Page 7 of Calculated Kisses with a Scorpio
“This is a no shoes zone, Mr. Moore. You can keep on your socks, but I don’t recommend it. There is something forgiving about feeling the grass beneath your feet.”
“Kairo, please, and understood.” Like a creep, I watched as this man kicked off his loafers. “Is it cool if I sit them here?”
“Yes, sir. That’s perfect.”
Kairo removed his socks, folded them, then tucked them into his shoes.
Once he was upright, he smiled at me, and my insides liquified. His gait was confident as if he’d been here plenty of times before. Kairo climbed the four steps and had to duck down to access the space fully. For too many seconds to count, his eyes scanned my face like it had at the store. It felt like Kairo wanted to commit each feature to memory.
My skin prickled with a chill which was strange because the air was still.
“You left something behind.” Kairo raised his hand, showing the yellow Diamonds & Moore bag.
I’d been staring at this man since he entered the backyard . . . How had I missed the bag?
“Really? I’m sorry. You could have called me back to the store. You didn’t have to make this trip.”
He looked at me and smiled.
“Here.”
I took the gift bag from him and looked at it like it would explode in my hands.
Kairo chuckled and snapped me out of my daze. I opened the bag and frowned at its contents. Inside the bag was their customized tissue paper and a black suede rectangle box.
I didn’t remember taking anything out of my purse because I never got the chance after Camille turned up.
“I don’t understand. Whatever I left didn’t need to be wrapped.” I giggled and pulled the rectangle box from the bag, then set the bag to the side.
I opened the box, gasped, and jumped back a little as it landed on the cushion.
“I wanted to apologize for the actions of my employee earlier. Camille does not represent Diamonds & Moore in any way. I know everything was settled before you left, but I still feel responsible for her actions.”
Gingerly, I picked up the box and looked at the bracelet.
Emerald and rose quartz crystals that represented emotional stability and compassion, and I also appreciated the little crab that was nestled in the middle.
“You don’t have to do this. Camille and I have some history; plus, she’s a grown ass woman and more than capable of being responsible for her actions.” I shook my head. “Although I want this, I don’t think I can accept it. I don’t hold any animosity toward you or the store. Had you reacted like an ass like Camille, my tone would be different, but this is on her, not you.”
Kairo opened his mouth to speak, but Mommy came out with some lemon pound cake slices, more fruit, and a pitcher of her famous strawberry lemonade.
His mouth was turned downward, and it made an already handsome face stand out even more. Mommy was annoying, as she smiled and looked between us. I couldn’t stand this woman because she was acting crazy. The Moores were part of the founding families of Rushin Springs, so everyone in our town knew who they were.
Having one in our home was like the president coming to visit.
“Kairo, will you be staying for dinner? We’re having all of Munchkin’s favorites.”
“Ma?”
“Munchkin?”
Kairo and I spoke at the same time.
He was amused, but I wished I could disappear, because why would she call me that in front of him? She cheesed when he graced her with his crooked smile. I should call my daddy out here to blow up her spot like she did mine. Who knew my mama would be my biggest opp? Mommy looked over at me and down at my hands.
She eyed the bracelet, and I handed it to her.
“Oh my. This is beautiful, baby.” She looked at me then Kairo. “Did you bring this to her so she wouldn’t make a fuss?” Mommy’s free hand found its way to her hip, and I snickered.
