Page 48 of Crossing Lines

“All right, kinky girl,” she jokes.

I hang up on her, managing a smile. “Hey.”

“Hi, D.” Iree sways while removing her heels.

“You good?” I check, stepping closer.

She waves it off. “Yeah, I had a great time. Areyougood? You came back early.”

“Just tired.” I place my phone on the nightstand and climb into bed.

She remains in the spot, observing me. “You know, I admire you.”

“Oh, you do?” I feel unworthy of any admiration after cheating on my boyfriend.

“Mmhm.” She beams at me. “You’ve inspired me to go after what I want, including Kross.”

My stomach plunges. My ears are ringing like a loud explosion went off by my head. “Kross… is the man you have feelings for?”

“Yes,” she replies softly. “I’m in love with him.”

“Huh.”

“Don’t tell him if you see him,” she rushes to say. “I’ll do it when the time’s right. Anyway. I’ll shower and sort my things.”

She turns into the bathroom, leaving me replaying her confession.

Iree is in love with Kross. It’d hurt her if she learned what we did on the phone. For her sake and Jamir’s, I absolutely must put an end to this attraction.

The flight home seems longer with my racing thoughts. I keep repeating the dirty moment on the phone, how I’ll face Jamir knowing I cheated, and Iree’s confession. I can’t shake the sting of jealousy from her gushing over Kross.

Finally back in Baltimore, Chavonne and Wren file into the awaiting Lexus while the others do rideshare, leaving Iree and me.

“Your brother’s late picking you up, too?” I ask.

She shakes her head. “Cai had a shift at the hospital. He’s an anesthetist. Kross is almost here, though.”

“Oh.” Tingles attack my entire body. How will I make eye contact after we’ve both heard each other come while having phone sex?

“Is Jamir on his way?” Iree questions, scanning the pick-up area.

“Uh, should be. Let me call to see where he’s at.”

He answers immediately. “I’m sorry, babe. I got caught up. Signing these, then I’m leaving the office.”

“So I’ll be waiting another twenty minutes?”

“I’m sorry. Maybe you should have taken Uber.”

“You know—” Butterflies replace my annoyance as the familiar black BMW pulls up. “Hang on.”

Kross hops out to help Iree with her luggage, grinning at me. “Hey, Davia. Welcome back.”

I duck my gaze shyly.

“If Jamir’s far,” Iree says, opening the passenger door, “you should ride with us. You don’t mind, right Kross?”

He shakes his head. “I’d hate to leave you here.”

---