Sherelle Green - Her Unexpected Valentine

Most recently, they’d each specifically been requested by a major client to do a series of Valentine’s Day commercials that would tie into the promotion of a documentary on the true meaning of love.

“I guess if I had to answer, both are fierce and leaving a mark in Hollywood.”

Monty sighed. “That’s not an answer, Kendrick.”

“Well, it’s the best one I got.”

A voice sounded on the intercom. “Meeting in ten in the main galley.”

“Let’s go now and make sure we get a seat,” Angelica said. Kendrick couldn’t help but be excited for this meeting since he was itching to get back on set. He hadn’t worked on a commercial since before the Christmas holiday.

Whenever he had too much free time on his hands, he tended to do something reckless. And by reckless, he meant he had a tendency to occupy his time with the wrong type of women.

But Bianca was definitely the right type of woman. She was funny, beautiful, had a great—yet edgy—personality. However, she wasn’t the type of woman he needed to see again. Kendrick had made a vow to focus solely on his career in hopes of landing a director role before the fall. He didn’t have time to date around, especially a woman like Bianca.

Unfortunately, he doubted he could stay away from her. She was the type of woman he always imagined he could be with. He’d been immediately drawn to her when he met her at the bar, and their date last night exceeded his expectations. He realized that he was getting more attached than he probably should.

Another date won’t hurt. Although he didn’t have any time to seriously date, he couldn’t pass up the opportunity to get to know her more. One could argue that he was thinking too much about the situation, but he’d have to disagree. If anything, he wasn’t thinking enough given all he’d been through with women in the past couple years.

“Look, I spot some seats.” Kendrick followed Angelica and Monty to three open seats in the corner of the room.

“Hey, you never did tell me why you missed poker night yesterday,” Monty said.

“I wasn’t aware that I had to give you a rundown of my schedule when I cancel,” Kendrick said with a laugh. “But if you must know, I had a date.”

Angelica rolled her eyes. “An actual date or a booty call?”

“An actual date.” Kendrick smiled as he thought about the flushed look on Bianca’s face last night when they’d almost kissed.

“I’d say it was a very good date given that smile on your face,” Angelica said. “What about all your nondating rules and avoiding love until you land a lead director role?”

“I still plan on sticking to my plan. A few harmless dates won’t hurt.”

“A few?” Monty asked. “One date and you’re already planning on seeing her again? This isn’t the Kendrick I know.”

“Very funny.” Kendrick shrugged. “I don’t know, man. It’s something about her that’s different. She has this no bullshit attitude that’s kinda refreshing. She says whatever is on her mind without caring what others may think.”

“You got all this from one date?” Angelica asked.

“Well, technically we hung out the first night we met, so I guess it’s more like two dates.”

“Two dates and Mr. Dodge Cupid’s Arrow is already planning on more dates.” Angelica gave Monty a knowing look. “Monty, I think working on these Valentine’s Day commercials is going to his head.”

“It’s not that big of a deal,” he said. “I’m just open to enjoying the company of a woman, that’s all. Nothing serious.”

“So, I take it she doesn’t work in the industry?” Monty asked. If there were any two people who worked in television who knew the drama he’d gone through with his ex, it was his two friends Monty and Angelica.

“She didn’t say what she did specifically, but I know it has to do with makeup and hair because she mentioned enjoying making up faces and designing hairstyles.”

Angelica lifted an eyebrow. “And you didn’t ask to see her résumé just to be sure?”

“I actually said she was lucky that I didn’t ask for it,” Kendrick said with a laugh. “So, no, I didn’t ask. Guys, I’m better than I used to be. Bianca and I just enjoyed one another as two people would on any first date. Nothing more.”

“Except that you want to see her again,” Monty said.

“Which says a lot, considering your past,” Angelica added. Voices in the front of the room interrupted their conversation.

“As much as I enjoy meeting up with women in my black book, it feels nice to go on a date again,” Kendrick whispered. “And this is LA, so the fact that she’s not from here and not in the television or film industry is a good thing.”

“Okay, everyone,” the producer said to the crew gathered in the packed room. “As most of you know, we’re running behind schedule with filming the commercials. Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, so we only have four weeks to finish shooting the remainder of the Valentine’s Day commercials and documentary to get them out before the holiday. That is not a lot of time, so be prepared to work overtime.”

Movement on the right side of the room got his attention as someone slid through the door, but too many people were standing for him to see who it was.

“Thank you for all your hard work so far on both projects, and now I’d like to introduce you to the new members of our team who will be filling in for the crew we lost to other projects.”

As the producer introduced the new set design team, Kendrick’s eyes were glued to the backside of a woman who felt vaguely familiar. The next moments seemed to happen in slow motion as the woman was introduced to the group, her gaze finding his as she glanced around the room. The widening of her eyes proved she was just as surprised to see him as he was to see her.

The next few minutes of the meeting flew by so quickly that Kendrick didn’t notice the woman was already headed his way until she was standing in front of him.

“Hey, KD,” she said when she approached. “You work in television?”

He didn’t answer until Angelica nudged him. “Um, yeah,” he finally said. “I have for six years.”

“Oh,” she said when he didn’t say more. “Today’s my first day in the industry.”

Of course it is, because the universe had a funny way of making him pay for his past booty calls.

“Hi, I’m Angelica Smith and this is Monty Williams.”

“Nice to meet you,” she said. “I’m Nicole LeBlanc.”

“Nicole?” Kendrick’s eyes studied hers. “You told me your name was Bianca.”

She gave a sheepish grin. “Actually, Nicole is my first name. When we met at the bar the other day, I didn’t know you so I gave you my middle name. I guess I should have corrected you yesterday.”

“So, you lied?” Kendrick said, a little harsher than he’d planned.

“It wasn’t like that,” she said. “How we met was awkward enough. Back where I’m from, women don’t just give out their name to strangers until they know a little more about them.”

“And where exactly are you from?”

She frowned. “I’m from Miami, but I’m not sure I want to answer any more of your questions based off the accusatory tone in your voice. What gives, KD?”

“KD?” Angelica questioned. When he glanced at his friends, he caught that parental look in their eyes. Angelica and Monty were only a few years older than him, but they never failed to remind him of that fact.

“I guess I can’t get on you about your name when I didn’t give you my full name either,” he said. “KD is short for Kendrick Dominic and my last name is Burrstone. Some call me KD, but most call me Kendrick.”

Her eyes softened. “Guess that makes us even.” She extended a hand. “It’s nice to officially meet you, Kendrick.”