Page 2 of The Cask

“No.” She cocked her head to the side. “I’ve only met the woman in charge. I’m almost positive her name is Kim. She actually came in to eat and vibe a couple of weeks ago.”

My head turned quickly, causing my long braids to fly. “She did?”

Alexis nodded. “I didn’t know about that visit until yesterday when she came over and introduced herself. She told me she’d had a good time here when she came the first time and she looked forward to seeing more of what we had to offer.”

I pursed my lips.

Something about Kim’s visit felt off.

“I don’t know who he is though,” Alexis continued.

My eyes narrowed as I stared at the man. “Hm,” I mumbled.

“They’re opening this weekend? She didn’t say anything about that yesterday. I thought they were opening next weekend during the festival.”

“Looks like they’re trying to capitalize on the First Fridays festivities.” My tone was flat and dry. “Hm.”

The first Friday of every month, the people of Richmond flood the streets to take in art and culture. It was a major boon for the city, but because of our prime location, we always made a ton of money to kick off the month. We even set up outdoor seating on the sidewalk for those who wish to people watch while they enjoyed fine wine.

Alexis gasped as she got closer to the window, her nose almost against the glass. “Serving superior liquor, premium cigars, and rare fine wine,” she read with a gasp. “Are they serious?”

“Mm hm.” I removed the apron I was wearing to clean off the tables ahead of our opening and tossed it on the chair. “I’ll be right back.”

“Ebony?!” Always the worrier, her eyes bulged. “Where are you going?”

“To welcome our neighbors,” I told her, flashing a smile.

She followed me to the front door. “Ebony, are you sure?”

“I’m sure.” My lips curled upward. “I’m sure,” I reemphasized with a reassuring nod.

“What are you going to say? I just don’t want any bad blood with them,” she stated, her voice rife with worry. “Our numbers are good, but with the new competition and the fickleness of—”

“Alexis,” I interrupted her. “I’ll be right back.”

I heard her sigh as I stepped out into the unseasonably warm October afternoon. I took a few steps and then hit the crosswalk button seven times in a row, hoping to expedite the walk signal. When it changed, I strode across the street fueled with an anger that only grew stronger as I approached the building.

My eyes zeroed in on the sign they put out and I shook my head.They have some nerve!

Smoothing down my formfitting black bodycon dress, I tried to calm myself down before I entered Luxe.

“We’re not open…” the well-dressed man stated without looking.

“Hello?” I called out, staring at the back of the well-dressed man I’d seen through the window.

“We’re not open…” His deep voice trailed off as he turned around to face me. With widened eyes pinging over me, he cleared his throat. “Hello.” He walked toward me with his hand outstretched. “How can I help you?”

Damn.

My anger temporarily ceased to exist as he got closer. From a distance, I could see that he was well dressed, but I wasn’t able to see how good that suit fit his tall, muscular frame. He looked like he stepped off the cover ofGQmagazine.

His blemish-free, toffee-colored skin was flawless. His full lips and straight, white teeth were perfect. And his hair was cut low and faded into a stubble of a beard that sexily decorated his jawline. He was the sexiest man I’d ever laid eyes on. I got a whiff of his cologne and it drew me closer. And when his chocolate brown eyes with the longest, darkest lashes I’d ever seen blinked over at me, my breathing hitched.

Seriously. Damn.

“I’m Omari Fortune,” he introduced himself as my hand slid into his. “And you are?”

“Ebony Montresor,” I replied, shaking his hand.

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