Page 50 of The Plus One

I turned toward her. “I think I’m having a hard time remembering we’re supposed to be pretending.”

Kema’s expression changed, but she didn’t look away. “This week was supposed to be fake,” I continued. “But none of it feels fake to me.”

“It doesn’t feel fake to me either.”

I stepped closer. “You sober?”

She smiled. “Completely.”

“Good.”

I cupped her face and kissed her. There was no audience. No Markel watching and no reason to put on a show. It was just us. When the kiss ended, Kema rested her forehead against mine. “We’re making this complicated,” she whispered.

“It was already complicated when you gave me some pussy and told me to fake the funk.”

She laughed softly. “You might be right.”

“I usually am.”

“And there you go ruining the moment.”

I kissed her forehead. “Come on. You look tired.”

We went back inside long enough for Kema to hug Sierra and say goodnight. As she headed toward the elevators, I told her I would meet her upstairs. Sierra waited until Kema was gone before turning to me. “What are you planning?”

“Why do you assume I’m planning something?”

“Because you’ve been looking suspicious all night.”

I reached into my pocket and pulled out my phone. “I rented a private island for tomorrow morning.”

Her eyes widened. “You did what?”

“I want to take Kema somewhere away from everybody for a few hours.”

“You rented an entire island?”

“It’s small.”

“That does not make it normal.”

“I didn’t ask if it was normal. I’m asking if you need her for anything in the morning.”

Sierra studied me before smiling. “You really like her.”

“Yeah.”

“Does she know?”

“She will tomorrow.”

Sierra glanced toward the elevators. “Fine. Take her.”

“Appreciate it.”

“But have her back by noon the next day. That’s the day of my wedding, Ace. I’m not playing with yo ass.”

I nodded. “She’ll be back by noon.”