Page 15 of Tempted to Love You
“I can’t believe you bought me two paintings. You didn’t have to do that.” The glow in Latia’s eyes matches the elation in her tone, letting me know that while I didn’t have to purchase the art, her appreciation makes it worth every dime I spent.
“Blame it on the glow and gushing you were doing because I will never apologize for giving you whatever you desire.”
“I think I’m falling in love with you.”
My body stills, and my pulse becomes wild, and I smirk at hearing the words I never thought I’d enjoy having a woman express so freely. Looking left to right, I search for whoever is assigned to handle our patronage this evening.
“What’s wrong?” Latia asks.
“We gotta go. I need to see if I can help you remove the resistance while I stroke your?—”
“Rakai!” Latia’s eyes bounce around the room. Her doe-eyed expression contradicts the reason behind my search.
“Nah. I need to memorize your voice while my dick shows its appreciation of you catching up with where I’ve been from the beginning.”
“Nooo. Let’s enjoy dinner. Sex can always be on the menu, but I want to continue enjoying this moment. I just thought you should know how I feel about you.”
“Thank you for catching up, mama.”
Adjusting in my seat, I mentally coach my dick to return to normal so that Latia and I can enjoy the rest of this date.
Knowing that whatever doubts might have been on the surface with Latia are gone has me ready to treat the other patrons to a free meal on me. Confirmation of not being on the ledge of love alone has me prepared to audition for a triathlon,and I haven’t been on a bike since middle school. I’ve never learned how to swim, and I’m only capable of running a 3K race.
A woman in her mid-forties walks up to the table with a tablet and pen, preventing Latia or me from speaking.
“Good evening. Welcome to Anthony Lee’s. Is this your first time dining with us, or have you been here before?”
We’re at Anthony Lee’s Steakhouse to end what had been an enjoyable date of walking through a wide selection of art and intricately designed statues. The artist Deena Clemmons titled the showingArtistic Rhythms, and from the various shapes, colors, and movements happening within her art, I would say she was spot on. Thankfully, I made reservations for dinner because the fruit, cheese, and crackers with champagne had left me starving.
“It’s my first time, and I’ve heard nothing but great things,” Latia replies, smiling.
“Perfect. What can I get started for you all?” the server asks.
Latia’s curious eyes meet mine, although I don’t have a clue why, because she can order whatever she wants.
“I need help to decide. What are you considering?” Latia asks me.
“Why choose... get both,” I encourage her.
Latia’s eyebrows hike in question, and her index rests on her chin as she disconnects her gaze from me to the menu she’s holding.
“Okay. I’ll have the parmesan risotto as an appetizer. For my entrée, I’ll take the lamb chops with roasted potatoes and broccoli. I also would like to order a lobster tail with butter sauce,” Latia tells the server before closing the menu and passing it over.
“Great choice. What can I get you, sir?”
“I’ll take your stuffed mushrooms for my appetizer. Then I’ll have the steak and lobster with steamed asparagus and a loadedbaked potato, please.” I order before closing the menu and handing it to the server.
“Alright. I’ll get your orders in and will be back to check on you soon.” With that, the server walks away, leaving Latia and me alone again.
“Can I have some of your mushrooms?” Latia asks bashfully.
A low chuckle escapes my mouth because I had a feeling that Latia would want some the minute I ordered them since we both enjoy the delicacy most classified as fungi.
“Is that what you were debating and opted out of ordering?” I smirk.
“Mhm. I was hoping you would order them, though.”
The twinkling merriment shining brightly in Latia’s eyes has my heart leaping and my pulse racing.
