Page 116 of Curvy Girl Summer

“He was short to me.”

I rolled my eyes as he continued.

“And then there was the light-skinned one and the dark-skinned one and the one with locs.” He shrugged. “I haven’t seen one with an ultra-perm, so I feel like it was a solid guess.”

With a serious expression, I held his gaze. “It’s wild to me how funny you think you are.”

“You’re still denying how funny you find me.” His eyes diverted to the man flagging him down a few feet away. “Duty calls.”

He made a few drinks as more people poured into the bar. I was starting to think we wouldn’t be able to finish our conversation.

“Now where were we?” he asked, drying his hands on a small towel.

My stomach fluttered as the feeling I’d been trying to push down fought its way to the surface. “I think you were about to tell me about your type since you were going in so hard on my type.”

Our eyes were locked in a silent battle of wills. It was clear he wasn’t sure where I was going with my question. I could almost see him riffling through information, deciding what he was going to share with me.

I quirked an eyebrow, waiting for information about his love life. “Who in this bar would you hit on if you weren’t working?”

He cast his gaze around the room. Bringing his hands to his stomach. I noticed his black wedding band securely on his ring finger.

“That’s easy—”

“Ahmad!” Asia called out.

When he looked away from me, I followed his stare and realized there were at least five people waiting for service.

He quickly jumped into action while I watched him, reflecting on what his answer could be. I looked around, trying to get a better understanding of his type. Even if he wasn’t dating and he was still wearing his ring, I was curious.

Ever since he’d walked me home and we had that moment, I no longer felt like it was all in my head. He felt it, too.

That dick print proved he felt something.

But my curiosity was poking and prodding for more.

“Can I ask you something?” Ahmad wondered upon his return. “And be honest.”

“I’m always honest,” I replied with an indignant tone.

“What’s really going on with this boyfriend-by-your-birthday thing? And I want to know the real reason. Because I know it’s about more than proving something to your family.”

I’d forgotten I’d told him that.

I cleared my throat. “Well, it is that. Mostly.”

He shook his head, keeping his eyes trained on me. “That sounds like that’s whattheywant—not whatyouwant. Because if you just wanted a boyfriend for the day, you would’ve just picked any of these clowns from the app and brought them to the party.But I think you’re looking for something specific. So, tell me…” He took a step closer, bracing his hands against the bar. “What doyouwant?”

My pulse quickened. “I want the real thing. I want love.”

He held my gaze for a beat too long. “Are you ready for it?”

“I am,” I whispered. “I wouldn’t be subjecting myself to these dates if I wasn’t.”

Clearing his throat, he took a step back and grabbed a rag to wipe his hands. “Who are you meeting?”

“His name is Lennox,” I answered, shaking off the fluttery feeling that accidentally swept through me. “We’ve been talking since last week, and I’m actually looking forward to this one. I listened to the playlist, and I’m feeling pretty good about it.”

His lips turned down as he nodded. “Okay, okay.”

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