Page 60 of Fever

“No. I wanted to get all in your business, but you tryna rush a sister.”

I pursed my lips, unsure if I believed her. “I’ll see what I can do, but I don’t know Jacob that well.”

“You can put a bug in Josiah’s ear. Like you said before, he never tells you no.” Carla winked, and I couldn’t be mad at her for using me.

“All right girl, I got your back. Now get out. I’ve got to get going.”

“Yeah, yeah, I’m out.”

Carla climbed out of the car and traipsed to the sidewalk to check her mailbox.

“See you tomorrow,” I chimed, pulling off to go get ready for my date with Josiah.

When I opened my front door, Josiah stood there dapper in a Giorgio Armani suit that tailored his muscled physique with splendor. My nipples hardened immediately, and I found myself in awe with the way his sheer presence made me feel. Chills rose on my skin as my eyes traveled down his suave excellence to the sharp shoes that held a shine liked they’d been buffed to perfection. Besides his striking appearance, the way Josiah looked at me with a lethal perusal tightened my areolas to the point where I was certain they were now bulging through the lace top of my gown.

“Good evening,” I said. “You sure know how to clean up, don’t you?”

A lazy grin tugged at his lips. “Thank you,” he said. “And your beauty is beyond stunning.” He held his arm out. “Shall we?”

I roped my arm through his, and we left the house. Inside his car, a buzzing energy wafted around us, tantalizing and electric. I’d taken measures to make my appearance stand out, and already my panties were useless.

“Do you mind?” Josiah said, turning to a rhythm and blues station.

“Not at all. I could use a good tune.”

“Yeah?”

I smiled. “Yeah.”

Josiah elevated the volume and reached for my hand linking our fingers together. His warm touch sent shivers flying through me and my heart kicked with an erratic beat. The Infiniti cruised down the highway, and it wasn’t until we were twenty minutes down the road that I realized I was unaware where we were headed. But when we pulled into the Veranda, I knew I’d be in for a treat.

“I’ve never eaten here.”

Josiah gave me that sexy grin. “I was hoping you hadn’t.”

He pulled in front of the door and valet took over the driver’s seat while I placed my hand in Josiah’s pro-offered one. Arm and arm, we sailed into the restaurant and waited all of ten seconds before being seated.

“Wow, that was quick, and this place is crowded,” I said. “This is the type of restaurant where you had to make reservations months in advance to get a seat.”

“Six months,” Josiah corrected.

My eyes rose. “Are you serious?”

“Afraid so.”

Suddenly, my mind began to swirl. Six months ago, I didn’t know Josiah, so I had to wonder who he’d made these reservations for. The thoughts twisted my stomach. But I held off from asking. A man walked up to our table dressed down in a chef’s hat jacket and pants.

“Good evening, mademoiselle,” he greeted. The chef turned toward Josiah. “Monsieur Rose, I cannot tell you what a pleasure it is to have you and your companion here at Veranda tonight. Your meal is on the house. The only thing I ask in return is a quick picture for our wall of fame.”

The chef pointed to the wall that ran around the elegant restaurant with pictures of celebrities from James Brown, Michael Jackson, Taylor Swift, Oprah Winfrey, Gladys Knight, and others.

Josiah dipped his head. “Of course, as long as my lady doesn’t mind it.” He brought those sexy eyes to me that I’d dreamed about countless times since his departure a few days ago.

“Oh no, I don’t.” I smiled.

“Parfait!” the chef said delightedly. “Tell me what you would like to eat, and I’ll make it personally and bring it out to you.”

Josiah grinned. “I was wondering if you could put on a show for my lady as you cook your masterpiece.”

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