Page 32 of What She Deserves
Garrison sat back, a rueful twist to his lips. “Let me guess. You’re thinking that we don’t have much chemistry, am I right?”
Her eyes widened.
He chuckled. “Don’t feel bad, I was actually thinking the same thing.” He frowned as he searched for the right words. “I like you, but maybe we’re better off as friends. Don’t get me wrong, you’re a beautiful woman, but… I don’t feel anything, and I think I know why.”
“Why?”
“Tonight was a trial run for me,” he admitted. “I’ve been divorced for over a year and wanted to see if I was ready to get back into the game, but I’m not sure that I am.”
“I’m sorry.” Layla remembered from his profile that he was divorced, but they hadn’t talked about his marriage or ex-wife the entire meal. She’d assumed the divorce had taken place a long time ago.
“Me too. I’m starting to think that those feelings I thought were gone forever haven’t really gone anywhere at all.”
His words landed like truth bombs. “You shouldn’t jump back into a relationship if you’re not ready. That’s something I should tell myself too.”
“What’s your story?”
“Let’s just say that I ended a relationship a few years ago, and even though I’ve had men in my life since then, nothing quite seems…”
“The same,” he finished for her.
“Yeah.” Her last conversation with Rashad didn’t help. She was more confused than ever about her feelings for him. She’d thought she was over him, but having him offer her a real relationship had caused excitement and longing she’d thought had long been displaced.
“Friends?” Garrison said.
“I would like that.”
He leaned forward on folded arms. “How about we finish up here and head out to the main room and do some dancing. I’m not the best dancer in the world, but I promise you’ll have fun.”
“I would like that,” Layla said.
They finished their desserts, and Garrison paid for the meals. Layla looped her arm through his as they made their way out of the small dining room and into the main part of the restaurant. They were winding their way past the bar when Rashad stepped in front of them, and Layla pulled up short.
Her mouth fell open in shock. “Hey, what are you doing here?”
“I could ask you the same thing.” With a hard glint in his eyes, his gaze landed on their locked arms.
Layla guiltily released Garrison. “I had dinner with a friend,” she explained.
“A friend?” Rashad arched a doubtful eyebrow. “Your friend is the reason you couldn’t see me tonight?”
“Maybe now isn’t a good time to discuss this.”
“No, let’s talk about this right here, right now. No better time than the present.”
“Hey, buddy, calm down,” Garrison said.
“I’m not your buddy,” Rashad said, getting louder and jabbing a finger at Garrison.
Layla rested a hand on Rashad’s arm. “Can we go somewhere and talk?”
“You sure your boyfriend won’t mind?”
“He’s not my boyfriend. I told you, he’s a friend. I’ll meet you outside in a few minutes.”
Rashad glowered at Garrison before responding. “You have five minutes,” he said to Layla. He stalked away into the crowd toward the door, and Layla turned to face Garrison.
“Are you sure you’re going to be okay with that guy?” he asked, deep concern etched in his eyes and voice.
