Page 40 of My Karmic Destiny

“You deserve the best,” I say and pick up the drink menu. “Do you enjoy wine or cocktails with your dinner?”

“Wine?” she says with a wince and a shrug.

“Are you uncomfortable here?” I ask, ready to leave if she hates this place.

“No. This restaurant is wonderful. It’s just that being homeless or on the run for most of my life always makes me feel awkward in fancy places.”

I turn to her and cup her cheek. “You’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever laid eyes on. You are the epitome of power. Do not let dollar signs intimidate you. You are better than every rich asshole who has ever crossed that threshold. Do you understand me?”

Her eyes widen, and she swallows the compliment down like the medicine it is. “Thank you, Evan.”

A server sidles up to our table and smiles. “Hello, my name is Matthew. I’ll be your server tonight. May I start you off with some drinks?”

“Yes, I’d like a dirty martini and…” I look at Tessa, and she orders a mojito. I thought she might order her go-to drink.

“Excellent.” Matthew rattles off the specials for the night and gives too much attention to my date. I’m irritated enough that I might ask for another server, but I don’t want to appear like a possessive dickhead to Tessa.

As soon as Matthew leaves to place our drink order, Tessa giggles.

“What?” My nerves are already on needles because of Matthew. Why doesn’t the idea of Tessa with Dante and Kurtis upset me as much?

“Matthew has a crush,” she singsongs.

“I noticed,” I grumble.

“What, you don’t think he’s cute?” She grins, prompting another question about my sexuality beyond my D/s kinks.

“I don’t like that he was eye fucking you,” I huff.

She laughs a bit too loud for a place like this, but I find I love her defiance of social norms. “Aw, sweet summer child, he likes you. And I thought I was oblivious when it came to someone’s interest.”

“What?” I scoff. “No. He’s intoyou.”

“Who has woo-woo psychic abilities? Me. I’m one hundred percent right about this.” She waggles her eyebrows. “So you really didn’t pick that up?”

“I didn’t.” My gaze locks onto hers and I realize she doesn’t feel comfortable bringing up what’s on her mind. “Are you trying and failing to ask if I’m bi?”

“Maybe?” She looks repentant, but still curious.

“Okay, I’ll let you off the hook. I’mmostlyinto women, but I’m not opposed to men. But therightmen and women.”

“And those would all be submissives?” she asks.

I smirk at her fishing. “Yes. But I’m curious about you. My guess is that you’ll end up being a switch.”

“And are you a switch?”

“I could try, but I’d likely try to top from the bottom when I do.”

Tessa chuckles, and the drinks are set in front of us. I wait patiently to continue our discussion. There is something I need to say and now is the time to do it.

I just hope she won’t be upset.

17

MAKING MEMORIES

TESSA

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