Page 70 of The Cask

“I’m going to put this in my office.”

“What if you and Omari get married? You’ll be Mrs. Big Baller Shot Caller.”

I laughed as I went to put away my belongings.

By the time I returned, Louis and a few kitchen staff had arrived and were preparing for the night. The waitstaff arrived at the same time as Sam Reed and her band. When we were less than an hour away from opening, I went to go change into my festival dress.

“Okay, I see you, Ebony!” Diana called out as I crossed the main dining floor.

The other waitstaff started whistling and clapping.

Tossing my braids over my right shoulder, I laughed.

“Where are you going?” Louis shouted from the kitchen door. “You look like you have a date!”

“I’ll be back in ten minutes,” I replied, ignoring the real question.

My boots clicked on the pavement as I crossed the street. My short black dress with the plunging neckline blew in the wind as I approached Luxe. I pulled on the door and was pleasantly surprised to find it unlocked. Hoping to see Omari, I stopped in my tracks when I saw Kim behind the counter and actively working.

Shit!I rolled my eyes.It didn’t work.

“What do you want?” Kim sneered.

What you can’t have, bitch!I wanted to say, but I held my composure.

Rolling my shoulders back, I narrowed my eyes at her. “I’m here for Omari.”

I heard coughing and then, as if he heard me call his name, he appeared from his office. “Ebony!” He glanced from me to Kim and then back to me. “Is everything okay?”

I flashed him a small smile. “It’s better now. Can I talk to you privately please? It’s a private matter.”

“Of course.” His eyes flickered all over my body as he approached me. When our eyes connected again, he grinned. “Sheesh.” He wrapped his arms around me and put his lips to my ear. “As good as you look in this dress, all it does is make me want to take it off of you.”

“Omari,” I giggled louder than necessary.

He gave me a chaste kiss that still caused my insides to sizzle.

After releasing him from our embrace, I grabbed his hand and tugged him outside. The minute the door closed behind him, I frowned. “What is she doing here?”

His face fell. “When I talked to Kim this morning, she swore on her mother’s life that she didn’t slash your tires.”

Wowwwwwwwwww, okay.

I wanted to scream.

I couldn’t let my plan completely derail but hearing him say that threw me for a loop.

“She did it. I know she did it. And—” I shook my head and disappointment pulled my mouth into a frown. “Never mind.”

“What?” He coughed into his elbow. “Talk to me.”

I gave a defeated shrug, playing it up for sympathy. “You’ve known her for more than a decade. Of course you’re going to believe her.” I looked away from him. “You just met me.”

“No,” he said, grabbing my arms and pulling me into him. “Don’t do that. I might’ve just met you, but don’t dismiss what this is.” He held me tight. “I…just can’t be without the help right now,” he explained. “Jonah said he wasn’t able to come today, but he’ll be here tomorrow. I’m not feeling great and I needed the help. That’s it.”

I nodded. “I just came by to thank you for the cava,” I murmured, taking a step away from him. “Good luck with your opening.”

Omari opened his arms wide. “Are you mad at me?”

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