Page 11 of The Plus One

“You said weight.”

“And?”

“And you don’t comment on a woman’s weight.”

“I wasn’t complaining.”

She squinted at me. “Sounded like appreciation to me.”

Her lips twitched. “You get on my nerves.”

“Good. Get your purse.”

“I already have my purse.”

“Then why we still standing here?”

“Because you keep talking to me.”

I chortled. This fucking woman. I grabbed my keys from underneath the register before looking toward Bri, who was wiping down the other end of the bar. “You good closing?”

She glanced between me and Kema, then smiled. I would have to tell Bri about minding her fucking business. All that smiling shit was unnecessary.

“I’m great.”

I knew that look. I mouthed, “don’t start.”

She whispered, “I didn’t say anything.”

Kema looked between us. “What am I missing?”

“Nothing,” I said at the same time Bri said, "Nothing.”

I shot her a look. She giggled and turned away, but Kema was too tipsy to care.

“Bye, Bri!” she yelled.

“Bye, girl. Text me when you get home.”

“She's not driving,” I reminded her.

“I was talking to Kema.”

“I know who the fuck you were talking to.”

“Good night, Ace.”

“Fire her,” Kema whispered loudly as we headed toward the door.

“I heard that!” Bri yelled.

Kema giggled. I shook my head and put my hand against the small of her back to guide her out the bar. I loved having my hand there but I also regretted it. Her body was warm underneath my palm. And the closer I was to her the more I could smell her intoxicating scent.

She smelled good. She always smelled good. Something sweet that I had never been able to put my finger on. Vanilla, maybe. Whatever the fuck it was, I needed her to stop wearing it around me.

Kema stumbled slightly when we stepped outside, and my arm went around her waist automatically. “I got you.”

“I wasn't going to fall.”