Page 45 of Mafia Kings & Wedding Rings
“That’s not far at all.”
“Thank you.” I blushed and bowed my head.
“When can I take you out though?”
“Um, I don’t know if that’s a good idea.” I fidgeted with my hands, not wanting to turn because I felt those dark, oval-shaped eyes all over me.
“Why not? You seeing someone?”
“No. Not necessarily. I just got a lot going on. Between work and dealing with him and his schedule, I barely have time for anything else.”
“So is that code for you don’t want to date right now or you just don’t want to date me?” he questioned.
“I don’t want to make anything awkward or uncomfortable. You’re my brother’s basketball coach. If something were to happen and it didn’t work out, that puts Sapphire right in the middle, and that’s not right. He admires you and looks up to you. He hasn’t had a male figure like that in his life in a while. I can’t be selfish and mess that up.”
“So you at least kind of like me then, right?” he jested.
Simpering, I swung my attention his way and bat my eyes.
“Maybe a little bit. Your parents really named you Blaine though?”
“You name is Emerald and his is Sapphire,” he shot back.
“You’re right. I guess I’m one to talk.” I giggled as we neared the café.
I could see the sign from a couple of blocks away. We had entered the busy downtown district. This was where you shopped if you had money. All the high-end stores and restaurants were spread across these blocks.
“Nah, but for real. Let me take you out. We can go as friends. We won’t even call it a date. If you have a good time, maybe we can do it more often.” He stopped in front of the café, and I let go of a sharp breath.
He damn sure wasn’t making it easy, looking all fine with those bedroom eyes. Glancing at the building to the café, I swung my head toward him.
“How about a movie next weekend?” I suggested.
“I’m with that. Saturday night?”
“Sure.” I smiled, reaching for the door handle.
“Aye, don’t touch that while you with me.” Blaine climbed out on his side and walked around to open my door for me.
“Thank you.”
He reached up to stroke my cheek before leaning in for a kiss. His lips were soft and not too wet. When he pulled back, our eyes locked, and a spark of something passed between us. It was different, leaving me unnerved. I spun to give Sapphire my attention, and he removed one of his ear buds so he could hear me.
“I’ll see you later tonight,” I told him.
“Okay.”
“And I guess we will see each other soon,” I addressed Blaine.
“Since I already have your phone number, is it okay to call or text you between now and then?” he prompted me.
“That would be fine.”
“Well, have a good day, gorgeous.” The thousand-watt smile he flashed me left my heart stuttering, surprising me.
Sapphire hopped up front with Blaine just as I was making my way to the door. I spotted Jordan in a window seat waving to me.
“Well, well, and I thought you said it wasn’t like that,” Jordan teased.
