Page 24 of For the Lover in You
I tried my hardest to divert the conversation. I could tell what type of time Ari was on. The last thing I wanted Mila to think was that I slept with my clients, with Ari being the only exception, even though I regretted it.
She sucked her teeth. "Let me guess, you're still mad from the other day? I'm sorry I lied, but I just had to have you. I love the way my body feels when you make me cum."
Mila's head quickly spun around. Her eyes shot to the screen, then to me with a disgusted look on her face. I should've known Ari would pull something like that. The embarrassment set in, and there was nothing else for me to do but hang up on Ari. By that time, Mila was back facing the window.
"Sorry about that," I apologized.
She shook her head. "You don't have to apologize. Who you sleep with doesn't concern me, whether it's a client or not. That's your business."
I took a deep breath. For the rest of the drive, Mila kept her attention on looking out the window while Ari continued to call until I blocked her. A few minutes later, I parked the car. I looked over at Mila again just to get a vibe check on her. There was still nothing. I got out of the car first to open the door for her. Finally, she spoke.
"Thank you."
"You're welcome."
I led the way to the restaurant while she trailed behind. The hostess greeted me at the stand.
"Mr. Houston, how are you doing?"
"I'm doing good. May I have a table for two?" I asked.
"Sure thing! Outside?"
I looked back at Mila. "You cool with outside?"
Instead of looking at me, she nodded.
"Outside is fine."
The hostess instructed us to follow her out to the restaurant patio. The weather was nice. The sun shone brightly, but with the calm breeze, the temperature was just right.
"Your server will be right with you."
As soon as she walked away from the table, I looked at Mila. She looked down at her menu while tapping her finger against the table. I didn't want this lunch to be awkward. I at least wanted to clear the awkwardness.
"How are you liking the job?" I asked.
Mila slowly looked up and tried to smile, but it didn't reach her eyes. "It's nice and I like it a lot. Susanna's so helpful and a great time. Thank you again for the opportunity."
"You're welcome. I'm glad you're liking it."
She looked back at her menu, showing the conversation was over, but I didn't want it to be. Before I could respond, the server arrived to take our orders.
"Ladies first," I said to Mila. "Get whatever you want."
Mila ended up ordering the house special, which consisted of three pancakes, grits, and a side of sausage links and fruit. I ended up ordering the lamb chops with eggs.
"Also, can I get a whiskey with a splash of Coke? Mila, would you like something besides water?"
She shook her head. The server walked away to place our orders with the kitchen.
"You don't drink?"
She nodded.
"I do, but I don't mix business with pleasure," she retorted.
I laughed. "Aren't we off the clock? This isn't business."
