Page 4 of Calculated Kisses with a Scorpio (BLP Signs of Love #10)

“Chile, no. You know damn well if that boy showed his face around here, your father would be on his way to prison.” She scoffed. “It’s Kairo Moore.”

My eyes bucked at hearing his name leave my mother’s lips.

What was he doing here? We all watched the video together, so he couldn’t be here with a change of mind. I gulped and looked around my garden.

There was nowhere to hide, and it would be rude to leave him outside or have my parents send him on his way.

“Does he look angry, Mommy? Do you think he’s here to finish what Camille started? I?—”

“Munchkin, calm down. He is calm, smiling, and extremely relaxed. I’ll send him back here and bring you two some strawberry lemonade.”

“Mommy—” I hissed when she smiled and walked back into the house.

I sighed and prepared for Kairo Moore, a man I’d had no interactions with before today, to enter my safe space.

Climbing out of my fountain, I moved over to the gazebo. Our backyard had a little oasis for everyone, and the gazebo was my mother’s. My father had a little he-shed that was a man cave, but many times, Mommy would be inside with him. Their cuteness was nauseating.

Just as my butt hit the seat, I heard the patio door slide open.

“This is a no shoes zone, Mr. Moore. You can keep on your socks, but I don’t recommend it. There is something forgiving about feeling the grass beneath your feet.”

“Kairo, please, and understood.” Like a creep, I watched as this man kicked off his loafers. “Is it cool if I sit them here?”

“Yes, sir. That’s perfect.”

Kairo removed his socks, folded them, then tucked them into his shoes.

Once he was upright, he smiled at me, and my insides liquified.

His gait was confident as if he’d been here plenty of times before.

Kairo climbed the four steps and had to duck down to access the space fully.

For too many seconds to count, his eyes scanned my face like it had at the store.

It felt like Kairo wanted to commit each feature to memory.

My skin prickled with a chill which was strange because the air was still.

“You left something behind.” Kairo raised his hand, showing the yellow Diamonds plus, she’s a grown ass woman and more than capable of being responsible for her actions.

” I shook my head. “Although I want this, I don’t think I can accept it.

I don’t hold any animosity toward you or the store.

Had you reacted like an ass like Camille, my tone would be different, but this is on her, not you. ”

Kairo opened his mouth to speak, but Mommy came out with some lemon pound cake slices, more fruit, and a pitcher of her famous strawberry lemonade.

His mouth was turned downward, and it made an already handsome face stand out even more.

Mommy was annoying, as she smiled and looked between us.

I couldn’t stand this woman because she was acting crazy.

The Moores were part of the founding families of Rushin Springs, so everyone in our town knew who they were.

Having one in our home was like the president coming to visit.

“Kairo, will you be staying for dinner? We’re having all of Munchkin’s favorites.”

“Ma?”

“Munchkin?”

Kairo and I spoke at the same time.

He was amused, but I wished I could disappear, because why would she call me that in front of him?

She cheesed when he graced her with his crooked smile.

I should call my daddy out here to blow up her spot like she did mine.

Who knew my mama would be my biggest opp?

Mommy looked over at me and down at my hands.

She eyed the bracelet, and I handed it to her.

“Oh my. This is beautiful, baby.” She looked at me then Kairo. “Did you bring this to her so she wouldn’t make a fuss?” Mommy’s free hand found its way to her hip, and I snickered.

“No, ma’am. Finley has every right to be upset, and whatever solution she searches for, Diamonds & Moore will back one hundred percent.

I noticed this was the piece that caught her attention and know that had she not gotten interrupted, she would have made the purchase.

It’s definitely an apology purchase, but not because I have a motive.

She wanted it, so she will have it.” His left eyebrow rose as his eyes met mine, and I didn’t like my body’s reaction to the action.

Mommy cleared her throat, bringing my attention to her.

“Well, it sure is beautiful. We appreciate it. Stay for dinner so your trip isn’t wasted.”

Kairo nodded, and I squinted at him then grilled my mother as she left the gazebo. She was definitely going to be put in a nursing home for her treason. I pulled the bracelet from its casing and stuck out my right arm for Kairo to put the bracelet on.

If I’d never fallen in real love in my life before this moment, I was sure it happened when the tips of this man’s fingers grazed the inside of my wrist.

Jesus be a fence .