Page 45 of The Family Man

“Really. How does your family feel about that?” I need to know.

“Why are you asking? Are you checking to see if my family is racist?” He swizzles his glass.

“Yes. I mean it would be foolish not to.”

He nods. “We all love and support my father and grandmom. My dad’s brother is married to a beautiful Black woman too.”

I eased a sigh of relief in my mind. “What’s your next goal?”

“Tarek Fairisles is an investor and a top chef. He and a food critic are coming in. I want to wow them. Maybe win a James Beard Award or at least be nominated.”

“That’s a food an award, right?” I always hear about the James Beard Award on TV.

“Yes. Now I have a question for you.” His face looks like he wants to jump off a bridge.

“Are you okay? What’s the question?” I reach across the table and hold his hand. I hope he isn’t sick.

He inhales and glances down into his lap, shakes his head and looks up and sets those hazel green eyes on me.

“I have been thinking. I want you to be mine.” He didn’t command it, but he said it with such authority that I nod yes.

“I need words, Sage. Say it.” He runs his finger along his bottom lip.

I mumble his name, “Be yours in what way?”

“In every fucking way lady. I am asking you to be my girlfriend.”

I gnaw on my lips. I haven’t been in a relationship in years. Suppose I don’t do it right? Suppose he cheats? Jump and say yes girl. “Yes.”

A greedy smile spreads over his face. He slides out the booth, stretches his hand out to me.

I put my palm into his. He drags me slowly out of the booth.

“Where do you have to be after this is all over?” he asks as he pulls me into his body. His hands press against my ass and squeeze it.

“When what is all over?” Was that my voice, it’s all husky, smoky even.

“After I make love to you for the first time,” he says.

I can feel his length against my tummy.

“I have a meeting in an hour and a half with a new client,” I respond, and he stares at me like I am a cooked rib eye. Like he was ready to devour me.

“I can keep you looking together. I won’t mess you up too much. Just say yes, baby.” My man is a walking temptation, he smells of freshly picked herbs, like mint and basil. I reach up and touch his beard, I take my thumb and drag his bottom lip down slowly.

“Kiss me, please,” I beg. He crashes his hard mouth unto mine, I wrap my hands around his neck and dig my fingers into his dark hair.

His hand grips my ass and the other is on my back, bending me forward like he can’t get enough of me. Our breathing is heavy. His lips are soft, but he is conquering my soul.

“Open your mouth, baby. I want more.” His tongue licks my lips and a thrill runs up my spine.

I bend my knees, my breasts rub against his chest.

He pulls away. “Take off the skirt and the panties,” he begins to unbutton his chef jacket.

I look around, remembering we are still in his new restaurant. He must be crazy. I must be crazy, too, because I am looking around wondering how to do this.

“Um, Zac, we are still in your restaurant. Anyone can come in.”

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