Page 27 of Caught off Guard

“Do you think you’re the one who can offer me what I’m missing?”

Without a doubt, I wanted to say, but instead, I bit the inside of my cheek to hold back my real words and feelings.

“I’m open to the possibilities of what could be,” I said, determined not to run Zora away before I even kissed her tempting lips.

SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY

Cairo’sall-black outfit gave him a laid-back vibe, with his shoulder-length braided hair hanging freely above his shoulders. That thick mane had him looking like a dark lion on the prowl. His shining eyes penetrated my core the same way I knew his manhood would sear my walls if I lifted my dress and bent over the dining room table to give him full access to my body.

Lena was right. This man was too fine.

The spice level on the rest of our dinner lowered significantly as we concluded with individual servings of the best crème brûlée I’d ever placed in my mouth.

“I don’t usually indulge in dessert, but I’m making an exception tonight.” Cairo spooned the final bite of the creamy dessert in his mouth and smiled.

When we finished our meal, Cairo’s housekeeper came out of nowhere and removed our empty ramekins.

After 8:30 p.m., he lifted his long arms to stretch and then looked at his large-faced watch before smiling.

“I have an early morning and a long day ahead, so I need to turn in for the night.”

My eyes bucked as I pictured what Cairo said. Was he implying that I turn in with him? I took a deep breath and searched his eyes. Nothing in them hinted of the flirtiness he showed earlier. We stood and moved outside the dining room to the stairwell, walking side by side until we reached the bottom step.

“If you need anything, please call or text me.” His smooth voice was polite and sterile.

“I will. Thanks for such an amazing evening.”

“Of course. Sleep well.”

Instead of holding me as he did earlier in the day, Cairo stopped inches away from me and planted a soft kiss on my forehead. He then stepped back and turned slowly toward his bedroom at the back of the house. I held the banister with one foot raised on the first step. Cairo angled his head so our eyes remained fixed as he continued his trek in his original direction. The intensity of his gaze held my body in place.

“Do you need something else, Zora?” Cairo stopped and called back to me.

I tried to play off my awkward tether to his presence by staring toward the artistic ceiling again.

“No, I’m good. Still taking in the beauty of your home.”

“Okay. Good night, Zora.”

“Night.” I watched Cairo disappear and stood in place with my head cocked to watch his form until he entered his bedroom. Only when I heard the door close softly did I start to climb the stairs.

With each step up, I wanted to curse Cairo out. I hadn’t spent all my time getting this sexy to be sent upstairs like a little kid. I was seconds away from turning around and asking if he could tell me an adult bedtime story or if he wanted to watch TV but didn’t want to come across as desperate. Instead, I continued my trek with my head held high and my spirit bruised.

Once I entered my room and closed my door, I allowed my shoulders to slump. How in the world did Cairo not back up all his flirty words and subtle caresses with something more? Was it me?

Although I defended my situationship with Geoff earlier, at a minimum, I expected a sloppy kiss with a side of tongue action. At Lena’s request, I called her before bed.

“Girl, why are you on the phone with me at eight forty-five instead of Cairo being buried between your legs?” Lena’s high-pitched voice frustrated me, making me feel even worse about fumbling the ball with Cairo.

“He sent me to bed.” I pursed my lips.

“How is a grown man sending you to bed like he’s your daddy? What did you do?”

“I honestly don’t know.”

“What does that mean? Tell me the truth.”

“He flirted with me and just…stopped—talking about it being a long day, and he needed to rest up for tomorrow’s game.”

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