Billie Bossa Nova

52

It was nearly noon when Kai returned from the store. Billie was on the couch, sitting cross-legged with her new puppy cuddled in between her thighs. She didn't bother looking back when she heard him approach, the tender kiss on her cheek taking her by pleasant surprise. She grinned at him.

"What did you get?" She looked to the bag he was holding.

Kai replied, "Just a few things." He reached over and stroked Shark's fur. "You're making him soft."

"What's wrong with that?" Billie frowned.

"He's a pitbull, baby. He's supposed to be vicious."

Billie gaped and smacked his arm. "He is not going to be vicious. He's gonna be friendly and sweet"

Kai shook his head. He made his way to the kitchen while saying, "Maybe I should have gotten you a golden retriever instead."

Billie snorted. She couldn't help it. Just a day ago, Finneas had called Kai exactly that. She had been annoyed back then, but now it was a little funny. Ironic of Finneas to compare such a friendly dog to someone who spoke about those types of dogs in such a dismayed attitude. If he heard her, he didn't show it. Kai returned in front of her with a glass of water and a pill.

She frowned. "What is this?"

"Our last hope at remaining happily childless. Drink." Billie took the glass and the pill from his hand. Under his scrutiny, she gulped down the pill and drank the water, handing him back the glass. He took it and went to put it away. Upon returning, he said, "I'm going to work for a few hours to get a few things done. I'll be back early, though. Need anything?"

Billie shook her head. "I'm okay. Although, speaking of work..." She stood up, placing Shark gently on the couch and took her phone from the coffee table. "I sent some things to your office yesterday, but I kinda want to know what you think now." She found the image in her phone, holding it up in front of him. He looked into the phone.

"You want those?"

Billie huffed. "No, that's not why I'm showing you. I met Lula's sister, Veronica yesterday and she designed these herself."

"Impressive."

"I know," she grinned. It was good. He was impressed. "She has a booth and she sells them at carnivals around LA for way less than they are worth. So I was thinking, if you haven't already covered everything for the mall, you could push in her own jewelry store?"

"Let me think about it."

He turned to go change, but Billie followed after him. "Why can't I just hear your answer now?" She struggled to keep up with him as he hurried up the stairs. "Kai..."

"Billie." He pushed his bedroom door open, not looking back at her as he did.

"Why can't I get an answer now? I was hoping I could get her to talk to you about it by tomorrow."

He removed his T-shirt, replacing it with a button-up shirt for work. She watched him with her eyebrows drawn in until he was fully changed. He pulled her in, cupping her cheek and gently pressing their lips together.

Billie surrendered to the kiss, allowing him to smother her lips with his own as long as he pleased. He pulled away slightly, their lips still a provocatively close distance away. "You're not allowed to ask me anything while dressed like that, Ms. Eilish."