Page 82 of Crossing Lines

She shrugs. “I’ll tell it to you straight. Jamir’s corporate. I hear he comes from a well-off family. You think Davia would leave that for a man who once sold dope? It doesn’t matter that you’re a successful entrepreneur now. You can’t compete withhim; she’ll always see your past.” With that, she squeezes my arm and continues out of the kitchen.

I delay in the spot, considering her words. I’m not a clean-cut guy like Jamir, but from what I know about Davia, she isn’t judgmental. She accepts me for me. However, is it enough to end a relationship that no longer serves her and start fresh with me?

My phone buzzes in my pocket. Sliding it out, I see her text saying she’s home now. Sunset is in an hour. We’ll make it.

“You playing spades, Kross?” Falcon asks as I step into the living room.

“No, I’m taking off. Have something to handle.”

He smirks. “You meansomeone?”

Cairo flashes me a knowing look while Mama G and Iree appear curious.

“Don’t have time for us anymore?” Iree mocks.

Ignoring her, I lean over to kiss Mama G’s cheek. “Catch you later, sweet lady.”

“Okay, son. Enjoy the rest of your evening.”

My heart smiles because I’m sure I will.

I fist-bump Cairo and walk out of the house, texting Davia on the way to the car to let her know I’m on my way.

If the sun could form into a person, it would be Davia, with the way she charges every fiber of my being with her captivating smile.

I quicken out of the car to open the passenger door for her as she descends the stairs of her apartment complex, dressedcasually in leggings, a sweatshirt, and sneakers like I suggested. “Sup, gorgeous?”

“Hey.” She tips for a quick kiss.

“We have to hurry.”

“Okay.” She hops in and buckles up.

I rush back behind the wheel, handing her the slice of strawberry shortcake. “The bigger one. But I’m sure you’ll still eat off mine.”

“Why yes,” she chuckles as I drive off.

I turn into the harbor soon after, pay the parking fee, and we walk hand-in-hand across the lot.

“We’re going on the ferry again?” Davia asks as we approach the deck.

“Nope. Sailboat. More private.” I tow her to the vessel, thank the gentleman, and help her aboard, climbing over afterward and sitting together.

As he sets sail, Davia rests her head on my shoulder, both of us staring at the streaks of golden-orange over the horizon. The fiery hues stretch across the steady water and surrounding buildings, turning the harbor into a breathtaking painting.

“This is so nice,” Davia says in a peaceful murmur.

“Yeah.” I kiss her forehead and hold her tight.

We remain quiet, admiring the scenery until evening flows in and erases the last remnants of color.

The gentleman sails back to the dock, and we depart and return to my car, eating the rest of the strawberry shortcake as night darkens the place.

Davia falls quiet after finishing her dessert, staring at the water lit up from the buildings.

“What’s on your mind?”

“You,” she whispers. “It’s crazy how you’ve been in my system since we met at your club.”

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