Page 90 of Tainted

“Thanks, Bran. I appreciate it.”

We shared a hug much more sincere than Nana had forced on us. I drove home, trying to put Brandy’s warning in the back of my brain so I could enjoy my night. After a quick shower and wardrobe change, I was excited to do something other than work and visit Nana.

Romello picked me up, and his smile and relaxed vibe made him easy to be around. We grabbed our tickets and loaded up on snacks before claiming our seats. For the first time in weeks, I wasn’t thinking about how to solve my problems. I was just a regular girl on a date with a nice guy who’d occasionally kiss my forehead throughout the movie.

"That was crazy, right?" Romello placed his arm around my shoulder as we walked out of the theater, “I didn’t see that twist coming.”

"Yeah, it was wild," I replied, smiling.

“Well, if it isn’t the star of the show,” Sydney called out, forcing us both to turn around. She wasn’t alone. “Hey, Nova!”

My mood instantly plummeted, offering a quick wave while Romello was all smiles and handshakes, unaware of the tension.

“What’re you two up to?” Kenyon asked, his gaze flicking to Romello, and I could see something dark flash in his eyes. Jealousy? Maybe, but I wasn’t sure.

“We just saw a movie," Romello answered casually.

"How sweet," Sydney said, roping her arms around Kenyon like she had something to prove. "We were about to head to the bowling alley. You guys should come with us.”

I wanted to say no, to make some excuse and get out of here, but Romello smiled and said, “We’re in, and I’m not taking it easy on either of y’all.”

“I don’t know. I’m not much of a bowler,” I retreated.

“Me either,” Sydney said before leaning over to whisper, “I’m just going for the drinks and food. Come on, it’ll be fun and give us girls time to get to know each other.”

My lip curled at her offer because that was all the more reason not to go. I knew what Sydney wanted, and it had nothing to do with getting to know me.

“I can teach you everything you need to know,” Romello suggested.

Kenyon’s eyes became the color of the ocean at midnight, watching Romello nuzzle his face against mine before kissing my cheek.

"Great!" Sydney chirped, her smile widening. “Let’s grab a lane.”

My heart sank. They were the last people I wanted to hang with, but now I was stuck. It only got worse as we settled. Romello was his usual charming self, laughing and joking, but I could feel Kenyon’s eyes on me. They had me sweating as Romello disappeared to order food and drinks while Sydney went to the bathroom.

That left me alone with Kenyon while I input our names into the system. He walked up so close behind me that I could feel his breath on my neck.

“This is what was so important?”

"You quickly foundsomeoneelse to do," I replied, trying to keep my voice steady as I jabbed him with my elbow to create distance. "You need to move before Sydney and Romello come back.”

His lips curled into a smirk at me, purposely swappingsomethingforsomeone, but nothing was friendly about it as heswooped my hair behind my shoulder. “You have an attitude like your heart picked somebody else over you tonight.”

“Your heart?” My eyebrows shot up, and I chuckled, “If this is how you treat your heart, you don’t care aboutitor yourself.”

His breath was hot against my ear. “I’m not Madame Serena. Closed mouths don’t get fed Babygirl.” He moved my hands from the keypad, eliminating the distraction. “If you want my time, say that.”

“Effort and interest go hand in hand, Kenyon. I didn’t cancel my plans with Romello tonight because I don’t have to wreck my brain wondering where I stand or what he wants from me. So don’t throw a tantrum about me being here with him when you haven’t done either.”

Kenyon tilted my chin and slipped his tongue in my mouth, not caring if anyone was watching. It was bold and reckless.

For a split second, I got lost, forgetting who we were with, letting myself feel the words, “I miss you and those cold feet on me at night. How’s that for my heart?” he mumbled, never detaching from our kiss.

“I brought shots! I wasn’t sure what everybody wanted, so I grabbed Tequila,” Sydney announced, with no anger or jealousy, just a casual smile. “Let’s wait for Romello to get back.” She suggested holding a shot glass out at me, but my arms were frozen, so Kenyon took his and mine.

He gave me a look, something between reassurance and a warning, like he was telling me not to overthink it. But how could I not? I’d just kissed him, and Sydney didn’t even bat an eye.

“Take it before I stick my tongue in your mouth again.”

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