Page 28 of Truth
“Gorgeous and smart.” I wink as a thank-you for the compliment and nab a grape from his plate. Placing it into my mouth, I savor the crisp flavor. King just watches my face and then calls the waiter. “Bring a bowl of grapes for the lady.”
“Yes, sir, right away.”
Looking down, I notice only two more grapes on his plate, and I’m embarrassed.Did I misstep? Did I fall short on my manners?My eyes search his. I hate this feeling like I’ve done something wrong, misjudged. This doubt is too familiar; my baggage seems to be tied to my psyche like a weight pulling me under. How have I walked into another situation like this, another man embarrassed by me? I hate that my mind is even going there. The scent of my own weakness makes me want to gag on the damn grape, but I can’t make my tiny panic-monster stop growing. I can feel it taking over all the rational thoughts and finding comfort in my insecurities.How easily I fall back into routine.
“Sorry, I didn’t realize tak—”
The waiter returns with the bowl and sets it in front of me before I finish. I can feel the burn in my eyes, and I’m damn glad I’m wearing sunglasses. Although I know I have nothing to be embarrassed by, eating off a lover’s plate is as normal as it gets, but I can’t stop second-guessing…This is why I can’t do whatever this is with him—this is why.I open my mouth to finish my sentence when he reaches over the table and takes the bowl, emptying it on his plate.
“Are you going to have some more?” He smiles and continues eating, giving me a wink.
I’m not prepared for him. Not even a little. He’s going to annihilate my heart.
“Yes, I think I am.” I beam, popping another into my mouth. His words from earlier whisper themselves into my ear:“One who’s forgotten all the power she holds.”Goddamn him for being right.
We chat and eat until my belly is full of grapes off his plate and he has eaten more pancakes than one person should ever eat. Signaling for the waiter, King tells him, I assume, to bring the check.
“Ready, gorgeous?”
“Are we dining and dashing? I don’t think I wore the right shoes for that.”
“Funny. I was letting him know to call my car. I own this restaurant.”
“No, you don’t.”
“Yes, I do. How do you think you were able to order breakfast at two in the afternoon?” His smirk is arrogant but fucking adorable. I hadn’t thought about it. I was so caught up in my conversation with King that when he asked what I was craving and I said crepes, I assumed he just knew the menu well as he ordered for me.
Laughter pops out, and then I clamp my mouth shut. “Wait, are you serious? Tell me whatyoudo, King.”
“I work hard.” He guides me out of the restaurant, ever the gentleman.
“Ha-ha. Spill,” I joke as we walk to the car.
“I own the club we were at last night, this restaurant, and a few other projects…not much but enough.”
I spot the driver waiting at the car door, but King nods toward him, and George immediately moves from the door and rounds the hood to take the driver’s seat.
“Oh, yeah, not much. Aren’t you the one who said not to downplay yourself?” I reach for the car door as he brushes my hand away, opening it for me.
“Glad you got the message.” He winks before shutting the door.
As he climbs in, I smile. I can’t help it. I’m happy, genuinely happy. “So, what now?”
“I thought you might want to go back to your room and grab a change of clothes. I have to pop into the city to sign some paperwork, and I thought I could have you for dinner and then we turn into pumpkins unless I’ve changed your mind?”
“Have me for dinner? So formal, and I’m offended you think I’m that easy. Some crepes and fruit aren’t gonna do it, buddy.” But even my joke feels sour on my tongue. “I would love to change, and I would also love dinner.”
“You misunderstand—I’m going to haveyoufor dinner. As in your pussy. We can eat food too.”
“Jesus Christ, King.” My stupid mouth won’t stop smiling.
I’m met with a wink as he looks to the driver. “Where are you staying?”
I give King the name of my hotel and sit back in the car seat. He’s up to something, but the thrill of what’s to come is enough to make me want to play his little game. The closer we come to the hotel, the more nervous I become. My real life with King is intersecting with my old life with Nick, and I can feel some kind of inevitable combustion coming. I’m downtown, only a mile from where I work. If I were to be seen by anyone I know, the news of what I’m doing would get back to Nick at hyper speed. I don’t want to hurt him, but I’m not giving up the time I have left with King.
When we arrive, I’m beyond nervous, and I know King senses it. “Let me walk you to your room.”
“No! Are you crazy? I’m having an illicit affair, for all intents and purposes. Doesn’t matter that I ended things with him; this is still rude and hurtful. I won’t do that. That speaks to who I am.”
