Page 13 of Taste The Smoke
Jayana waved a hand. “Mmm hmm, I know. Just answer the question.”
“We went out to dinner at Fleming’s last week and he’s coming over tonight and we’ll order in. His name is Alonzo Bennett, and apparently, he works with Bryson’s wife, Raven.”
“What are the odds that you’d meet a guy who knows the people you work with?”
“I know, right? But the fact that he is friends with them makes me a little more comfortable because I know Bryson isn’t going to let just anybody be around the kids at the center.”
“You’ve got that right.” She scooted forward in her chair and whispered, “Okay, now that we’ve gotten all the boring stuff out of the way, what are his kisses like and can he bring it in the bedroom?”
“I take it back. You’re way worse than my sister,” Kenya said with a chuckle. “I just met the man a few weeks ago.” However, if the way he kissed was any indication, she knew he’d definitely be able to bring it. Just the thought sent all kinds of sensations flowing through her.
“And? You know I’d only known Dante a few hours before we were indulging in the best sex of my life. My baby can?—”
Kenya held up a hand. “Just stop. I donotwant to hear about you and myboss.” Jayana had shared that her and Dante’s relationship started as a one-night stand during a flight layover. Both were surprised to find out that Jayana had been hired as the new psychologist. Now the two were married the and parents to an eight-month old baby girl. Her cell chimed and she picked it up as Jayana burst out laughing. Her pulse skipped when she saw a text from Alonzo:Hey, beautiful. Hope your day is going well. Just wanted to know if you had a taste for something specific for dinner.
“See. There you go again…smiling wide enough to power a small building. Must be a message from Alonzo.”
She couldn’t even deny that she’d been smiling. “I thought you wanted me to find a nice guy and be all smiley. He’s checking to see if I have a taste for something particular tonight.”
“You should tell him you have a taste forhim.” Jayana wiggled her eyebrows.
“I can’t with you, girl. Don’t you have some work to do? I’m not sending him that.” Kenya had never played these kinds of sensual games with men. Then again, they hadn’t done it with her, either. She did wonder what Alonzo’s response would be if she were to send such a bold reply. Instead, she just told him they could decide when he got to her house.
“Aw, come on, Kenya. I bet if you did, dinner would be a whole lot more fun.”
A knock sounded. “Come in,” Kenya said. Dante poked his head in. “Hey, Dante. Looking for your wife?”
“Yep.” Dante entered holding his infant daughter, Carmen, and divided a speculative glance between the two women. “Uh oh, what’s going on?”
“Nothing.” Jayana hopped up and kissed him. “You almost ready?” She kissed the baby. “How’s mama’s little angel?”
Carmen giggled and burrowed deeper into her father’s chest, and a sharp pang of envy hit Kenya. The love Dante had for his wife and daughter was clearly evident and she found herself wanting to get that dream of happily-ever-after back again.
CHAPTER 4
Kenya finished setting the dining room table with her grandmother’s fine China. GiGi used to tell her, “I don’t know why people save the good dishes for once or twice a year. Every day that the Good Lord gives us is a special occasion, so I’m going to use those pretty plates whenever I want.” She’d pull out the gorgeous set with its blue and white floral decorative border, blue and gray broken band and platinum trim every Sunday and at least one other day during the week. Going back to the kitchen, she removed the pan of brownies from the oven and set it on a rack to cool. Since he was bringing dinner, she decided to take care of dessert. Along with the brownies, she had vanilla ice cream and her homemade chocolate sauce.
With everything now done, Kenya went to freshen up. As she pulled the faux wrap blouse on, her phone rang and moved quickly to answer it.
“Hey, sis,” Phaedra said.
“What’s up?”
“I wanted to know if tonight’s a good time to come by to pick up GiGi’s jewelry.”
Kenya had offered to let her sister pick out her favorites before calling their aunt to see if she wanted a few pieces. “I’m having dinner with Alonzo in about ten minutes, but you can come by sometime tomorrow.”
Phaedra’s excited squeal came through the line. “You’re still going out with your perfect stranger? I’m so proud of you.”
“You are so dramatic sometimes, girl. He’s not a stranger anymore, and yes, we’re still dating.” It had only been three weeks and she couldn’t decide whether things were moving too fast or not.
“Where are you going?”
“We’re eating in. He’s bringing dinner and I made brownies.”
“Alonzo already sounds like a keeper. Has he kissed you yet?”
Now she sounded like Jayana. “Why are you all in my business? I didn’t ask you all these questions when you and Jared started dating.”
