The scent of rich, seasoned stews curled through the air, wrapping around Kamsi as she stepped into the dining room. Her eyes swept over the lavish spread before her—bowls of steaming jollof rice, succulent grilled meats, soft, golden-brown rolls stacked neatly on a tray. The table shimmered under the warm chandelier light, every dish arranged with care. It looked like something out of a magazine.
Too perfect. Too formal. Too… planned.
Her stomach twisted.
Her mother, busily arranging the silverware, glanced up and beamed. "Tonight's the dinner with the Harts, sweetie."
The words sent a jolt through Kamsi's spine.
"You didn't tell me!" The words burst from her lips before she could stop them. Her fingers curled around the back of a chair, knuckles tightening.
Her mother's smile faltered, hands pausing mid-air. "Oh, honey, I'm so sorry. It must have slipped my mind."
Kamsi's breath hitched. Slipped her mind?How did she forget to mention that they were having dinner with their neighbour—Xavuer and his family? The one who'd been consuming too much space in her thoughts lately? The one who always smirked at her like he knew things she didn't?
Her heart slammed against her ribs.
"Mom." Her voice was low, almost accusatory. "How could you not tell me? I need time to prepare for things like this!"
Her mother sighed, rubbing her temples. "Darling, you're making a big deal out of it. The food's ready. Just go upstairs and get dressed, okay?"
Kamsi huffed, pressing her lips together. There was no point arguing. Fine If she had to sit through this dinner, at least she would look good doing it.
With a dramatic turn, she stomped up the stairs, her mom's amused voice trailing after her. "You just have to sit there, sweetie!"
Like hell she would just sit there.
The moment Kamsi burst into her room, she flopped onto the bed and grabbed her phone, dialing Zendaya at lightning speed. The second her best friend's face appeared on the screen, Kamsi practically yelled, "Girl emergency!"
Zendaya's brows lifted. "Let me guess. Outfit crisis?"
"Xavier's family is coming over for dinner, and I have nothing to wear!" Kamsi's voice was frantic, her knee bouncing.
Zendaya exhaled dramatically. "Okay, breathe. What's the vibe? Are we going full glam, effortless casual, or 'I just threw this on but still look hot'?"
Kamsi groaned, dragging a hand down her face. "I don't know! I don't want to look like I'm trying too hard, but I also don't want to look like I just rolled out of bed."
"Got it," Zendaya said, already in problem-solving mode. "Let's go through your closet."
Kamsi shot up, throwing open her wardrobe doors, clothes spilling onto the floor as she rummaged through them.
Zendaya hummed as she scanned the screen. "What about that black dress?"
Kamsi yanked it out and held it against her body. The fabric was sleek and form-fitting, the hemline stopping just above her knees.
She frowned. "Too formal. Feels like I'm going to a gala."
Zendaya pursed her lips. "Okay, what about that cute off-the-shoulder top and jeans?"
Kamsi shook her head before even holding it up. "Too casual. I don't want to look like I just threw something on."
They sifted through outfit after outfit, each one not quite right—too simple, too overdressed, too basic.
Kamsi groaned, flopping onto her bed. "This is hopeless."
"Wait! Hold up—*that one*!" Zendaya's voice suddenly sharpened.
Kamsi followed her gaze to a dress tucked away at the back of her closet. She pulled it out slowly, her breath catching.
It was a stunning halter dress made of vibrant Ankara fabric, deep reds, blues, and yellows swirling in an intricate pattern. The bodice hugged her torso perfectly, the plunging neckline dipping daringly low, framing her cleavage in a way that felt bold but effortless. The skirt flared out, light and playful, the kind that would sway with every movement.
Kamsi ran her fingers over the fabric, the rich texture whispering against her skin.
Zendaya grinned. "Girl, you'll have him speechless."
A slow, satisfied smile curled Kamsi's lips.
Perfect.
The doorbell chimed, its crisp sound slicing through the quiet hum of conversation in the kitchen.
Felicia, Kamsi's mother, jolted upright, hastily untying her apron. "Oh my goodness, they're here!" she gasped, smoothing down her dress as she hurried toward the door.
Kamsi, halfway down the stairs, froze. No. No way.
"You didn't tell me they were coming now!" she hissed, eyes darting to her mother in panic.
Felicia barely spared her a glance as she opened the door, greeting Laura Hart with a warm, practiced smile. "Laura! Welcome, please come in!"
Laura stepped inside, effortlessly graceful in an elegant dress, her presence filling the room with warmth. "Felicia, your home looks lovely," she said, her eyes sweeping over the well-set dining table.
Felicia beamed. "Thank you! And your children—They are so good-looking !"
Xavier entered next, his easy smile in place as he extended a bottle of wine. "Mom insisted we bring this," he said, his voice smooth but laced with amusement.
Felicia chuckled, taking it with a nod. "Your son is such a gentleman."
Behind him, Ruby trailed in with a sigh, her arms crossed in reluctant defeat. She gave the house a quick once-over before muttering, "This better not take forever."
Xavier shot her a look. "Ruby."
"What? Just saying." She plopped down on the couch with the air of someone forced into social captivity.
Felicia laughed softly before glancing over her shoulder. "Oh, my daughter Kamsi is around here somewhere. She's a bit upset with me, I'm afraid."
Laura gave a knowing smile. "Oh, I understand. My kids weren't thrilled about coming either."
At that moment, the rhythmic *click* of heels against the wooden stairs pulled all attention to the staircase.
Kamsi stepped into view, her movements poised, but inside, her heart pounded. She could *feel* their eyes on her. The fitted bodice of her vibrant Ankara dress hugged her curves, the flared skirt swishing with each step. Gold jewelry glinted against her skin, and her dark curls cascaded over one shoulder.
She resisted the urge to adjust her dress, her fingers twitching at her sides. Had she overdone it? Was this too much?
But then—she saw him.
Xavier's gaze locked onto her, his posture going rigid as if someone had yanked the breath from his lungs. His easygoing smirk vanished, replaced by something unreadable.
Heat coiled in Kamsi's stomach, her nerves morphing into something else entirely. Maybe not.
Felicia blinked in surprise before breaking into a wide smile. "Oh my goodness, Kamsi! You look... stunning!"
Laura let out a soft gasp. "Felicia, your daughter is absolutely gorgeous."
Kamsi felt her cheeks warm, but she smiled through it, pushing down the flutter in her chest. She strode forward, her confidence returning with every step. "Good evening, ma'am," she greeted Laura smoothly. "Welcome."
Xavier still hadn't moved.
Ruby, ever observant, smirked. Leaning in, she whispered, "Bro, keep making it obvious."
Xavier barely registered the jab. His fingers twitched against his pants, resisting the urge to straighten his shirt. He swallowed hard, forcing himself to breathe normally.
Felicia clapped her hands together. "Shall we head to the table?"
Xavier snapped out of it just in time to follow. He nearly tripped over his own feet. Get it together.
They settled into their seats, Xavier finding himself directly across from Kamsi. She glanced up at him through dark lashes, her lips curving in a way that made his pulse stutter.
He should say something. Anything.
Instead, he smirked and sent her a wink.
Kamsi raised a brow, unimpressed—but the slight blush at the tips of her ears gave her away.
Then, just as he picked up his fork, she winked back.
His grip faltered, and the fork clattered against the plate.
Ruby snorted beside him. "Smooth."
Kamsi simply smirked, tilting her head as if to say, Gotcha.
Xavier exhaled sharply. Yeah. This dinner was going to be interesting.