Page 111 of Prickly Romance

Niko eats while watching television with the captions on and I retire to my room early.

Taking out my phone, I scroll to Dejonae’s number.

My hands shake slightly.

It has been a while since I have expressed interest in anyone. With Ashanti, it was easy. She had clearly been interested in me. Although we were different in some areas, I did not have to worry about her being younger than me or working in my foundation.

Come on, Sazuki.

I gather my courage and call Dejonae.

The line rings.

Once.

Twice.

“Hello?” Her voice is soft. Hesitant.

My heart beats a frantic rhythm against my ribs.

“Miss Williams,” I pause. Lick my lips. “Dejonae…”

“Do you need something?” Confusion seeps into her tone.

“I…” My body turns to steel, tension racing through me like a live current.

Why is it so easy for me to play for a live audience, command boardrooms, and build a music hall from the ground up, and yet asking a woman out makes me feel as though I am jumping out of a plane.

“If this is about me leaving work early today, I sincerely had a group project this time. I wasn’t lying.”

“No, that is not why I called.”

“Then?”

I say in a firm voice, “A reporter will be visiting the office tomorrow. I won’t have time to do the interview.”

“Okay. No problem. I can do it.”

My eyebrows jump at her confidence.

“Can I talk about the MTB?”

“We are starting to leak more information about the MTB, but it is not ready for mass release yet. You may hint at it if it comes up.” I clear my throat. This is not the direction I expected the conversation to go, but perhaps it is best. What I have to say to Dejonae is best delivered in person anyway.

“Understood.”

“This is the foundation’s very first interview with the public,” I remind her.

“It’ll go well. Trust me.”

“I do,” I say.

She goes quiet.

“I do trust you, Dejonae,” I whisper.

“Thank you. I won’t let you down.”

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