Becoming Us (COMPLETE)

*Twenty One*

As we strolled through Vines holding hands, I relaxed. I'd been worried that my thigh length, v-neck sundress would be too plain—even though the navy material with tiny white flowers was about as frilly as I got—but it was fine. We didn't stand out at all in the sea of eclectic styles filling the sidewalks.

Well, Tre was turning heads, but that was because his tan shorts and teal, short-sleeved button-up fit perfectly, accentuating his biceps and wide shoulders, and the bright color looked fantastic against his dark skin. He was gorgeous.

I scanned the area as we walked, checking out shops you couldn't find anywhere but here. There were several boutiques with handmade decorative items, one full of stained-glass window art, and clothing stores that sold things you'd never see in a chain, with bold cuts and one of a kind looks.

Even with so much to see, my gaze kept coming back to Tre. Powerful arms that held me so gently. Dark eyes that crinkled at the corners when he smiled. Strong, smooth jaw freshly shaved this morning and begging to be touched. Full, soft lips that—

"Woah, baby." Tre grabbed my waist and pulled me in front of him. A pack of kids raced by, and I realized a twelve-year-old on a scooter almost took me down.

"Thanks. That would've hurt."

"If you'd stop checking me out, you'd have seen them."

I scoffed. "I was not."

Tre arched an eyebrow that said he didn't believe me and led us around a corner. The sidewalk was less crowded, and the area seemed to cater to the high-end stores with fancy display windows.

"Okay, maybe I was staring a little." I giggled. "It's kinda rude to point it out, though."

His smile made my heart race as he hugged my shoulders and whispered, "Stare all you want, baby. I've been watching your titties bounce with your step since we got here."

Heat blossomed on my cheeks as he kissed my temple. "This dress fits you like a fucking dream." His thumb trailed from the curve of my shoulder to my nape, making me shiver. "And you know I love your hair like this."

"Thanks." The word was a breath. It was too hot to leave it down, so I'd pulled it up in a messy bun. It was nothing special, but as usual, Tre made me feel beautiful.

"Here we are." Tre stopped in front of a gallery with a large gold script sign that read Spectacle. He opened the door and stepped back, letting me enter ahead of him.

White free-standing pedestals were spread through the huge open room. Each one held a different type of art—everything from a small copper statue to a huge wooden bowl. Paintings of every size lined the walls. Styles ranging from abstract to realism and a few pieces of bright pop art.

I didn't realize my mouth had fallen open until Tre tapped my chin and grinned. "I'm glad you like it."

"This place is so cool. I've never been anywhere like this."

"Tre!" An Asian woman across the room turned from the person she was with and waved. "One moment, dear."

Tre tipped his head in acknowledgement and rested his palm on my lower back.

My chest tightened as I studied her. Jet black hair fell in a shining sheet to narrow shoulders. She wore wide-leg black silk pants with a flowing red top that hung from her reedy frame, giving the impression she was floating. This person could hop onto one of these pedestals and easily blend in with the art.

"That's Vivian. She's the owner," Tre spoke softly as he guided me toward a painting on the opposite side of the room. "This is new." His eyes narrowed as he took in every detail. "What do you think?"