Page 6 of Mr. Right Now
Jayana leaned against the doorframe with her arms folded and one foot crossed over the other. “Nope. Still here. You have a few minutes?”
He nodded and waved her in. “Sure.” He leaned a hip against the edge of the desk. “What do you need?” He realized what he’d said as soon as the words left his mouth.
Her eyebrow lifted. “Loaded question. How about we save it for another time?”
Dante couldn’t do anything but smile. “You are something else.”
She dropped down into one of the chairs next to him. “Yeah, I know. But what I actually came to talk to you about was the festival. You mentioned wanting to have a youth-focused activity and I have an idea. What about renting the California African American Museum and hosting a private party for the kids and their parents? I looked it up and it says they can open their galleries. After talking with some of the students here, I got the sense that not very many of them have ever had the opportunity to attend a black tie type event.”
The passion in her voice matched his and he found himself captivated by both the idea and her. “I like it, and I agree.” The museum had a collection of art, history and culture, all with an emphasis on California and the western United States. “Dinner, a program with a short talk about the history of Juneteenth, museum tour—”
“A band and dancing,” Jayana finished.
Dante’s gaze zeroed in on her lips and he had to force himself to focus on the conversation. “I think it’s doable and exactly the type of event I’d envisioned, but the majority of these kids live at or below the poverty line.”
She waved a hand. “We can figure out how to get them fancy outfits, but for now I took the liberty of reaching out to the museum and, surprisingly, no one had booked it. I guess people are focusing more on other ways to celebrate. I hope I haven’t overstepped. I figured if you didn’t want to do it, I could always cancel. I just didn’t want to chance someone snapping it up over the weekend.”
“No, no. I appreciate the initiative.” Outside of his founding Mr. Black brothers, he hadn’t found anyone else with the same determination. Her excitement sparked his own and he’d do everything in his power to make it a night the students and their parents would never forget.
Jayana stood. “Great. I’ll get out of your way.”
Straightening from the desk, he asked, “Any plans for the weekend?”
“Not much. Just hanging out with my best friend, and doing more unpacking.”
Dante didn’t know why he felt so relieved by the fact that she hadn’t mentioned a date. “Hopefully, you don’t have much left to do.”
She shook her head. “Just a few more boxes.”
He knew he should stop talking and let her leave, but for some reason, he wanted her to stay. He searched his mind for another topic, but nothing came. Instead, their gazes locked and the air thickened around them. Dante tried to force himself to take a step back, but found himself moving closer. Seconds ticked off and he realized he was fighting a losing battle. “Jayana.”
Jayana placed a finger on his lips. “Don’t talk. Just kiss me.”
His mouth swooped down on hers before she finished her sentence good. He took his time reacquainting himself with the sweet taste of her kiss. And just like last time, he couldn’t get enough. She slid her hand up his chest, then down again and cupped him through his jeans, sending a sharp jolt of pleasure through him. Dante muttered a curse and abruptly broke off the kiss. He wasnotsupposed to kiss her again, but somehow, his common sense took a hike whenever she turned those big, beautiful brown eyes on him. Breathing harshly, he stared down at her. “This was not—”
“Yeah, I know. It wasn’t supposed to happen again, but I’m honest enough to accept that there’s something happening between us.” She backed out of his arms. “Let me know when you’re ready to do the same.” Leaning up, she brushed a soft kiss over his lips. “Have a good weekend, Dante.” She strode out of the office without waiting for his reply.
She’d thrown down the gauntlet. But was he ready to pick it up?
* * *
“Oh, my goodness! I’m so glad to see you,” Karina said, hugging Jayana. “Come on in, girl.” They’d seen each other only once since Karina moved, and that had been almost six months ago.
Jayana entered the two-bedroom Carson condo located less than ten minutes from her own. She scanned the open layout. “I like this. And did I thank you for hooking me up with the job and the condo?” When Jayana accepted the position at Impressions 2, Karina had emailed the listing for three condos near hers that were for sale. Thankfully, because she’d gotten a good price for her previous condo and accumulated a decent amount in her savings, she’d been able to secure a two-bedroom, two-bath in another complex by the same builder.
Karina laughed as she led Jayana to the kitchen. “Only about a thousand times. We can talk while we eat.”
“Well, I’m grateful. It was the easiest move I’ve ever made.” She took in the small foil-covered plates lining the counter. “Whatever is under these smells so good, and I’m starving.”
“I know how much you love seafood, so I did some different appetizers,” she said as she removed the covers to reveal mini crabcakes, bacon-wrapped shrimp, lobster bites and fried salmon bites, along with raw vegetables and spinach dip with sliced baguette.
“And this is why you’re my best friend. I’m going to enjoy every bite.” Her friend had gone out of her way to prepare some of Jayana’s favorite foods. She placed some of everything on a plate and carried it over to the kitchen table, then waited for Karina to do the same.
Karina went back for sangria, filled two glasses and placed the pitcher in the center of the table.
After the first bite of the crispy, seasoned salmon, she moaned. “Oh, this issogood. You know I’m going to need the recipe.”
She smiled. “I got you, girl. Speaking of moving, has Calvin tried calling you again?”
