at work.”

He follows me to the apples. “That’s his lame excuse? You deserve better.”

“J’s a good man,” I state, struggling to open the plastic bag. “He’s doing a lot to grow his career.”

Kross takes the bag from me to open it, watching me intensely as he hands it back. “He’s neglecting you in the midst.”

“Let’s not talk about my relationship.” I drop the apples in the cart and move to the leafy greens, picking up a large container.

“Let’s talk about us then.”

A nervous breath slips out. “Kross, there’s no us.”

He smirks. “Why did your lips quiver?”

“No, they didn’t.” I try to push the cart to the non-dairy section, but he does it for me.

---