Page 5 of Taste The Smoke
“I’ll walk you to your car.”
“Thanks. I’m in the lot at the end of the block.” A slight breeze kicked up and she shivered.
“Cold?”
“A little. These mid-seventies temperatures for the last few days had me spoiled, but I heard they’re supposed to drop back down into the low sixties again with some possible rain.” Because she and Greg had only planned to meet for drinks around six-thirty, Kenya hadn’t brought a jacket. She hadn’t planned to spend almost three hours, and definitely not with someone else.
“I know what you mean. I planned to go running tomorrow, but we’ll see.”
Silence rose between them as they slowly made their way up the street and to where she had parked. “That blue Acura right there is mine.” She stopped next to it, unlocked it by remote and placed her cane on the backseat.
“May I ask what happened?”
“Car accident six years ago, courtesy of my ex-husband, may he continue to rot in hell,” she added bitterly. She looked up and found him watching her curiously. “I’ll tell you about it another time.”
“Works for me because I’d really like to take you out again.”
Everything about Alonzo had been different from any of the other men she’d dated, but the fear of being hurt again rose up swiftly.Baby, you can’t measure every man by the sins of a few. I believethere’sa man out there who’s worthy of your love.Her mother’s voice sounded in her mind just as quickly. Alonzohad been nothing but kind to her, and even paid for dinner. “I’d like that.” Before the words were off her tongue good, he had his phone out and open to the contacts. She inputted her information and handed it back. He called, let it ring once, then disconnected. For a moment, he stood there as if he wanted to say something else. Alonzo moved closer, his gaze never leaving hers. Her pulse skipped. Was he going to kiss her?
He stepped back and held the door open. “I’ll call you to see when’s a good time for that date.”
Disappointment warred with relief. Kenya nodded. “Again, thank you so much for an enjoyable evening, Alonzo. I really had a good time.” She got in and placed the to-go container on the passenger seat.
“So did I. Drive safely and I’ll talk to you soon.”
“You, too.” He closed the door and waited until she’d backed out and started out of the lot. She smiled and waved as she passed him. Two minutes into the drive, her cell rang and she knew it could only be one person. She connected the Bluetooth and answered. “Hello, dear sister. Yes, I asked him to sit, and yes, we had dinner. I’m just leaving.”
“Yes!I want to hear every detail, and don’t leave anything out. Wait. What does he look like?”
“Fine, with a capital F. And he’s tall, at least six-four or five.” She told her sister about their conversation, but had to stop after every other word because Phaedra kept interrupting with questions about where Alonzo lived, how long he’d been at his job, and whether he’d ever been married. “We didn’t get that far, but it was probably the best first date I’ve ever had to be honest.” Whenever she spoke, he leaned forward and made her feel as if she had his undivided attention. “I did have a little moment of worry when it came time to leave. Sitting in that wooden chair for over an hour had my back and entire right side stiff.”
“I hope he didn’t have the same reaction as Mr. No Show.”
“No, he didn’t. As soon as he saw the cane, he came around the table and helped me up, then made me stand there for a minute to make sure I was good before taking a step.” Kenya recalled every inch of his hard body pressed against hers.
“Well, well. It sounds like Alonzo might be worth a second date. If he asks you out, you’d better say yes.”
Laughing, she asked, “Why are you always so bossy?”
“Because if I wasn’t, you’d be a hermit. What’s that phrase about falling, skinning your knee and getting back up again? That’s what you have to do. You’re only thirty-four, sis, and much too young to throw in the towel, especially when I know that’s not what you really want.”
“Wanting it and being able to get it are two different things.” Yes, she’d wanted the whole love, marriage and children thing, but her ex had killed that dream, and she was having a hard time wanting to recapture it. Kenya had no problem giving advice to her clients. Maybe it was time she started taking it herself. So, yes, she would go out with Alonzo again, but she planned to take things slowly and get out at the first sign of trouble.
CHAPTER 2
Alonzo had planned to go running Sunday before heading over to dinner, but nixed the idea because of the forecasted rain and settled for working out in his home gym. He adjusted the incline on his treadmill and kept up the steady pace. His mind drifted to his impromptu date with Kenya last night and a smile curved his lips. He’d been pleasantly surprised when she extended the invitation to join her, and even more so by how much he’d enjoyed himself. She was a perfect combination of beauty and brains and the short time they’d spent together wasn’t nearly enough for him to learn everything he wanted to know about her.
Alonzo loved the sound of her voice—calm and soothing, yet sensual and arousing. The sight of her tongue licking sauce off her lips had him fantasizing about doing his own version of a taste test. Because she’d been already seated when he first saw her, it wasn’t until she stood that he got his first look at her body in a fitted wrap blouse and slacks that skimmed every one of her generous curves. Her lush body pressed against his had rendered him briefly mute when he’d helped her up and led her out of the bar. The urge to kiss her had been even stronger as they stood next to her car and almost blazed past his control. Ithad more than caught him off guard because he hadn’t reacted so strongly to a woman in a very long time. However, the thing that intrigued him the most was her offhand comment about her ex-husband. Had she been injured because of his abuse? Rage swept through him at the thought of a man hitting a woman, making him push harder. Thankfully, she’d survived.
A beep sounded, indicating he’d finished his workout cycle. Alonzo slowed his pace and completed the five-minute cool down before stopping and turning off the machine. He grabbed the towel and mopped at the sweat running down his face, neck, and chest, then drank an entire bottle of water without stopping.
His cell buzzed and he reached over and read the text from his high school buddy, Deon Moore, inviting him over to watch the basketball games. He typed back:Heading to the parents’ house for dinner. Maybe next week.
Deon:Tell Mama Roz and Papa Zo I said hey.
Alonzo:Tell my beautiful goddaughter I’ll be by to take her to lunch soon.
Deon:Oh, hell no! The last time, I had to hear about Uncle Zo for weeks.
