Page 12 of Kandi's Crush: A BWWM Sweet Billionaire Romance

“I’m sorry the date didn’t pan out as you had hoped. Have a seat. Let me make you something.”

I returned to the kitchen and reached into the cabinet to pull out one of the white plates. After pulling out the fixings for a traditional New Orleans po’ boy from the refrigerator, I began to pile slices of turkey and Swiss cheese on a loaf of French bread. I slathered one side of bread with mayonnaise and piled lettuce on top of the meat. Once satisfied with the presentation, I poured a few chips on the plate and walked back to the sectional. She gave me a weak smile before accepting the plate.

“Thank you. This looks delicious.” She took a bite and chewed for a few seconds. She appeared to be deep in thought. “You wanna know the worst part of this fiasco? I can never show my face at VINO again.”

“I have a strong mind to take you back there tonight.”

She shook her head and gave me a half-smile.

“I can’t ask that of you. You’ve done enough. I’ve never been so embarrassed in my life.” She paused for a second before adding, “Except for the time my mother twerked to the rap song ‘Back That Ass Up’ at my sweet sixteen birthday party.”

“Celeste?”

“Yes. She heard the opening to the song, and she and Auntie Marie went crazy. They made a big scene.” She raised her arms and added a dramatic, “Aww. That’s my song!” She frowned, “Once all eyes were on them, they were on the dance floor. Twerking! My mom is a great dancer, but I had to pull her away before she dropped it like it was hot. She did this in front of my friends, their parents, and my teachers. I almost died.”

“I guess she backed it up and stopped . . .” I guffawed, paraphrasing the famous line from the classic rap song. “Celeste is definitely a MILF.”

“Not helpful,” she warned.

“I’m sure some guys look at her in that way. I don’t see her as anything more than a family friend,” I backtracked. “Unfortunately, sex appeal is one tragedy of having a young-ish mother. My mother is a?mom. But if you tell her I said that, I’ll never speak to you again.”

“At least she’s normal,” she laughed. “Thanks for cheering me up. You’re the first and only person I reached out to.”

My chest swelled with hope. Maybe she saw me as more than a client or family friend.

As she finished the sandwich, her phone chirped, and she peeked at it.

“Oh, my God. It’s him! He text messaged me a copy of the receipt. The asshole wants me to CashApp him my share?of the bill. Thirty-eight bucks.”

“Fuck him. Better yet, tell him to come here and get it from me,” I growled.

“No, unnecessary.” Her fingers typed at a lightning-fast speed as she crafted a response. With a satisfied grin, she read, “Will, as requested, this is eighty dollars. This will cover the entire bill for appetizers and drinks. I included an additional four dollars to cover the tip. Best Regards, Princess Meghan. P. S. Lose my number.”

We roared until our laughter settled into chuckles.

“No more online dating for me. I’m sorry for interrupting your evening with my tragic love life. I’ll call an Uber.”

“Not a chance. Come on,” I told her, grabbing the keys to my Jeep.

Minutes later, we pulled into the parking lot at the modern apartment complex. She leaned over and kissed me on the cheek. Her pretty lips were soft as they brushed against my stubbled cheek, and I caught a whiff of mint gum as she breathed against my ear.

“Chadwick, thank you for being here for me. I’ll never forget it.”

As she pulled away, her left breast brushed against my tricep and I nearly rocketed out of my seat. I bit back the urge to grab her by the wrist and pull until our lips touched.

I didn’t get a chance to react. Kandace had sprung out of the vehicle and began walking toward the building.

I hopped out of the Jeep and pocketed my keys to walk behind her. Sensing my presence, she glanced back at me.

“What are you doing?”

“I’m escorting you to your door. It’s late, and I want to make sure you are safe.”

Her eyes narrowed as she sized me up.

“Don’t get any funny ideas,” she warned.

I raised my hands in response. I followed three steps behind her, enjoying the view of her curvy ass as she navigated in stiletto sandals.

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