Page 60 of Kentrell

My mouth opened. Then stopped.

Because I saw movement.

I looked up and?—

Oh God.

Him.

Mr. Caldwell.

Stepping off the elevator like heownedthe damn floor.

All black. No tie. Shirt hugging his chest. That coat moving with his walk. Eyes straight ahead—not searching, not scanning.

Already locked.

On me.

My breath caught. My lips parted.

Ayesha turned to look and whispered, “Ohhh… shit.”

“I told him no,” I murmured.

“No, to what?” Ayesha asked as panic began to set in.

“I sent him a text... said I couldn’t.”

Ayesha blinked. “Sent him a text? What?”

He walked like he had time, like nothing could move him unless he said so. My colleagues in the hall paused—like they could feel something different.

And I felt it too.

Low in my belly.

Deep in my chest.

When he reached my door, he didn’t knock. Just opened it like it washisoffice, like the space was waiting for him.

I stood frozen by my desk, barely breathing as Kentrell stepped in like he owned the damn air. He didn’t raise his voice. Didn’t crack a smile. Just shut the door behind him and let that presence of his press down on the room like thunder before a storm.

“You thought I was fuckin’ playin’ witchu, ma?”

My brain stuttered—once, twice—trying to find words that didn’t sound like I was either panicked or turned on.

Before I could get it together, Ayesha turned to him with her arms crossed, eyebrows high.

“Well damn,” she said, tilting her head. “You really don’t take no for an answer, huh?”

He didn’t blink. “Not when it’s something I want.”

I shot her a look—please don’t start—but she just smiled like she was enjoying herself.

“I’m Ayesha,” she said, holding out her hand. “Zoe’s cousin. But we more like sisters, so technically I’m her sister-cousin.”

Kentrell stepped forward and took her hand in that slow, deliberate way he did everything. Smooth. One shake. Just enough.

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