Page 173 of Kentrell

But Zoe?

Zoe had other shit on her mind.

Every time I tried to fold something, she unfolded it. Every time I reached for a bag, she reached for me.

And not once did I stop her.

Not even when she came up behind me while I was zipping the suitcase, wrapping her arms around my waist, lips grazing the back of my neck.

“You tryna distract me,” I muttered, already smiling as I straightened up.

“I’m tryna kiss you,” she corrected, pulling my shirt up so she could press her lips to my lower back.

I chuckled and turned around, catching her mouth before she could plant another one. She grinned against my lips, all sweet and smug.

“Zoe, they already put out a weather advisory—we need to hurry up and board the jet before we miss our chance to fly out this morning.”

“So?” she whispered, kissing me again. Slower this time.

I leaned in, let her melt into me, hands already sliding under my hoodie like she didn’t care we were supposed to be out the door in twenty minutes.

She moaned a little when I gripped her hips.

Then pulled away again—like she was trying to pace herself, but couldn’t.

Every five minutes she was back on me.

A kiss on my neck.

Her hand sliding over my chest.

Biting her bottom lip as she walked by me, all soft and smug like she knew exactly what she was doing to me.

And shedid.

“Girl,” I muttered after the third stolen kiss, “you worse than me.”

She giggled, tugging my hoodie down to kiss the base of my throat.

“I missed you,” she whispered, lips brushing my skin.

“I been right here with you.” I laughed low as she lifted her shoulders like she couldn’t help herself.

“No… you been over here, and I beenwayover there.” She pointed across the bedroom. “And besides… when we get back home, I’ll be busy with work. You live downtown. I stay outsouth. I’m gon’ miss you when you’re not with me.”

That made me stop.

Made melookat her.

Her words were sweet… but they weren’t light.

She meant that shit.

And that meant everything.

I touched her chin, tilted her face up toward mine.

“You ain’t gotta miss me, ma,” I told her, straight up. “I’ma be in your office every day… on your doorstep every night.”

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