Page 5 of Caught Stealing Your Heart
Boss’s physique was medium thick, just the way I liked my men. He wasn’t small, and he wasn’t big. He was the happy medium in between with muscles I’d love to rub my hands all over. There was no reason for me to be lusting over him the way I was, but goodness… He was something to look at.
Willow repeatedly snapped her fingers with wide eyes, bringing me out of my trance, and asked, “Isn’t he that girl’s brother? The one who’s always commenting on your live videos, Lei?”
“You mean PaiDai7?” Mamie inquired just as I scrolled past a picture of the girl and Boss together. He had his arm draped around her shoulder with his head gently resting on top of hers. The smile adorning her pretty face showed how much she loved him. She had on a replica jersey with her arms wrapped around his torso. It was too cute.
With a smile, I confirmed, “Yes, he is. I’m looking at a picture of them right now. I’m sure he’s buying it for her, which is super sweet. What do y’all think I should do?”
“What do you mean? Tell him hell yeah. That’s a lot of money, sis. It’ll be the most you’ve ever made off a single painting. You’d be crazy not to accept,” Mamie explained.
Willow nodded. “While I do agree with Mamie, what if someone comes along and offers more? I mean, that painting has truly caught the attention of others. You may need to think on it, cousin. You didn’t ever set up the bid, did you?”
I shook my head. “I didn’t. I think I was too overwhelmed by all the people inquiring about it that I just said forget it.”
“That makes sense, but you’re out of time now. You need to decide something before the pop-up starts,” Willow said.
They both had good points, but I wasn’t trying to be greedy. Seventy-five thousand dollars was more than enough. I also had other paintings to sell, so I was more so leaning toward telling Boss yes, especially if it was for his sister.
I tossed my legs over my bed and slid my feet into my UGG slippers. My bare legs glided me across the wooden floor of my room, right onto the marble floors of my bathroom. All the talk about Boss had my nerves in a bunch as if I wasn’t already having an overload of emotions. I turned my LED light on around my circular mirror before starting my shower.
“I think I’m going to accept his offer,” I informed Willow and Mamie as I dipped my toothbrush into my cup of mouthwash. “I think that’s more than enough, and I don’t want to be greedy.”
Mamie twisted her pouty lips and nodded. “That makes sense. Do what you feel is best. I’m with you on whatever you want to do.”
“I agree. Anything to get his fine ass to the pop-up shop.” Willow winked at me and smirked. “I’m about to get up and get ready so I can pick up Mama. I’ll see y’all soon.”
Willow blew us kisses and hung up. Mamie stayed on the line so we could get ready together like we usually did whenever we were meeting up somewhere. It was like our sister ritual, and I loved it.
At twenty-seven, Mamie was three years younger than me. Thankfully, we’d always been close. Since she was a toddler, she clung to me, and I was overprotective of her. No one could say or do anything to her without me stepping in, much like Willow was with me. Mamie and I had a special bond. I loved the hell out of my little sister.
“Are you excited, Lei?” Mamie questioned as I stepped out of the shower.
“Honestly, I think I’m more nervous than anything. I haven’t done a pop-up shop since before COVID, so I’m anxious to see how this will go.”
“You have nothing to be worried about. You’ve built a pretty solid fanbase online, and I have a feeling the people are going to show up and show out for you. Did you write Boss back?”
“Oh, shit.”
I quickly dried off and went back to my FameVsYou app. I gnawed on the corner of my lip as I typed up a reply to Boss.
Hi, Boss. Thanks so much for reaching out. I apologize that I’m just now getting back with you. If you still want the painting, you are more than welcome to have it. I will just need you to confirm before the pop-up shop, so I can have it set aside for you.
The sound of my heart beating rapidly filled my ears. I pressed send and waited a few seconds, surprised to see Boss read my response almost immediately. Three white bubbles popped up, indicating he was typing. Quickly, I exited out of the message and set my phone on the counter.
“Why do you look stressed, Leilani?”
I tapped my fingers against my lips. “He’s writing me back.”
“Damn. That fast?”
“That’s what I said. Why am I so nervous, Mamie? I mean, he’s simply another customer, right?”
Mamie’s eyes lowered as she gave me a ‘now you know’ look before snickering. “If that’s what you need to tell yourself to shake your nerves off, then I’m all for it.”
Her response didn’t help nor did the notification from Boss telling me to put it aside and he looked forward to seeing me soon.
“He’s here.”Mamie whispered in my ear as I set my last painting against the wall.
I already knew who she was talking about from the sudden uproar filling the venue. A rush of people ran over to the entrance where Boss was trying to get in. From the way he wore dark sunglasses and a hoodie in the warm Camden Cove weather, it was obvious he didn’t want to be noticed. His tall stature was hard not to miss.
