xxix. THE 60th GRAMMYS.
January 28, 2018. | Third Person POV.
New York City, New York.

The day of the Grammys was unlike any other. Sedona's nerves were a tangled mess as she sat in her hotel suite at The Ritz-Carlton, New York, staring at the array of designer dresses sprawled out across the room. The city buzzed beneath her, but her focus was locked on tonight's momentous event. She was nominated in all the major R&B categories, performing on the biggest stage of her career, and on top of it all, she was Kendrick Lamar's date for the night. 

Well, not technically. Officially, they were just friends. That's what she told herself every time her heart skipped a beat at the thought of spending the night with him. 

In the suite next door, Kendrick adjusted the hem of his custom black suit-like attire, his mind racing. The Grammys weren't new to him, but tonight felt... different. It wasn't just about his music or the accolades. It was Sedona. He didn't know when it started, but she had become an anchor in his chaotic life. Watching her rise in the industry had been a privilege, and tonight, he couldn't help but feel proud—and nervous. 

As the clock ticked closer to their departure, Sedona's glam team fussed over her final look. She opted for a sleek, off-the-shoulder black velvet gown that hugged her curves perfectly, paired with a diamond necklace and elegant makeup. Her hair was swept into a voluminous updo, soft tendrils framing her face. She wanted to exude confidence, even though inside she felt like her heart might burst. 

When the knock on her door finally came, she took one last look in the mirror before gliding across the room to open it. 

Kendrick stood there, dressed in his Grammy outfit—an all-black ensemble that radiated effortless cool. But as composed as he appeared, he was utterly floored when he saw her. His gaze swept over her from head to toe, lingering just long enough for her to blush. 

"Damn," He muttered under his breath, breaking into a grin. "You look... stunning." 

Sedona's lips curved into a smile, but her stomach flipped. "You clean up pretty nice yourself, Lamar." 

They shared a moment of quiet admiration before Kendrick extended his arm to her. "Ready to make these people talk?" 

She laughed softly, linking her arm with his. "Let's do it."

As they slid into the backseat of the sleek black car, Sedona couldn't resist pulling out her phone. 

"Alright, we need a few selfies. For the memories," She teased, angling the phone toward them. 

Kendrick groaned playfully. "Man, you and these selfies..."

"Shut up and smile." 

He obliged, and they took a few shots together—her radiant and poised, him cool and collected, though his smile was undeniably genuine. She scrolled through the photos with a satisfied grin before tucking her phone away. 

"You happy now?" Kendrick asked, feigning annoyance. 

"Extremely," She replied, leaning back into her seat. 

When they arrived at Madison Square Garden, the flashing lights were almost blinding. Kendrick stepped out first, turning to offer his hand to Sedona. Cameras immediately went wild as she emerged from the car, her gown catching the light beautifully. 

The red carpet was alive with flashing cameras and the murmur of excited voices as Sedona and Kendrick stood side by side, the pairing already drawing whispers and raised eyebrows. Sedona's sleek gown shimmered under the lights, every detail of her look carefully curated to perfection. Kendrick stood beside her, his cool and collected demeanor a perfect balance to her radiant presence. 

Hand in hand, they made their way to the red carpet, pausing for photos together and separately. The buzz around them was palpable—two of the night's biggest nominees walking in together. 

As they neared the end of the carpet, a well-known interviewer approached them, microphone in hand and an eager smile on her face. "Sedona! Kendrick! Two of the most talked-about artists tonight. How are you both feeling about the big night?" 

Sedona adjusted the small clutch in her hand, flashing a confident smile. "It's surreal, honestly. I'm just excited to be here and to celebrate music with everyone. It's a huge night for all of us." 

Kendrick nodded in agreement. "It's about celebrating the culture and the work we've all put in. Nights like this are reminders of why we do it." 

"So... new couple alert?" The interviewer asked with a sly smile. 

Sedona was quick to shake her head, though her heart clenched. "No. Just friends being each other's date for the night," She said with a practiced smile. "Also stay tuned because the tour's coming real soon."

Kendrick nodded in agreement, but the tension between them was almost tangible. They both knew there was more beneath the surface, but neither was ready to address it—not here, not now.

The interviewer beamed at their responses before leaning in slightly, the energy between them palpable. "Now, Sedona, you've got a major performance lined up tonight. No spoilers, but what can the audience expect from you on that stage?" 

Sedona's smile turned playful, her eyes twinkling. "All I'll say is, expect something different. Lot's of energy. I want people to feel every word, every beat, and leave knowing exactly who I am." 

The interviewer turned her attention to Kendrick, an intrigued glint in her eye. "And Kendrick, you have a performance tonight, what do you want the audience to take from it. Also with Sedona as your date what do you think of her look tonight, and what are you most looking forward to?" 

Kendrick's lips quirked into a faint smirk as he glanced at Sedona, his gaze lingering for just a moment longer than necessary. "Beautiful," He answered simply, his deep voice steady but genuine. "She's stunning tonight—like she always is. And I can't wait to see her perform. It's her night, and I know she's about to kill it." 

"As for the audience, I want them to take in the reality and realness that I'm bringing to the forefront."

Sedona's cheeks flushed lightly, but she maintained her poise, her smile softening as she glanced over at him. "Thank you," She murmured, her voice low but filled with appreciation. 

The interviewer, clearly delighted by the exchange, leaned back with a grin. "Well, it seems like there's a lot of mutual admiration here. Best of luck to both of you tonight—we'll all be watching closely!" 

As they moved further down the red carpet, Sedona nudged Kendrick lightly. "Beautiful, huh?" 

Kendrick chuckled under his breath, keeping his eyes forward. "Just calling it how I see it." 

Sedona shook her head with a small laugh, her confidence soaring as they faced the flashing cameras together, a duo that commanded attention with every step. 

Their seats were front and center, right next to each other. Top Dawg sat directly behind them, along with Rihanna, who greeted them warmly. 

The show began, and the anticipation in the air was electric. Sedona clapped and cheered for the opening performances, but as the night progressed, the R&B categories loomed closer. She was visibly nervous, fidgeting with her gown. 

Kendrick leaned over, his voice low. "Relax. You got this." 

She gave him a small smile, grateful for his reassurance. 

Finally, the announcement for Best R&B Performance came. 

"And the Grammy goes to... Sedona for 'Distraction'!" 

Her jaw dropped, and she instinctively grabbed Kendrick's arm before standing. The crowd erupted in applause as she made her way to the stage. 

Sedona steps onto the stage, and gracefully accepts the gleaming Grammy trophy in her hand. She pauses for a moment, looking out at the audience, her expression a mix of gratitude and disbelief. The room falls silent, the weight of the moment palpable. She takes a breath before speaking into the microphone.

"Wow. I did not prepare a speech, so I'll just lay it all on the table. First of all, I want to say... thank you. Thank you to the Recording Academy for this honor, but most importantly, thank you to every single person who's ever believed in me, even when I struggled to believe in myself. Music to me was the only place where I felt seen, the only space where I could lay it all bare—my fears, my failures, my hopes, my dreams. And now, to stand here, holding this... it's beyond overwhelming. At twenty-seven I never would've thought I'd be here right now but with the grace of God, it's safe to say that I made it."

"To my team, my family, my friends—you guys built the foundation for me to even do what I love and that's music. To the fans—my people. Y'all are the reason I'm here. You've taken my words, my pain, my joy, and made them your own. You've reminded me that art connects us in ways nothing else can. Every stream, every ticket, every message... it means everything to me."

"But I also want to take a moment to acknowledge something bigger than myself. This award isn't just for me. It's for the little Black girls sitting in their rooms right now, feeling invisible, feeling unheard. Baby girl, your voice matters. Your dreams matter. You matter. If I can stand here, so can you."

"To anyone who feels like they're not enough, like their story doesn't matter—this is proof that it does. This is proof that you can take every 'no,' every setback, every closed door, and turn it into a reason to fight harder."

"Tonight, I'm reminded that the journey is what makes us. The sleepless nights, the doubt, the tears—they're part of the story. And every single part of it is worth it when you get to stand in your truth and share it with the world."

"Lastly, I want to dedicate this to my mom, who always told me, 'When you feel like giving up, that's when you're closest to the breakthrough.' Mama, you were right. My dad, who I miss so, so, much and to my little brother Ezekiel, love you."

"Thank you. Thank you for allowing me to be seen, to be heard, and to be felt. This is for all of us." She holds the trophy up, her eyes glistening with tears, and the audience erupts in applause, standing in awe of her raw vulnerability and power.

The night only got better when she won Best R&B Song for the same track. Backstage was buzzing with energy, cameras flashing and voices echoing through the hallways, but none of it registered to Sedona. She stepped off the stage with both her Grammys clutched tightly in her hands, her heart still pounding from the overwhelming moment. A bright, almost childlike smile lit up her face as she caught sight of Monica standing backstage, waiting with open arms.

"There she is! My superstar!" Monica exclaimed, her voice brimming with pride.

Sedona barely made it two steps before Monica pulled her into a warm embrace, careful not to crush the awards in her hands. The manager's arms wrapped tightly around her, and for a moment, it was as if time stood still.

"You did it," Monica whispered into her ear, her voice thick with emotion. "You really, really did it."

Sedona pulled back, her eyes glassy but her smile unwavering. "We did it," she corrected, lifting one of the trophies slightly. "None of this would've happened without you keeping me sane. I mean, you've been on my ass, practically dragging me to half those meetings."

Monica laughed, wiping a stray tear from the corner of her eye. "Sane is a strong word for you, Syd. But I'll take the credit where it's due."

The two shared a knowing look, the kind only years of friendship and hard work could create. Sedona glanced down at the trophies, her fingers brushing over the engraved plates, the reality of it all still sinking in.

"I don't even know how to process this," Sedona admitted softly, her voice almost lost in the commotion around them. "Two Grammys in one night... again. It feels like a dream."

Monica placed her hands on Sedona's shoulders, grounding her. "Well, start processing, girl. Because this is just the beginning. The world's watching now, and you've got everyone right where you want them."

Sedona nodded, her confidence slowly catching up to the moment. "You're right. We're just getting started."

A photographer called out for a quick picture, and Sedona turned to the camera, flashing a radiant smile, her two Grammys gleaming under the backstage lights. Monica stood just behind her, arms crossed and a proud smirk on her face, already mentally planning the next big move.

As the chaos of the backstage swirled around them, Sedona couldn't help but feel an unshakable sense of gratitude—for the journey, for her team, and for the people who believed in her even when she doubted herself. For the first time in a long time, she felt unstoppable. By the time she returned to her seat, two golden Grammys with her name on it, she was glowing. 

Kendrick leaned in. "Told you." 

"Alright, Mr. Prophet," She teased, still grinning. 

Soon enough she found herself getting whisked away for her performance.

—

The stage was dark, with only the faint sound of soft whispers and the hum of excitement from the audience filling Madison Square Garden. Camila Cabello's voice boomed through the venue, her tone playful yet sincere.

"Now, she's not your average singer. I'm sure you've sung along to many of her songs and watched as she dominated the charts with her debut album. Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome... Sedona!"

The crowd erupted into deafening cheers as the spotlight illuminated Sedona, standing center stage in an all-black ensemble. The outfit was sleek, form-fitting, and understated, as if she were hiding something underneath. A dramatic black trench coat swept around her as she moved, paired with shimmery heels  that clicked against the stage floor.

The haunting opening notes of "Distraction" filled the venue, and Sedona began to sing, her rich, soulful voice immediately captivating the room. Her dancers emerged from the shadows, moving in perfect synchronization as Sedona swayed, her vocals sharp and crisp.

With each verse, the choreography grew more intricate, Sedona matching her dancers' steps effortlessly. Her hips rolled with precision, her arms fluid as if every movement was an extension of the song's emotion. When the beat dropped into the final chorus, Sedona belted out the climactic high note, holding it steady and strong.

"Are you down to be...?"

The lights went out abruptly, leaving the audience gasping in surprise.

For a brief moment, there was silence. Then, whispers could be heard—subtle, scattered, growing louder.

The lights flickered back on, revealing Sedona's dancers scattered throughout the audience, each holding up newspapers with bold black letters: "04/20/18: NEW ALBUM." The murmurs among the dancers became louder, audible even over the crowd's roar.

"Haven't you heard? Sedona's back!"
"I heard she's dropping a new album!"
"Let's hope it's better than her last one!"

Suddenly, the bass-heavy beat of "Push 2 Start" pulsed through the speakers, rattling the walls.

Sedona's voice came in smooth, her tone sultry, confident: "The way we move, uh, skin on to skin. No separation, need no competition, nah, nah, nah."

The spotlight found her again, this time seated casually in the audience—next to none other than Tyler, The Creator. Dressed in an electrifying carnival-inspired outfit, Sedona gleamed like a jewel. Her jeweled bustier sparkled under the lights, and the intricate details of her ripped, embellished jeans hinted at her Jamaican heritage. A crown-like headpiece rested atop her curly hair, perfectly tying the look together.

She sang the lyrics while leaning slightly toward Tyler, who looked amused, nodding to the beat. Then, with the command of a queen, Sedona rose from her seat, her voice growing stronger and more assertive. Strutting down the aisle, she made her way to the stage, the crowd eating up every second of her presence.

As the stage transformed into a tropical paradise—a vibrant explosion of greens, yellows, and reds reminiscent of Jamaica's lush landscapes—Sedona's dancers joined her, now dressed in similarly vibrant carnival-inspired attire.

The choreography was electric. Sedona and her dancers moved with unparalleled energy, their moves a fusion of Caribbean wine and modern hip-hop. She dipped low, her body rolling as she descended into a squat, then spun around with precision. The audience erupted as she hit every beat with perfection. Her voice never wavered, delivering each line with the fire and confidence of a seasoned performer.

Kendrick watched from the audience, arms crossed, a look of stunned disbelief on his face. He couldn't take his eyes off her. The way she commanded the stage, the way her voice soared, the way her movements embodied every word of her music—it was mesmerizing. For Kendrick, the performance solidified what he already knew but had been hesitant to admit to himself: Sedona was in a league of her own.

The final chorus of "Push 2 Start" came to a climactic end, Sedona throwing her head back as the lights burst into a rainbow of colors. The crowd leaped to their feet, roaring with applause. A standing ovation swept through Madison Square Garden, with every artist in attendance—from Rihanna to Bruno Mars—clapping and cheering.

Kendrick, still rooted to his spot, finally joined the standing ovation, his hands coming together in slow, deliberate applause. A small, proud smirk played on his lips, though his eyes betrayed something deeper—something softer.

The moment Sedona stepped off the stage, her dancers surrounded her, cheering and jumping with excitement. She beamed at them, her hands clutching theirs as she shouted, "We killed it, y'all! Thank you for making this happen!"

Her team stood nearby, clapping and shouting their congratulations. Monica rushed forward, wrapping Sedona in a tight hug. "Girl, you did that! You did that!"

"Thank you, Mo!" Sedona laughed, her voice still tinged with adrenaline.

The group quickly set up for post-performance photos. Sedona posed with her dancers, throwing up peace signs and playful smirks, then took a series of solo shots. Her jeweled outfit sparkled under the backstage lights, and her radiant smile reflected the pride she felt.

As she glanced at her phone, scrolling through messages of praise from friends and family, her thoughts briefly drifted to Kendrick. She wondered what he thought of her performance—if he had seen her in the same way she saw him during his shows: as a force of nature, unstoppable and unforgettable.

But there wasn't much time to linger on the thought. There were still awards to win, moments to savor, and a night to celebrate.

For Sedona, this was more than a performance. It was a statement—a reminder to the world that she was here to stay, and she was only just getting started.

Later, Kendrick hit the stage with an explosive medley of "XXX," "DNA," "Big Shot," "New Freezer," and "King's Dead." His performance was raw and powerful, a reminder of why he was at the top of his game. 

The rest of the night was a whirlwind of triumphs and emotions for Sedona and Kendrick. After her electrifying performance, Sedona returned to her seat in the venue just in time to see the announcement of the Best Rap Album category. Kendrick sat beside her, calm on the surface but visibly tense as he tapped his fingers against his thigh.

"And the Grammy for Best Rap Album goes to... DAMN. by Kendrick Lamar!" 

The crowd exploded, and Sedona leaned into him, whispering, "You did it, K." 

Kendrick turned to her with a grateful smile, as he softly replied, "Thank you." 

Kendrick rose from his seat, hugging Sedona tightly before making his way to the stage. As he stood at the podium, holding his Grammy, he glanced back at Sedona in the audience. She gave him an encouraging nod, clapping wildly. 

His acceptance speech was heartfelt, touching on everything from his creative process to his gratitude for his family, team, and fans. "This is a special award because of rap music," He said to the audience, "This is the thing that got me on the stage, got me to tour around the world and support my family and all that. Most importantly, it showed me the true definition of what being an artist was. From the jump, I thought it was about the accolades and the cars and the clothes. But it's really about expressing yourself and putting that paint on the canvas for the world to evolve for the next listener, the next generation after that... Hip-hop has done that for me." 

The crowd cheered, and Sedona clapped. She smiled, mouthing a simple "I know that's right" Before he disappeared backstage.

By the end of the night, both Sedona and Kendrick had swept their respective categories, their arms filled with gold trophies. The energy in Madison Square Garden was electric, but neither of them could deny the sense of relief that washed over them as the ceremony finally came to a close. 

As the show wrapped up, Sedona and Kendrick found themselves backstage, holding their respective Grammys. 

"Well," Sedona said, glancing at him with a smile, "I'd say tonight was a success." 

Kendrick chuckled. "Yeah, it was." He hesitated for a moment before adding, "You know... you killed it out there. I'm proud of you." 

Her cheeks flushed. "Thanks, Kendrick. That means a lot." 

"Ready for the after-party?" Kendrick questioned with a small brow.

Sedona grinned. "You know I'm not skipping that. But first..." She glanced at her trophies, hugging them to her chest. "I need a moment to just breathe this all in." 

They found a quiet corner backstage where the noise of the crowd faded. Sedona set her trophies down on a small table, running her fingers over one of the golden gramophones. "I still can't believe this is real," She said, her voice soft. 

Kendrick leaned against the wall, watching her with a fond expression. "It's real, D. You earned every single one of them. Ain't nobody out here touching what you do." 

She turned to him, her eyes glinting with gratitude. "Thank you. Even though we've known each other for on short notice it feels like it's been forever." 

He nodded, and for a moment, their eyes locked. The world around them seemed to fade, the weight of unspoken feelings hanging heavily in the air. Sedona wanted to say more, to tell him how much his support meant to her, but she couldn't find the words. 

Kendrick broke the moment with a soft chuckle. "We better get outta here before they send a search party."   

—

The after-party was a luxurious affair, at the 1-Oak nightclub filled with industry heavyweights, dazzling lights, and an endless supply of champagne. Sedona and Kendrick arrived together, sparking yet another wave of curiosity and speculation among attendees. 

"Y'all really out here acting like a couple," teased Rihanna as she approached them with a playful smirk. She leaned in to hug Sedona, then Kendrick. "You look good together. Just sayin'." 

Sedona laughed, brushing it off. "Just friends," She said, though the words felt hollow even to her. 

As the night went on, Sedona found herself swept up in congratulations and conversations. She danced, laughed, and took pictures with her fellow artists, but her gaze kept drifting back to Kendrick. He stood on the other side of the room, deep in conversation with Top Dawg, but every now and then, she caught him looking at her too. 

As the party began to wind down, Sedona slipped outside for some fresh air. The cool night breeze was a welcome contrast to the warmth and chaos inside. She leaned against the railing, staring out at the city lights. 

"Escaping already?" 

She turned to see Kendrick walking toward her, his hands in his pockets. 

"Just needed a minute," She said with a small smile. "What about you?" 

He shrugged, stepping closer. "Guess I was looking for you." 

Her heart skipped a beat at his words, but she kept her composure. "Oh yeah? Why's that?" 

Kendrick leaned against the railing beside her, his gaze fixed on the skyline. "I was thinkin'... about what you said earlier. About this bein' a big night. You were right. But it ain't just the awards, or the performance, or any of that. It's you." 

She looked at him, her breath catching in her throat. 

"You've been on my mind for a minute now," he admitted, his voice low but steady. "And I ain't tryna mess this up, but I feel like... I can't keep actin' like I don't see it. What we got. What we could have." 

Sedona's chest tightened, and she knew that it was not just the dress but it was her emotions threatening to spill over. "Kendrick..." 

He turned to face her, his eyes earnest. "If you feel the same way, just say the word. If not... we can keep doin' this, pretendin' we're just friends. But I had to let you know." 

For a moment, Sedona couldn't speak. She searched his face, seeing the vulnerability in his expression, the way he was letting his guard down just for her. 

Finally, Sedona smiled, a slow, unguarded curve of her lips that lit up the shadows in her eyes. Her fingers trembled slightly as she reached out, brushing Kendrick's hand before clasping it fully. The connection sent a spark up her arm, but she didn't pull away. "I feel the same way," She said softly, her voice thick with emotion. "I've been feeling it for a while now. But..." Her gaze flickered, searching his face, both yearning and hesitant. "I want a man who wants me for me. And all the highs and lows that comes with it. I'm far from perfect and at the day if you can't accept it then that's that."

Kendrick's fingers tightened around hers, his grip steady and firm, grounding her. His dark eyes burned into hers, unflinching and raw with need. "I want you," He said, his voice low and gravelly, the words carrying weight, like a vow. "Baggage and all."

She exhaled sharply, a mix of relief and disbelief, but before she could speak, he stepped closer. His free hand rose, brushing a strand of hair away from her face, lingering at her cheek as though memorizing the feel of her skin.

"How bad?" She whispered, her voice trembling, her eyes locked on his.

His jaw clenched, his gaze dropping briefly to her lips before returning to her eyes. "Real bad," Kendrick replied, his tone fierce, almost guttural. The fire between them ignited, a force neither could contain.

Sedona's breath hitched as he cupped her face fully, his thumb tracing the curve of her cheek. "You scare me," She admitted, her voice barely audible. "Because you make me want to believe this could work."

Kendrick leaned in, his forehead brushing hers, their breaths mingling. "It's going to work," He said, his intensity unwavering. "Because I'm not letting you go. Not now. Not ever."

The air between them crackled, heavy and electric. Sedona felt herself drowning in him, the world narrowing to just the two of them. Her walls, the ones she'd spent months even years building, began to crumble. And then, finally, she let them fall, leaning into him, her lips meeting his in a kiss that was as desperate as it was inevitable.

It wasn't gentle. It was heat and longing, a clash of emotions too powerful to be contained. Kendrick's arms wrapped around her, pulling her flush against him, as though he couldn't get her close enough. Sedona's hands slid into his neck, holding on as though she feared she might fall.

When they finally broke apart, both were breathless, their foreheads still touching. Sedona laughed softly, the sound shaky but real. "Okay," She murmured. "Let's see if you can handle my kind of crazy."

Kendrick's lips curved into a smirk, his thumb brushing over her lower lip. "Bring it on."

And in that moment, there was no room for doubt, only the fire between them and the unshakable pull drawing them together.

The two of them stood there together, the city lights flickering around them, their future brighter than ever.

Kendrick and Sedona lingered on the balcony, the weight of their confession settling in the cool night air. The city buzzed beneath them, but it felt like the world had slowed down just for the two of them.

Kendrick shifted slightly, turning so that he could face her fully. "So, what now?" He asked softly, his voice carrying a hint of uncertainty.

Sedona raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk tugging at her lips. "What do you mean 'what now'? You're the one who started this conversation."

He chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. "Yeah, I did. But I ain't tryna rush anything. I just... I wanna do this right."

Her heart swelled at his sincerity. "I want that too," She said. "But maybe we should keep it lowkey, at least for now. You know how people get—especially with us both being in the industry. I don't want this to turn into some media circus."

Kendrick nodded in agreement. "Yeah, I feel you. Let's keep it ours for now."

Sedona let out a quiet laugh. "Been waiting for this one," She murmured, her voice low but laced with warmth.

Kendrick's lips curved into a slow smile, his dimples deepening as he looked at her. "Me too," He admitted, his voice just as tender.

Her fingers lingered on his chest, tracing small circles as she met his gaze. "You think it was worth the wait?"

He leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a gentle murmur. "Without a doubt."

Sedona smiled, her cheeks warming as the moment settled between them. The unspoken weight they'd been carrying seemed to lift, replaced by something softer, something real.

"Guess this is how the night ends," She teased, her voice light but still brimming with emotion.

Kendrick chuckled, his hand brushing a strand of hair from her face. "The night might be over, but I don't think this is."

Her heart fluttered at his words, and as their fingers intertwined, she couldn't help but feel that he was right—this was just the beginning.

As they left the party together, the energy between them was different—softer, yet charged with an unspoken promise. The car ride back to the hotel was quiet, but not in an awkward way. Sedona leaned against Kendrick's shoulder, her eyes heavy with exhaustion but her heart light with happiness.

"You good?" He asked, his voice low.

"Better than good," She murmured, her eyes fluttering shut. "I feel amazing."

When they arrived at the hotel, Kendrick walked her to her room. Sedona had long rid herself of the heels, so all they was walk down the hallway like two teens arriving back home from prom. They paused outside the door, the weight of the night settling over them.

"I'll see you tomorrow?" She asked, her voice tinged with hope.

"You already know," He replied, leaning down to press a gentle kiss to her cheek.

Sedona smiled, her fingers brushing against his as she opened the door. "Goodnight, Kenny."

"Goodnight, Sedona."

As Sedona turned to step into her room, Kendrick's voice stopped her in her tracks.

"Wait, c'mere."

She glanced over her shoulder, only to find him standing there, looking at her with that look—the one that made her heart stumble and her breath hitch. Slowly, she stepped back toward him, curiosity and anticipation dancing in her chest.

Before she could say anything, his hands found her waist and gently pulled her closer. Kendrick leaned down, his lips capturing hers in a kiss that was slow and deliberate, yet filled with so much intensity it left her feeling like the ground beneath her had vanished.

Sedona melted into the moment, her hands instinctively moving to rest against his chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. The kiss deepened, and her knees weakened as the world around them faded into nothing. It was just him—just this.

Eventually, Sedona pulled back, a teasing smile tugging at her lips as she tried to regain her composure. "Kenny..." She said softly, her voice laced with a playful edge, "Are you trying to make me forget where my room is?"

Kendrick's gaze held hers, and the way he looked at her made her pulse quicken. His eyes, dark and intense, seemed to say everything he hadn't spoken aloud. It wasn't just desire; it was need, as if she was the only thing keeping him grounded in that moment.

All the self-respect Sedona thought she had went right out the window. She stepped closer, her hands moving up to his shoulders as she gave him another kiss—this one bolder, her body leaning into his as if to say, You win.

Kendrick pulled her even closer, his grip on her tightening slightly as he responded to her kiss with just as much fervor. When they finally broke apart, both breathless and slightly dazed, Sedona laughed softly, her forehead resting against his.

"You're dangerous," She murmured, her lips still brushing against his.

"You bring it out of me," He replied with a small grin, his thumb tracing light circles on her waist.

Reluctantly, Sedona pulled back fully this time, her fingers lingering on his for just a moment. "Goodnight, Kenny," She said again, this time with a knowing smile.

"Goodnight, Sedona."

She slipped into her room, her heart still racing, and leaned against the door once it was closed. Sedona let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding, a dreamy smile taking over her face as she touched her lips.

She was in trouble, and she knew it. But oh, what sweet trouble it was.

—

©kashdemi
Volume I- Redamancy.
Chapter Twenty-nine.
— ０１／２０／２５
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We've officially made it oh my god. After torturing y'all for so long, the long wait is finally over and they're now booed up. Both meant business and weren't playing any games. With them I didn't want to just have them get together so quickly, I wanted to build that anticipation, that honesty without it appearing unrealistic and I hope that I did my best with it.

Also happy MLK day and may he continue to rest in power.

Thoughts on the chapter? And what do you expect for the next one?

Stay tuned for the next chapter, & til next time!
- shea