Total pages in book: 72
Estimated words: 67355 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 337(@200wpm)___ 269(@250wpm)___ 225(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 67355 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 337(@200wpm)___ 269(@250wpm)___ 225(@300wpm)
“That sounds like a lot of traveling in a few days. I hope you’re resting.”
He chuckles lightly. “Careful, Zora. You almost sound like you care about me.”
“It’s called being a decent human being, Jackson. You should try it sometime.” The instant the words leave my mouth, I regret it and I’m not sure why I should feel guilty but there’s something in his voice that’s throwing me off.
“Hmph. I guess I deserve that.”
“I didn’t mean to be so harsh.”
“There’s no need to apologize. In fact, when I get back, the two of us need to have a serious talk.”
“About what, Jackson?”
“About us. I think we’ve both been avoiding the inevitable and I don’t think ours issues will be resolved until we do.”
I find no need in protesting because he’s right. There’s so much history between us that needs to be hashed out that simply can’t be resolved with a romp between the sheets.
“Okay.”
“I should try to catch some shut eye before my flight. It’s hard for me to fall asleep on planes.”
“Safe travels,” I whisper.
“Zora?”
“Yes?”
Again a long lull in conversation follows before he says, “Never mind. You take care.”
“I will. Goodbye.”
As far as conversations went it wasn’t a bad one but I had an ominous feeling something bad was going to happen.
22
ZORA
After visiting my dad for the day, I raced back to the condo to shower and change. Since the Silver Dollar is an upscale establishment, I picked one of my nicer dresses, a green spaghetti strap cocktail dress that hugs my curves. I wear a white belt to make my waist appear smaller. I always feel good when I wear this outfit.
I pulled my hair into a bun and put on a minimal amount of makeup. I opted to wear a pair of white heels to give myself a boost in height.
By the time I arrive Owen is waiting for me in the lobby.
We hug and he drops a kiss on my cheek. “It’s so good to see your face.”
“I’m sorry I’m late, I had to check on my dad before I got here.”
“No problem. Our table is ready, but I wanted to wait for you. You look fantastic by the way.”
“Thank you.” His gaze sweeps the length of my body and for the first time I begin to think it was a mistake coming out here tonight. I kind of suspected he was attracted to me, but the way his eyes keep returning to my body, confirms it.
I didn’t dress up for his sake, but to feel good about myself. Now I wish I would have chosen a more conservative outfit.
When the hostess leads us to our table, he places his hand on the small of my back to escort me and I immediately scoot away from what I consider an intimate act.
When Jackson did that to me, for some reason, it didn’t cross my mind to pull away from him, yet for some reason, I have an adverse reaction to my boss’s touch. I’m certain he means no harm so I’m not sure why I feel this way.
As soon as we sit down, a waiter in a crisp white shirt and black slacks appears at our table to pour water into the empty crystal goblets in front of us, and offer warm bread.
Once he takes our drink orders, he disappears.
“This place is really swanky.” Owen smiles as he takes in the ambiance of our setting. This place is even nicer than the Italian restaurant I’d gone to with Lea. The room was tastefully decorated in gold and black. A string quartet plays classical music in the corner and there’s a grand piano off to the side which I’m sure will be played sometime later.
“Yes, it is,” I agree looking at the menu.
“Have you ever been here before?”
“Once. I had a salad and soup because I was terrified of ordering anything too expensive because I didn’t want my father to spend too much money.”
“And how was the salad and soup?”
I giggle. “I remember it being really good.”
“Well you can order whatever you like tonight. I promise I won’t bat an eye.”
“That’s very generous of you. So, how are things back at the office?”
“It’s kind of empty without you, Zora. The other therapists miss you. I miss you.”
I keep my eyes glued to the menu afraid to meet his gaze. “I miss y’all too,” I answer noncommittally.
“Hmm, everything looks really good here. I think I may get the porterhouse. I haven’t had a decent steak in ages.”
“That’s a big cut of meat.”
“I can handle it. Oh yeah? Don’t complain when you get the meat sweats,” I tease.
He grins, revealing most of his teeth. He has a nice smile, but it’s not like Jackson’s smiles. Jackson could be in a toothpaste commercial.
Dammit. Why does my thoughts keep drifting to that man? I should be relieved that he’s out of town.