Page 25 of Not About That Life
I’m having a difficult time remembering how to breathe. The only other man who’s had this effect on me is Ian. What’s going on here? “Uh-huh.”
Kwesi pulls back and slightly tilts his head. “Do I know you from somewhere?”
“I don’t think so,” I shake my head.
“You look awfully familiar. I’m sure I’ve seen you somewhere.” His eyes light up and he snaps his fingers. “You’re Pole Bae!”
I really hate that damn nickname. “Um, yes I am.”
“I’ve watched your videos and man, you have some amazing moves, woman.” A tongue quickly darts out to lick his lips and why am I jealous of his lips and tongue? “I’ve followed your rise and I’m impressed. How’s your studio?”
“It’s great! It’s open to everyone.”Don’t invite him to a class, Domi. Don’t invite him to a class, Domi.“You should come to a class.” Bitch, what is you thinking?
“I don’t know if pole dancing is my thing,” he flashes that beautiful smile with perfect teeth.
Don’t tell him you have other classes. Don’t tell him it’s for everyone, regardless of gender.“We have other classes you could take, regardless of your gender.” My brain and my heart are squaring up inside in their respective corners, while my loins is picking out the perfect Jagged Edge song.
“I’ll keep that in mind,” he grins.
“Here’s your ring, Dominique!” The jeweler returns with my ring, all nice and shiny, and I’m inexplicably pissed she interrupted a moment. Weird.
Kwesi eyeballs the massive rock and I’m suddenly feeling guilty I’m putting it back on. “What’s that like?”
“What’s what like?”
“Being with a Ferguson,” he clarifies, “I’m sure there’s more to it than Bentleys and Blahniks.”
I smile. We still haven’t officially announced our engagement but I guess word travels fast in the land of the one-percenters. “It’s not bad. He’s not keeping me locked in somewhere like he’s R. Kelly.”
“Ah, man,” he chuckles, “that’s a good one.”
Kwesi’s smile is infectious. “No, there’s no crazy conspiracy theories or anything like that. They’re quite normal, just really loaded.”
“Very,” he glances at me.
The look he gives me creates a warm sensation within me. “Why are you here today?” I ask before it occurs to me it’s really none of my business. “I’m sorry for the intrusion.”
“No, you’re not intruding at all.” He softly licks his lips. “In fact, you’re the new highlight of my day.”
Warmth rushes to my cheeks and I don’t know why. My heart stutters in my chest and body comes to a full cant. “Oh?”
“It’s not every day I’m graced by one of the most beautiful women I’ve ever seen.” Kwesi explains as if I’m the only girl in the world. And what the hell is that? Is that my heart belting out Rihanna?
“Here you go, sir!” Michael returns with a large velvet case. He opens it up in front of Kwesi and my eyes widen. In front of him is the most beautiful diamond and sapphire necklace. I’m easily looking at tens of thousands of dollars, at least.
“Perfect,” Kwesi smiles. “Let me see something real quick.” He takes the necklace and holds it in front of me. “Can I ask you a favor? Can you try this on for me? I want to see how it would look on my mother. You two have the same complexion.”
I swallowed. Twice. “Sure.” I lift up my hair and I feel Kwesi stand behind me as he wraps the necklace around my neck. I get a whiff of his scent and my knees buckle at the masculinity of it.
“Here you go!” Michael comes in front of us with a mirror. “Domi, that looks so good on you!”
It actually does. The diamonds and sapphires stun against my skin tone. “Thank you.”
“I think it’s perfect,” Kwesi replies, “definitely the most beautiful sight I’ve seen in a minute.”
I’m too busy looking at the necklace to realize what he said. When I glance at his reflection, it’s not the necklace he’s looking at.
It’s me.
