Page 17 of Fallynn West

“I helped, but one of my chefs did most of the work. I was mainly there to oversee everything and assist where needed.”

I nodded. “That’s how it is when I’m at work too. How long have you been cooking?”

“Since I was about Kehlani’s age. My mom and grandmother kept me in the kitchen with them, and naturally, I fell in love with it.”

“I wish my mom would’ve kept me in the kitchen. I can cook but nothing like you can,” I admitted, snickering.

“What can you cook?”

“The basics. Everything I need to keep me alive and have some flavor. I don’t try to do too much since it’s only me. If I want something really good, I’ll either get takeout or ask my mom.”

“You should join Kehlani and I for dinner one night,” he offered. His words came out fast, and it took me a moment to process what he said. I guess I didn’t respond quick enough because he countered with, “It’s fine if you don’t want to.”

“Oh, no. I would actually love to. The only thing I do is work and come home, so I’m free whenever y’all want me to accompany y’all.”

Slowly, Keondra bobbed his head and pushed himself off the wall. He massaged his beard with his lips pressed together as if he was carefully thinking of his next words. “Do you have a special man in your life, Colony?”

“Other than my father, no. I’ve been single for a little over a year now. I moved to Maven Falls for a fresh start and ended up diving deep into my business. As embarrassing as this sounds, I haven’t even been on a date since I moved here.”

“I guess we have more in common than I thought.”

I angled my head to the side. “Why do you say that?”

Keondra walked closer to me. I could feel my breathing quicken as his commanding presence invaded my personal space more than before. He was only inches away, so close that I could reach out and run the tip of my finger over his tattoos. I had to swipe my phone off the counter and hold it in my hand to keep from doing so.

“Because I haven’t dated since . . .”

“Kehlani’s mother left?”

Tugging at his beard, Keondra wet his lips. “Yeah. She’s been my main and only priority outside of building my business, so I get where you’re coming from. It’s hard as hell trying to navigate life after having your heart broken.”

“Tell me about it, but I know it’s harder for you. You have another life to think about.”

“I’m glad someone understands.”

For a moment, silence engulfed us. I tapped my fingers on the counter and told Keondra, “You’re doing a great job with Kehlani. She’s very respectful and absolutely adores you. She couldn’t stop talking about you today.”

“That’s my baby. I wouldn’t be where I am if it wasn’t for her, so thank you. Let me get out of here so I can get her ready for bed. Whenever you’re ready to have dinner with us, let me know, and we can set something up.”

“Like I said before, I’m down for whenever. We can this week if you want.”

“I’m good with that. I’ll be in touch.”

“Sounds good.”

I followed behind Keondra as he went to the living room and carefully picked up Kehlani. She was sleeping so hard, she didn’t budge when Keondra placed her on his shoulder and grabbed her bag. Seeing them together was too cute. When he kissed her forehead, I wondered how his heart-shaped dark pink lips would feel against my skin. I bet they were as soft and velvety as they appeared.

Once Keondra and Kehlani left, I finished cleaning my kitchen. I tried to keep my mind occupied and off Keondra, but he made it hard. About ten minutes after they left, a text from him came through, making the edges of my lips pull a slow smile.

Keondra:

How about Wednesday night? I can make whatever you like.

Why did it feel like he was asking me on a date? The thought left as quickly as it came. I didn’t need to start seeing things for what they weren’t. Would I love to go on a date with Keondra? Yes, but from our conversation minutes ago, I didn’t think eitherof us were ready. We were both too focused on other things to be distracted.

But, then again, maybe distractions were what we needed to not get too consumed into our businesses and miss out on other important areas of our lives.

I needed to pull myself together and stop overthinking.