Page 38 of Samson

Samson snickered. “If you’re not careful, Simone, you’ll give her the wrong idea.”

“You telling me I didn’t give you what you wanted?”

“You were very helpful.”

“Sorry to interrupt your evening,” Delilah said.

“You didn’t interrupt anything.” He kept his eyes on her as though he was trying to dissect her response.

Simone poked him playfully. “I didn’t know you were the shy type.” Her head jerked around when she heard the sirens. “I gotta get going. I don’t want to stick around for this.”

“Why don’t you wait in my car? I’ll give you a ride home.”

“No thanks. I can walk.” She pulled off her heels, dangling them from her fingers before kissing Samson on the cheek. She used her thumb to scrub away the lipstick before walking away, swinging her hips.

Samson smiled after her, then looked at Delilah. “What?”

“You’re telling me you two weren’t doing what it looks like you were doing?”

“Absolutely not. I needed information, and she knows things others don’t.”

“But sheisa prostitute.”

“That is her occupation, yes. But do you really think I would have to pay for it?”

“It would keep things from getting complicated.”

“True. But I wouldn’t do that to Simone.”

“Why not? Do you care about her?”

“Would that surprise you?”

“Yeah. It would.”

“Then maybe you haven’t got me all figured out like you think you do.”

“I never said I did.”

“No, but you think it.”

“Are you always this irritating?”

“Are you always this stubborn? Let me guess. You get it from your cousin?”

“Not really. He’s much more accommodating than me. That’s why he allows you into his restaurant.”

“Allows me?”

“That’s right.” She crossed her arms.

“Oh, I see.”

“What?”

“I’ve gotten to you. That’s why you’re so combative.”

She scoffed to hide her fear that he was right. “What on earth would make you say that?”

---