Page 25 of Tarek

He nods and points a breadstick at me. “I can see you in drama class or choir.”

I take my jacket off; he takes it and places it on his side at the end of the booth.

“I was a member of the Technology student association,”

He smirks and a dimple appears on his left cheek. “Let me take a second shot at this. Computer Science Club?”

“Correct and UNICEF. My mom was determined to have me as busy as possible.”

Before he could answer someone calls his name and walks up to the dais. It’s like he was a king holding court.

“Mrs. Canterburg, it’s been a minute. Did you enjoy your dinner?” He stands and swiftly kisses her on both cheeks.

Mrs. Canterburg covers her sneer at me as she talks to Tarek. Maybe it’s theGame of ThronesT-shirt that offended her. Not that I cared but...hey

“Oh, it was lovely. I was talking to your father last week and we both agreed it’s time for you to settle down Tarek. My Angela is just perfect for you. Why don’t you give her a call?” The woman begins to dig into her clutch. I wonder if Angela had the face of a Chihuahua with lipstick like her predecessor. The charming smirk is fixed on Tarek, I don’t think he likes her, but what do I know?

“I’m in the middle of getting to know someone, Mrs. Canterburg. You’re interrupting.” Tarek arches a brow at me, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.

“Her?” Mrs. Canterburg points at me with a hint of disgust.

I tilt my head, lacing my fingers and resting my chin on them. “What exactly do you mean by her?”

“I was just about to ask the same thing, Bella,” Tarek’s voice drops low. He holds his hands behind, but I catch the clenched fist. The motion pulls his black shirt tight across his shoulders, the fabric rippling with the strain of his barely contained tension.

Mrs. Canterbury begins to stutter like she was trapped in a corner. “She just… you know?”

Tarek pouts and shakes his head. “No, I don’t know.”

She hits her side and gestures for Tarek to come closer.

He bends, and despite what Mrs. Canterbury thinks, her voice is not soft.

“She is just…”

“No need to whisper. Let me whisper it for you. Is it fat? Black?”

Instantly, her face becomes cherry red. A muscle in Tarek’s jaw twitches.

“My date is thick and beautiful. Weigh your words well before you get yourself in trouble and banned.”

“Oh, look. Trevor is calling me. Have a great night.” If Mrs. Canterburg were a cartoon, there would have been a dust trail left behind.

That old wench. Maybe it’s time I left.

“Well, thank you for a great night.”

Tarek slides back into the booth. “No, no. You are not leaving now, are you? Bella, please.”

Looking at the time, I see it’s 10:30 p.m. “It’s time to go.” Pressing my hands onto the table, I rise.

“I gave you free food. Your company is my payment. Sit.” He tugs me by my hand, making me off balance.

I drop into the seat. “You don’t have to do that you know.”

“Meaning spending my time with a beauty. You don’t think you’re pretty? Bella.” he leans in closer to me.

Throwing my head back I cackle. “Sorry wrong girl. I know I am gorgeous; you didn’t have to stand up for me.”

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