Page 10 of Do Me
She sighed. “I’m okay. You’re so not what I expected, Braxton,” she added softly.
He resumed his position and folded an arm behind his head. “Is that good or bad?”
“I’m really not sure.”
“The best way to find out is for us to spend some time together. What’s your pleasure?” Belatedly, he realized how suggestive the question sounded. The image of her nibbling on her lips and his reaction popped into his head. “I just meant—”
“You’re fine. I know what you meant. Since I’m not sure how this toe is going to feel tomorrow, we might have to put off going dancing for another time.”
Braxton smiled. Another time meant he’d have at least two dates in which to determine whether they should continue to see each other. “Then how about dinner?”
“That’s sounds good. Dressy or casual?”
“This is our first date, and first dates are always dressy. Didn’t you know?” She laughed, and the sound sent a strange feeling flowing through him.
“Obviously I’ve been hanging out with the wrong men.”
“Then maybe it’s time for a change.” The wordswith the right manwere on the tip of his tongue, but he forced them back. What was wrong with him? He typically didn’t banter with women or make declarations before the first date. Or the second.
“Hmm, maybe it is. What time should I be ready?”
“How about seven-thirty?” He mentally went down the list of upscale restaurants. “Is there anything you don’t eat?”
“No, and I’m partial to seafood and Mexican food.”
Something they had in common. “I think I can handle that. How’s the toe?”
“Still throbbing, but I’ll live.”
“My number is in your phone now. Text me your address and go ice your toe. Let me know if we need to postpone.”
“I’m sure it’ll be fine.”
“I’m looking forward to seeing you again, Londyn.”
“Same here,” came the soft reply. “Goodnight.”
“Goodnight.” Braxton disconnected. A few seconds later, the cell buzzed. Londyn had sent her address. A second text came through:Thanks for being so caring.Smiling, he placed the phone on the nightstand. It had been a long time since he’d anticipated an evening out with a woman so much.
* * *
“How was your weekend with Derrick, Felicia?” Londyn asked, as she, Felicia and Monique sat in Monique’s condo having lunch Saturday afternoon. The three friends made a practice of sharing lunch or dinner at least twice a month, as their schedules allowed.
Felicia topped a French baguette slice with ham, Colby cheese and spicy mustard. “It wasn’t.” She rolled her eyes and took a bite. After swallowing, she propped her elbows on the table. “Why is it that every guy I hook up with acts like someone barely out of their teens and wants to spend all his time in the club? I’m a thirty-six-year-old organizational psychologist and I work every day analyzing people to find the right fit for a company, but I can’t choose a man who’s the right fit for me.”
Monique popped a chocolate-covered almond in her mouth. “I hear you. Every guy I find is either intimidated by how much money I make or they think I’m going to be their sugar mama.” She worked as an optometrist. “When I do find one who has potential, he always turns out to be married.”
“Ain’t that the truth,” Londyn said, shaking her head. She had run into the same problems with the men she dated. The one time she thought she’d found the right man, it turned out to be the biggest mistake she ever made. She shuddered every time she thought about what her ex put her through. What she had allowed him to do. Londyn vowed to never put herself in that kind of position again in the name of love.
“What are you talking about, girl? Felicia, Londyn met a tall, dark and gorgeous man at that wedding she went to a couple of weeks ago. Of course, she didn’t give him her number.”
Felicia stared at Londyn. “Wait. What? You didn’t tell me.”
Londyn repeated the same thing she’d told Monique.
“I can’t believe you didn’t slip him your number before you hopped in the car. Any man who walks you to your car when it’s not even a date deserves a little play. And since your coworker knows his family, all you have to do is ask the woman.”
She studied the fruit on her plate. “I already have his number.”
