Page 28 of Kandi's Crush: A BWWM Sweet Billionaire Romance

The words were music to my ears. I opened the door slowly and spoke into the darkness.

“Can’t sleep?”

I flipped the dimmer to the lowest setting and took a seat in the chair next to the bed. Kandace sat upright, the glow of her iPhone illuminated her gorgeous features.

“Yeah. I’m tired. I should go to sleep, but I’m all wound up.”

“You’re still a bookworm,” I said, nodding toward her phone, which displayed an e-book app.

“You remember,” she smiled. I grinned back.

“I remember. You used to walk with your nose pressed in a book. Literally. Celeste used to guide you by the hand while you read.”

“Yeah. She was my Seeing Eye person,” she laughed.

“Do you want to hear a story?”

She eagerly put the phone away and patted the empty side of the bed. I sat next to her on top of the white quilt. This was a preventative measure. If I moved under those covers, I’d want to climb on top of her.

“This is a true story,” I began with a serious tone. “Once upon a time, in a town called New Orleania, there was a young prince named Chad. Like most princes, Chad was always the center of attention. Therefore, he could be self-centered and spoiled. One day, his parents introduced him to a small sprite named Princess Kandi. She was a tiny little fairy with big brown eyes and long ponytails trailing down her back, each braid lovingly adorned in ribbons and barrettes.”

“Over time, she grew to be a smart, nerdy, and spirited little girl. She made it her life’s mission to embarrass the prince. She cock-blocked, made fun of his bad haircuts, and imitated his walk after he broke his foot. By the way, I haven’t forgotten.”

“Sorry,” she chortled. “I love this story. Princess Kandi sounds like one of my favorite people in this world.” Her fingers reached out until she found my hand and linked her fingers with mine.

“One day, he realized she had metamorphosed into a beautiful young woman. She was a jewel in a kingdom of jaded, unnatural and desperate women. Smooth pickup lines and dark corners didn’t impress her. Any prince worthy of taking her hand had to understand how hard he must work for every single smile and conversation. Therefore, she didn’t encounter a lot of princes.

“One day, the brave Prince Chad opened his eyes and truly saw Princess Kandi. He craved the beautiful princess and wanted her. However, he was at a loss. He was a one-trick pony, and his game wouldn’t work on her.” I sighed. “So, what should the prince do?”

Kandace choked slightly, her eyes wide.

“Good things come to the patient and the wise.”

“I’m anything but patient.” I placed a soft kiss on her hand. “We both know I’m not wise.” I leaned in close to her face and lightly pressed my lips against hers. My mouth trailed briefly to her jaw, and she responded with a sharp gasp.

“Oh.”

When I returned to her mouth, I kissed her with more pressure. Her eyes closed as her soft, full lips moved against mine. My tongue flicked at the seam of her mouth, and she opened her lips to let me in. I dipped my tongue into her mouth and brushed against her minty tongue. I chuckled inwardly, realizing she’d used my mouthwash.

“I see you helped yourself to my mouthwash.”

“And your floss,” she giggled, unrepentant. Licking her lips, she whispered, “I couldn’t find your toothbrush.”

Taking the hint, I pulled her close, and once again, my lips danced with hers. This time, her tongue slid into my mouth and her hands dug in my hair. My dick stiffened at the sensation. I closed my eyes and focused on the feeling of her warm tongue moving against mine. My lips and tongue trailed from her mouth down to her chin and?then?to her neck. I took the same path back to her mouth, exercising considerable restraint with this kiss. I didn’t want to go further. At least not tonight.

She pulled her mouth away from mine. Our small pants were the only sound in the room.

“You’re the only person who calls me Kandace. Why don’t you call me Kandi?”

“I don’t want to call you what everyone else calls you. The only other name I want to call you is mine.” I licked my lips. Kandace was sweeter than sugar, and I wanted more than a taste. “Sweets, have dinner with me tonight?”

I couldn’t tell if her smile resulted from the kiss, my new nickname for her, or the dinner invitation. The bright smile faded abruptly, and she replied with visible disappointment.

“I can’t. I’m attending the Sportsman’s Ball.”

“You’re going to that?”

I couldn’t imagine why a twenty-something would want to attend that ball. The planning committee comprised senior citizens from the Ladies’ Auxiliary. I’d heard that the food was always of mediocre quality and the entertainment was bland.

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