Page 54 of Rhet

“Have you ever been in love, Rhet?”

I feel like she’s holding her breathe for the answer.

“No and I have no intentions of falling in love either.”

ZEETA

Acumulative sound of china clinking, and low chatter permeates the air at The Southern Door restaurant. I’m so happy we came here, it’s one of my favorite places to eat. Everything I had was delicious.

I have to bring Ma and Dante here. The interior of the restaurant is so simple and elegant. White and green walls covered in family photos and some framed recipes. I think the furniture is made from walnut wood. I love the simple ladder wooden chairs and square wooden table between us.

“You’re smiling like a well-fed cat,” Rhet says and takes the last bite of his pecan pie.

“I feel like a well-fed cat,” I reply, stretching my legs under the table.

Southern fried chicken, greens, some mashed potatoes, and gravy. I want to roll over now and sleep right here. The waiter brings the bill. I go to touch the black billfold and Rhet gives me the death stare.

“No need to be like that.” I pull my hands away; it’s been a while since anyone paid for me.

He digs in his back pocket and drops some money on the table.

We both stand. He buttons his jacket as I make my way to leave. There is a crowd building by the door.

As a waiter rushes by me, Rhet pulls my back flush against his body. More people pass in front of us as his hand’s rests softly on my waist never moving just keeping me still. I think I forget how to breathe. Air where are you? I need to breathe.

Then I feel his hot breath against my ear. “You, okay?”

Rhet’s voice on a regular day is modulated, clear and pleasant. Today, his voice in my ear is a smoky, husky, sound that runs down my spine. Who the hell was this guy? I turn around to see if I’m standing in front of someone else.

Nope its Rhet with a smirk “Let’s go. We still have a ton to do.”

Then he does the thing that makes almost all women melt. He puts his hand right over my butt in the dip of my spine and ushers me outside.

The Womanizer, that’s what Penny called it. I need one because clearly, I need to get laid.

“You smell nice by the way,” he says as he maneuvers us safely through the crowd until we make it out the front doors.

Fresh air, thank God because I’m engulfed bythe Rhet way. That’s what I call his style of charm. It’s swift, lethal and deadly. I have watched from my pool house as women come and go. All looking sad because they got caught inthe Rhet way.

Nope not me. No sir. I’m here to find justice for my brother not to flirt and be attracted to him. Not to find him to be sweet and a jackass all at once.

I roll my shoulders and move my neck from side to side, trying to get a hold of myself.

“Rhet Henry Banner, is that you?” A light honeyed voice calls out beside us.

I hear him groan. “This fucking day.” Then he turns around.

“Charlotte.” His tone was firm.

She tries to pull him into her chest, but he pulls me closer to his side.

My brain lights up. This was the Charlotte that he spoke of earlier.

Charlotte is super model fine. She must be a part of the elite crew that God made. I mean, I’m cute, but this woman’s red hair is glossy, and it has the perfect wave.

Her dark green dress showcases her very well-defined body. She isn’t wearing Spanx under that dress. No, her stomach is flat.

Her arms are still around Rhet’s neck when she pulls back. “You’re not happy to see me?”

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