Page 13 of Calculated Kisses with a Scorpio
I only nodded because Kairo didn’t really leave any room for back-and-forth.
Earlier, I told myself that I would ask for space because I didn’t have anything to offer him, but Kairo didn’t come across as the type to really require anything. However, I did have to think about work because, since moving in with my parents, their bills went up. Not having an income was unacceptable. I’d spend time with Kairo today, because part of me felt like I deserved to be considered, but after this outing, we’d have to go our separate ways. I jumped when I felt a hand on mine.
Looking to my left, I found that we were parked, and Kairo had cut the car off.
“Dang, I didn’t even realize I’d zoned out that much. I’m sorry, that wasn’t very polite of me.”
“It’s cool. The last twenty-four hours have been against you like you have a debt you ain’t paid.”
Nothing about what I had been through between yesterday and today was funny, but I cackled.
“Please! Sis really has it out for me right now.”
Kairo squeezed my hand and smiled at me.
I didn’t know this man from a can of paint, but I was sure he never had to worry about meeting ends and what it was like to feel weighed down by life itself. No way did I believe that Kairo never had a bad day, but I doubted he ever had to worry about money or having his heart broken and having to start over. I would do anything to be able to retire my family so my parents could travel the world like they wanted, to buy Kemi the car shop he had been dreaming about since we were little, and for me to open a relaxation boutique.
Those were just dreams, though, because we all made a little above minimum wage, so the best we could do was take a Christmas family vacation like we did every year.
“Come on. We got five minutes before they give our reservation away.”
I nodded. Kairo climbed out and walked around the car to let me out.
“Where are we having . . .” My words trailed off as I stared at the Botanic Gardens sign.
“I changed the course of our plans when I arrived at your job. The plan was to go somewhere fancy so I could show off.” He smiled. “But I noticed how peaceful you seemed after sitting in your backyard, so I had my assistant—who is really my little sister—set this up for us. We have the place for four hours, so we’ll eat, and then you can take your time exploring.”
Unwanted tears filled my eyes.
This was all overwhelming. Why was this man that I hadn’t even known for a full twenty-four hours acting like this? Granted, I knew of him because the name Kairo Moore was known to pretty much the entire state of Texas, but what did he want from me? I looked away to try and gather myself, but Kairo used his finger to bring my face back to his.
I opened my mouth to speak, but we were interrupted by someone noticing Kairo.
“Mr. Moore?” Irritation flashed in his eyes, but it wasn’t there for long. “We’re set up for your lunch, and I’ll be your guide for the afternoon.”
“Cool. You ready?” He never took his eyes off me, even as he spoke to the man.
“Yes,” I whispered.
With his hand on my lower back, Kairo led me to the guide who escorted us inside and to where we’d have lunch.
Coming here had been on my bucket list for years, but I never really had the money to spare because something always came up. Twelve dollars wasn’t a lot, but when I had to factor in rideshare and cut off notices, it felt like it. My parents and Kemi had given me money for my birthday, so I decided to get the bracelet with it, but then Kairo gave it to me. I hadn’t even thought of what I could do with the birthday money when Kairo was once again showing up in a way no one else had before. My brain wanted to accuse him of being some sort of stalker, but it wasn’t that at all.
I trusted my gut, and she let me know we were safe with him.
“It’s beautiful in here. Four hours might not be enough.”
“Well, if it’s not, we can come back.”
“Hmm, . . . maybe.”
Kairo chuckled and helped me into the chair.
The food was covered, but whatever it was smelled amazing. Kairo sat then blessed our food. When I removed the silver lid off mine, I almost fell out of my seat.
He’d ordered soul food from the best diner in Rushin Springs, The Moore Factory.
“Oh my gosh! How did you know this was my favorite guilty pleasure?” My head snapped up. “Are you spying on me? First, you’re at my house, then my job when I know I didn’t give you the information, and now my favorite restaurant. What’s going on? I will scream,” I let him know.
