Page 4 of Taste The Smoke
“I was just going to suggest that.”
“Great minds think alike,” he said, his gaze never leaving hers.
The way this man keeps looking at me and the sound of his voice pouring over me like warm honey…I need a fan!To distract herself, she snatched up the menu and perused the selections.
“What looks good?” If it were Phaedra, she would’ve answered,you. But since Kenya hadn’t ever been that bold, she just said, “The lettuce wraps and short rib tacos sound good to me. Hmm, but so do the teriyaki wings.”
Leaning back in his chair, Alonzo placed the menu on the table. “We’ll get all three, and you can take the leftovers.”
“Oh, no. I can’t do that. You can take them.” She figured he was close to her age, maybe a couple of years older, and most of the men she’d been around didn’t cook much, so it was the least she could do since he’d been nice enough to be concerned about her.
He waited until the server had taken their order to continue the conversation. “I’m going to get all the leftovers I need when I go to my parents’ house for dinner tomorrow, so I’m good.”
“Do you eat there often?”
“Family dinners have been pretty much monthly now that my sister and I moved out, aside from holidays. I think it’s more like her way of checking up on us and making sure we’re all right. I don’t mind if it keeps her from worrying. Besides, I love my mama’s cooking.”
Kenya laughed. “Sounds like my mother, and I know what you mean. I’d probably never cook if I could get her food every day. Well, if you’re sure.”
“I am. Think of it as you having a day off from cooking. You can spend a Sunday with your feet up relaxing. And you deserve a little something after being stood up.”
“I’ve already gotten something.” Kenya didn’t realize she’d spoken the words out loud until she heard his low chuckle. She wanted to disappear under the table.
Still smiling, he said, “That makes two of us. I’m enjoying dinner with a beautiful woman. His loss. So tell me a little about yourself, Kenya.”
For a moment, she stared. This brother was smooth, but the way he said it didn’t sound like a lame pick-up line. “I’m a psychologist and work as an art therapist at a teen center.”
“That has to be interesting.”
“Believe me, it is,” Kenya said with a little laugh. “Those kids keep me on my toes and not much gets by them. I love it, though. I’ve only been there about nine months, but it was the best move for me.”
“I don’t imagine you having any boring days.”
“Not one. Every day is a challenge, in a good way. Do you know what I mean?”
“I do.”
“What about you? As tall as you are, I would’ve guessed you’re an athlete.”
“If I hadn’t blown my knee out senior year of high school, I may have ended up somewhere on a football field. The physical therapist I had was amazing, so I went that route.”
She wished her therapist had beenamazing. Maybe she wouldn’t be having so many issues now. “That’s pretty cool. So you work with athletes?”
“Some.”
The server returned with their food and Alonzo waited until she’d filled her plate to do his own. Another brownie point. They continued talking about their jobs and swapping stories while eating, and it turned out to be the best date she’d had. Something about his calm demeanor relaxed her. For once, Phaedra’s advice had been spot on. “I can’t believe we’ve been talking for over an hour. I’d better get going, and I’m sure you have some other things to do this evening. I want to thank you for a great time, Alonzo.”
“Thanks for the invitation. I enjoyed myself.” He helped her box up the leftovers, then snatched up the bill as soon as it hit the table. “I’ve got this.”
“Oh, no. I can’t let you pay. It’s my treat.” It was the least she could do since he pretty much saved her from an embarrassing evening. He just shook his head, placed his credit card in the folio, then handed it to the server. She didn’t know what to say. The last guy she’d gone out with took one look at the bill and suggested they go dutch, andhe’daskedherout.
After he signed the receipt, he asked, “Ready?”
Kenya had a moment of panic. She knew her body would be stiff from sitting so long and getting up would be a chore. She nodded and he was up and around the table with his hand extended before she could blink. Steeling herself for the look of pity most men gave her, she planted the cane and slowly pushed to her feet, using his sure grip as leverage.
“Let me help you.” Alonzo wrapped the other hand around her waist and gently guided her upright. “Stand here and give your body a minute to adjust.”
In his eyes, she saw no pity, only genuine concern. All evening he’d been charming and courteous and something told her she could easily fall for him, a perfect stranger. “Thanks.” He was even taller than she thought. He towered over her five-six height by almost a foot. After a few seconds, Kenya felt steadyenough to move, but the heat of his hard body surrounding her, along with the warm, earthy fragrance of whatever cologne he wore, made her weak all over again. “Okay, I’m ready.” His hand rested in the middle of her back as he guided her to the exit, as if they were a real couple.
