Page 43 of The Cask

“No, they haven’t called yet, but we really needed time to discuss the budget for this weekend. The prize—” The phone rang just as she was explaining.

“Perfect timing,” he said just as I walked out the door of Luxe.

I damn near skipped across the street. I got under Kim’s skin. I derailed the preparation for Omari’s meeting. And I received world class head.

“Today is a good day,” I sang as I entered The Cask.

Chapter Nine

“You seem to be in a good mood,” Alexis Smith pointed out a few hours later as I approached the bar.

I gestured around. “We have a full house on a Tuesday night. Of course, I’m in a good mood.”

She cocked her head to the side. “No… something else.” Her slight lisp decorated her words. “You’ve been in a good mood since I got here. What’s going on?”

“I’m almost always in a good mood.”

“This is true. But it was starting to feel like Luxe had gotten under your skin.” She patted my shoulder. “I’m glad you’re back to your old self.”

I rolled my eyes good-naturedly. “Thanks for your concern, Alexis.”

“I’m serious! I’m glad that baller shot caller came by to apologize.”

“Can’t it just be that I’m in a good mood? It has nothing to do with Omari’s apology. I’m just feeling great today.”

“You just seem…” She eyed me for a moment. “I don’t know. Different.”

She wasn’t wrong; Iwasdifferent.

The Omari Fortune who owns Luxe showed me who he was and for that, he was my enemy. But the Omari Fortune who I was systematically getting closer to was showing me a side of him that made me uncomfortable. I found myself thinking about our conversations and that threw me off. I was supposed to be getting in his head, not the other way around.

A waitress came up to ask a question and I took that opportunity to escape Alexis and her questions. Even though there was no way she could know that my good mood came from the mind-blowing orgasm I’d had that afternoon, I didn’t need her connecting too many dots. My plan was coming together just as I’d hoped.

The DJ was playing the hits and I bobbed my head to the beat as I checked on my staff and patrons. Everyone seemed joyous and no one seemed to need anything from me, so I decided to take a break.

Discreetly pulling the key from the sewn in flap near my shoulder, I made my way down to my office. I turned on the space heater and then sat down to review some paperwork. I hadn’t been down there long when I received a text message.

Omari Fortune:I had to excuse myself from the table because I kept thinking about you spread out on my desk.

Ebony Montresor:I’m glad I left a lasting impression. Because you surely left an impression on me.

Omari Fortune:It’ll take a miracle for me to get any work done in my office now. And just say the word and I’ll leave you with more than just an impression.

Ebony Montresor:I felt what you’re working with and I have no doubt about that.

Omari Fortune:Can I take you out on Thursday?

Ebony Montresor:Friday is the beginning of the festival. I have to make sure everything is ready. And isn’t your grand opening on Friday?

Omari Fortune:Yes. Will you at least think about it?

Ebony Montresor:Yeah, I’ll think about it. Get back to the table and handle your business.

Omari Fortune:I’d much rather be handling your business.

Ebony Montresor:Goodnight, Omari!

Snickering to myself, I put my phone down and got back to work. As much as I tried not to be amused by him, I couldn’t help myself. He was quick-witted and intelligent. I shook my head.

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