Page 15 of Taste The Smoke
She immediately forked up some of the pasta with the scallops. It nearly melted on her tongue. “Oh, my goodness, this tastessogood.” She moaned, hummed and did a little shimmy in her chair. “If this is representative of your cooking skills, we don’teverhave to go to a restaurant again.”
Alonzo threw his head back and roared with laughter. “I’m glad you’re enjoying it.” He brought a forkful to his own mouth.
For the next few minutes they ate in comfortable silence, while the music played in the background. It amazed her how well they seemed to fit.
“So how’s the back been treating you?”
“It was giving me fits the other day while I was working on cleaning out more of GiGi’s belongings, but it’s okay now.”
“I’ll give you a few stretches you can do that might help.”
“That would be great. The PT I went to after the accident didn’t really do much to help and seemed to be offended when I questioned her about it. I have pain medication, but I don’t like taking it that often.”
Alonzo shook his head. “I’m sorry. Have you ever considered CBD as an alternative?”
“No.” She’d heard about the benefits, but had never done any research to find out more.
“You should try it. There are oils and creams you can massage into your back, edibles, water, all of which may be able to give you some relief. Without getting high,” he added with a grin and went back to his food.
“Yeah, getting high isnotan option. But I wouldn’t even know where to begin.”
“Good thing I do.”
“They use CBD at the rehab center?”
“No, but my sister and I own a day spa, and we specialize in CBD wellness.”
Kenya paused with the fork halfway to her mouth, then lowered it again. “Okay, hold up. Not only are you a physical therapist, but you own a business, too. How do you have time to do all of that?”
He finished his last bite before answering. “My sister runs the place, and I pretty much handle the books, so I only spend a few hours there.”
“Do you give massages, too?”
“No, but I will for you anytime you like. It closes at eight on Fridays and Saturdays, so we can go after you get off. Or, we can do it on a Sunday or Monday when the spa is closed. Your choice.” He reached for her hand and placed a soft kiss on the back. “I can promise you an experience you won’t forget.”
The thought of his hands all over her body sent heat flowing through her. She picked up her glass and took a healthy swig of the wine.How about right now?her inner voice shouted. “I’ll let you know.” They finished eating, cleared the table and he overruled her protests and helped load the dishwasher and wash the pots.
When they were done, Alonzo took her hand and guided her to the family room. He sat next to her on the sofa and draped his arm around her. “Let’s talk, sweetheart.”
The endearment went straight to her heart. She knew he wanted to discuss what happened in the kitchen earlier and she’d never fully disclosed the details of her marriage. “You want to know about my ex.” It was more of a statement, than a question.
“I want to know about anything that concerns you, Kenya. I feel like something special is happening between us and, if there’s something from your past that will affect whatever we’ve got going on, I’ll do whatever it takes to help you work through it. Do you feel it?”
Kenya rubbed her temples. Yes, she felt it, and had been feeling it from the moment she laid eyes on him. Why hadn’t she met Alonzo first? “This is crazy. It doesn’t make sense.”
“It doesn’t have to make sense if it feels right. Andthisfeels right. I’m far too old to play games—not that I ever played them in my relationships—but I want to see where this goes. If we’re not on the same page, it’s cool, but I need you to understand that if we do this, we go all the way. We’re all in.”
“Exactly how old is too old?”
A lazy smile tilted the corner of his mouth. “If you’re asking my age, I’m forty-one.”
She never would’ve guess he was that much older than her. “So seven years older than me.” Blowing out a long breath, she shifted slightly to face him. “We are on the same page, Alonzo, but I have deep scars and this is hard for me.”
Alonzo gently caressed her cheek. “What did he do to you, baby?”
Drawing in another fortifying breath, she said, “We worked in the same building and he would always speak and compliment me, or open the door for me if we happened tobe coming or going at the same time. When Brad finally asked me out a month later, I agreed. We dated for over a year, and although I wanted to have a beautiful wedding surrounded by my family and friends, I let him talk me into eloping. He said we could have a big reception and save that money for a house and starting a family.” Kenya felt the tears and blinked them back. “About three months after we were married, he said he had to go out of town for business in Atlanta. I thought it was the perfect time because another one of my coworkers had been trying to convince me to go to a conference with her. I had originally told her I didn’t think it was a good time with me still being a newlywed and all. But the joke was definitely on me.” She turned away as a tear escaped and rolled down her cheek.Dammit.She promised herself she would never shed another tear over that jerk. “While in San Diego, I had some extra time and took a walk down the harbor to check out all the little shops and restaurants. I saw my husband with another woman and…and holding a little boy in his arms.”
“Oh, baby.” Alonzo pulled her closer.
