Page 19 of Safest With You
“That's pretty cool. My sis is my bestie for real. I hate that she couldn't come down for this trip.”
“I'm sure y'all will connect soon enough,” he assured.
“Yeah, I'm hopeful.”
Couldn't tell him I was linking up with my sis as soon as I headed back. I had to keep reminding myself what wasn’t his business and what I didn’t mind sharing. I didn't open up like this for anyone and felt like I had already said too much. But Armond freely threw out facts like he was truly unbothered and that made me find comfort in him to where I wanted him to know me fully right away. Shit was pathetic but his aura was so calming and secure. I couldn't help but feel it.
“Sir, we have arrived,” his driver called out.
My eyes finally left him and looked out the window. The restaurant looked lavish with its valet parking and bright lights. It sat beautifully against the coast and the end of the sunset lit up the horizon just enough to see its never-ending edge across the water. The tan building reflected the sunset onto the terrace seating and it was exactly where Armond was leading me. Thankfully the air wasn't too thick and the temperature was comfortable for the evening.
I couldn’t help but notice the two men following us, along with his driver. They were discreet but of course I noticed the man who’d been driving us around.
Once we were seated, they found tables not too far from us. That was when I also noticed three other men around the perimeter.
“You're observant,” Armond stated.
“Yes. I try to be aware of everything going on around me,” I replied.
“I understand that. It's very good.”
“Since you've picked this place, I'm sure you have your favorites,” I said.
“Absolutely but I'd love for you to try whatever you want. Don't look at prices.”
I smiled. This first date with Armond was already different from being out with Jeffrey. At first, Jeffrey made it seem like he was trying to figure me out, then claimed he had and demanded to always order for me. It pissed me off, but I let him. This was refreshing.
“Well, for starters I'd love a mixed drink. If it's frozen, then it'll be even better.” I smiled.
“Yes, they do have that. What's your fruit of choice?”
“I go between strawberry and mango depending on my mood.”
“How about both? They have a drink that combines the two I think you'd love. It's called the bourbon smash and you can get it frozen. Might be the only suggestion I give you this evening.”
“That sounds magnificent. I'm with it. Bourbon is one of my favorites.”
“I could tell.” He winked and I blushed like a dork. He wasn't doing anything special, but it made me feel giddy inside.
“Nuh uh.” I laughed and he joined in. He took light to me calling him out, I liked that.
“Aight, you got me on that.”
We talked casually as we perused the menu. The second I saw carne asada I didn’t need to see anything further, but I took note of my sides and dessert before placing it beside me.
I watched Armond as he looked the menu over. That cute ass smirk rose in the corner of his mouth once he realized I was stuck on him. After a moment he hit me with a smolder that made my damn thighs squeeze together. My bottom lip tucked into my mouth and his eyes instantly dropped to it.
He leaned forward and grabbed my chin then stroked the little bit of my bottom lip that hung freely. He gently tugged my lip free then stroked it before he closed in and kissed me.
I was taken by surprise, but his warmth kept me hostage. His lips fit perfectly against mine and I couldn't help but slide my tongue along them until he opened up for me.
When our tongues collided, I felt a surge through me that made my heart skip a beat and I pulled away quickly. My hand met my chest and I lightly gasped for air. Gotdamn, Armond.
EIGHT
Armond Davis
THE SECOND BRANDY PULLED away from me, a breeze swept over us and I closed my eyes. I had to pull it together because the taste of Brandy along with the mix of her perfume and the salty air was about to drive me insane. I wasn’t a kisser but seeing her lip poked out like that gravitated me toward it and I couldn’t help myself. I understood her pulling away, my sudden taking of her personal space was premature, but shit, she fell right into it and slid that tongue in like she was ready to pounce. If it weren’t for the waiter heading our way, I would’ve pulled her right back to me.
