Page 14 of Continuum

“Because my back was to you.” Before entering the brightly lit restaurant, I looked up at him. “Therefore, you were looking at my ass.”

I didn’t wait for his response. But I caught his smile in the mirror behind the counter as I walked to the booth in the corner.

“I’m not even going to dignify your statement with a response,” he disputed from behind me.

Sliding into the booth, I placed my bag beside me. “Because you know it’s true.”

He chuckled as he sat across from me. “I never said it wasn’t true. I just said I wasn’t going to respond.”

I laughed. “As long as we both know what really happened.”

“In my defense, I didn’t know it was you! I just happened to look over when I saw a flash of red…and then I noticed the hips… and ass…and I just…” He licked his lips. “I didn’t know it was you until you turned around and I saw that sexy little scowl on your face.”

I couldn’t tell if that was a good thing or a bad thing.

“Welcome to Al’s,” the waitress greeted us, handing us menus. “You two look nice! Where are you two coming from?”

“We were at the bar up the street,” Kwame answered.

“What?” Her eyes bulged before shaking her head. “No way! You two are the best looking and best dressed couple I’ve seen all night.”

“Thank you,” we said in unison, not correcting her mistake.

“I love a man that appreciates a woman with some meat on her bones,” the older woman continued unnecessarily.

With his eyes on me, he replied, “I’m a carnivore.”

The waitress giggled.

My entire body became enflamed.

“Well, my name is Judy and I’ll be taking care of you tonight. Would you like anything to drink?”

“Bottled water, please,” I requested.

Kwame nodded. “I’ll take a water, too.”

“Before I grab your waters, I just wanted to let you know that our special for tonight is our burger and fry combo. Cheese is an extra fifty cents.”

My stomach rumbled as I spoke. “That sounds good.” I didn’t realize I’d said it out loud until Kwame responded to me.

“Yeah, it does. We’ll take two burger and fry combos, please,” he ordered. “Would you like cheese on yours, Aisha?”

I smiled. “Yes, please.”

“Cheese on both,” he added.

“I gotcha,” Judy said, scribbling on her notepad. “Our burgers come with lettuce and tomato, is that okay?”

“One with no tomato,” he said.

I smiled.Nowthisis how you order for me.

When the waitress left, I grabbed my bag. “I’ll be right back. I’m going to wash my hands,” I announced.

“Me, too,” he said, sliding out of the booth quickly. He reached for my hand and helped me to my feet.

My fingers tingled at his touch. “Thank you.”

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