Page 26 of Caught off Guard

“I watched the two of you interact after the luncheon. You were the president, yet he acted like he was the boss. I stood up to share my announcement, not only because I thought it would make you the hero in the moment, but because I didn’t think Geoff would have your back as the crowd showed their displeasure. He’s a shrewd businessman, but he gives off a strange energy. You’re a shining star. You didn’t deserve that in a relationship.”

Zora sighed and crossed her arms over her chest.

“You’ve known me all of twenty-four hours. Geoff and I have been companions for almost two years. What we have may not be traditional to outsiders, but it works for us.”

“I see.”

But I didn’t. When she entered my arms earlier, I felt her pain. I wanted to say that partners should not hurt someone they cared about like that.

“Then why didn’t you tell him you were spending the weekend with me?”

Zora raked her fork over her meat and set it on the edge of the plate.

“As I told him and now you, this is business. It’s hard to explain my spontaneous presence under another man’s roof without being face to face with him.”

“Is it also because we’ve been flirting with each other?”

“I haven’t been flirting. You have.”

Zora wasn’t going to play mind games with me.

“Didn’t you just tell me not to stop? And what do you call that sexy ass dress and your pretty toes? You’ve been undressing me with your eyes during dinner too. Both of us are too grown to play children’s games. We’re attracted to each other.”

Zora gave a blank stare. When I realized she wasn’t going to honor me with a response, I continued, “I was married for fifteen years. I know firsthand how a solid relationship works. It’s not one person doing all the giving and another doing all the taking. It’s not even a fifty-fifty exchange. It’s a one hundred percent relationship for each person. And sweetheart, you’re giving your all to Geoff and getting back about twenty percent, if that.”

“So…did you invite me here to show me how to give and take properly? Despite what you may think, I don’t date younger men. Or jump their bones because they throw money at me or the university I lead.” Zora’s eyes tore through me like fire.

“What am I, two years younger than you? I may not be a senior citizen like Geoff, but I’m wise beyond my years. Age ain’t nothing but a number.”

“And I guess going down ain’t nothing but a thing. Does that mean you’re going to try to give me oral sex too?”

It was my turn to be shocked. Zora’s words teased, but her face remained stoic. Her raunchy question and reference to Aliyah’s “Age Ain’t Nothing But a Number” lyrics threw me off, especially after she called me young. We were in the middle of a serious conversation about our relationship beliefs, and she cracked jokes—yet another example of her mask coming on and off.

“It’s throwing down, not going down, sweetheart.”

“Oh.” She lowered her eyes, and then displayed the cutest little smile.

I chuckled and reached for her hand, which she gave willingly.

“Woman… you keep a brother on his toes. I’m being serious. You are a Proverbs thirty-one woman. More precious than rubies. I had a virtuous woman in my life once, so I hate to see another one being taken for granted.”

She held my gaze, and her face softened.

“Your words are gracious, especially for someone who barely knows me.”

“But I do know you, Zora.”

“How?”

I paused, knowing I couldn’t share how my wife blessed Zora’s presence in my life. Or how I couldn’t get her out of my mind or would devour her if she let me. Instead, I sipped my wine and took a deep breath before sharing what I perceived was the truth she could handle right now.

“I’m observant. Geoff tells you what to do. And you follow him like a little puppy.”

Zora pursued her lips. When she didn’t rebut my assessment, I continued.

“I’ve only known you a day and can already see how bright you are—not only intellectually but in here.” I tapped my heart with my fingertips. “Zora, you seem to have it all, but you’remissing life with someone who can lift you up when you need strength—someone who gives you permission to be great when you have a sliver of doubt. Someone who wants the best for you, even if you outshine them. You were put on this earth for that. I believe it with every fiber of my being. You deserve happiness and joy.” I squeezed her fingers.

She cocked her head to the side.

---