Total pages in book: 123
Estimated words: 115833 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 579(@200wpm)___ 463(@250wpm)___ 386(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 115833 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 579(@200wpm)___ 463(@250wpm)___ 386(@300wpm)
“Now you just sound like an attorney,” I said, gripping the edge of the counter and focusing on Camille. “Out of respect for her and her company, I wouldn’t let that happen.”
“All right,” Camille murmured. “Well, I know I can’t tell you what to do, so just be careful. Okay, playboy?”
I flashed her a smile. “I’m always careful.”
“And put some of her good lotion on your ashy-ass face,” Whitney said as she opened another bag of chips.
I couldn’t help laughing at that. “I’ll hit y’all later.”
“Bye, Deke,” Whitney sang.
“Behave, brother,” Camille added with an inclined brow.
When the screen went black, I studied my reflection again. All I could think was maybe my sisters were right. My ego was making me do some dumb shit.
But the night was already set, and though I could’ve had Arnold contact Davina and cancel, something told me I would regret not seeing her again.
And if there was one thing about me, I was going to follow that inner voice.
I didn’t know what it was about that woman. I admit, it had been the curve of her ass in those bright-peach pants and the full breasts beneath her shirt that had caught my eye first.
But then I looked at her—really looked at her—and felt like I’d been struck by a tiny bolt of lightning. Something buzzed between us—something I couldn’t quite explain.
All I knew was that I had to know more about her.
Who was this woman, and where had she been for the past thirty-three years of my life?
Davina was a magnet. From the moment I’d entered that office, she’d had an intense pull on me, and oddly enough, I wanted to feel that pull again.
FOUR
DAVINA
I was right. Deke definitely wanted his ego stroked.
Standing at the back of the restaurant, Deke grinned with two women in short, shimmery dresses while holding one of their phones in the air.
“Give me a smile, ladies,” he said, his voice as smooth as satin, and the women giggled behind bright smiles, hands on hips and elbows popped out as they peered up at the phone for a selfie. “There you go.”
He handed the phone back to one of them, and they thanked him graciously before wandering to their seats. That didn’t stop them from giggling and gawking at him, though.
When Deke caught sight of me, his mouth turned up, and those dimples of his made yet another appearance. With his eyes all soft and relaxed, he looked innocent, boyish even.
“Did I interrupt your little threesome?” I asked.
Deke’s smile slipped, and his eyes widened. “My what?”
I felt a prickle on my forehead. Yeah, I was about to break a sweat from the stress of this moment. Why would I ask that? Just be normal, Davina!
To my good fortune, Deke busted out laughing, and my shoulders relaxed.
“I’m sorry. That was so unprofessional of me.” I laughed nervously and waved a hand, hoping to dismiss the awkwardness.
“Trust me, I’ve heard worse. Don’t sweat it,” he said.
A man in all black waltzed up to the table, with a tray in hand and two cocktails on top of it.
Deke took both drinks off the tray and offered one to me. “They say this drink is the best in the house.”
“Oh, I, um . . .” I glanced down at the drink. It looked yummy enough, topped with flowers, sugar crystals, and a purply liquid. It was very aesthetic . . . but I couldn’t drink it.
“Shit. Let me guess.” Deke set the spare drink down on the table. “You don’t drink?”
“I . . . don’t as much anymore. Just a personal choice. I’m so sorry.” I forced a smile at him, adjusting the strap of my purse on my shoulder. I was butchering this night.
“Ah, see. That’s my fault for assuming things.”
“If that poses any issues, I apologize,” I added as he signaled for the waiter to come back.
“An issue? Over alcohol? Nah. If anything, you’ve gained more of my respect. Do you know how hard it is not to drink in America?”
I couldn’t help laughing at that. He had a point.
“Hey, man. You think you can take these back and bring us some waters, please?” he asked the waiter. “Lemon in mine would be good.” Deke’s head swung so that his eyes met mine. “Lemon?”
“Uh, sure. Yeah.”
“Lemon in both,” Deke told him. “And don’t let those drinks go to waste. Send them to the girls over there.” He pointed at the two he’d taken a selfie with.
The waiter nodded, collected the pretty drinks, and scurried away. I watched as he placed them down on the girls’ table and said something. The girls immediately looked at Deke and squealed “Oh my God! Thank you!” in unison.
He gave them a swift nod before returning his focus to me. Pulling out one of the chairs at our table, he gestured to it and said, “For you.”