Page 26 of Daring to Love You
“That’s probably the food.”
Dang, the place even has a doorbell.
As Lynix stood, he dug into the front pocket of his dress pants and pulled out a money clip. Dorian stood too, watching as two people strolled in, one pushing a serving cart piled with covered dishes. Enticing aromas filled the space, and Dorian’s mouth watered as her stomach growled. She hadn’t eaten since that morning, and right now, she felt as if she could eat everything that had been ordered.
The staff made quick work of setting up the food and more drinks on a side table near the dining area. They were efficient, and within minutes, Dorian and Lynix were fixing their plates.
When she had perused the menu earlier, she had struggled with what to order because she wanted to try several dishes. That was no longer a problem. Lynix had ordered a sample of everything on the menu, and it was as if Dorian had died and gone to food heaven. Everything from avocado toast to braised ribs was tempting her, and if that wasn’t enough, petite size desserts were also included.
“Did you know I was a foodie?” Dorian asked.
Lynix flashed her a crooked grin. “Yes, I know a lot about you, and what I don’t know, I’m looking forward to learning. So how about we start with you telling me what those bastards you used to work with did to you?”
Chapter Twelve
Dorian cringed at Lynix’s tone. She knew this moment was coming, and he had every right to know why she had kissed him in a crowded restaurant. Not only that, but she had also taken over his meeting, which she still couldn’t believe she’d done.
Buying herself a little time, she shoved another bite of the braised ribs into her mouth. They were perfectly seasoned, tasted absolutely divine, and practically melted in her mouth. Normally, she’d be trying to determine what seasonings were used, but instead, she thought about what she could say to Lynix. Where did she even begin?
“Lynix, I know you said I don’t need to apologize for crashing your meeting, but I do. It was unprofessional and childish if I’m being honest. I wanted to show Rodney and Shauna how I had moved on from the drama they’d created around me at the agency. I also wanted them to see I knew people who could be their potential clients, and that I could influence whether they got a contract.”
Dorian moved potatoes around on her plate, embarrassed she had to tell him the rest. Now she wished she hadn’t put onthat little show. Then she could keep her secrets, no matter how big or small, to herself.
Lynix placed his hand on her thigh under the table and squeezed. “Tell me about you and Rodney? I thought the man’s eyes would pop out of his head when he saw you. When you said they ruined your work life at the agency, he looked as if he’d swallowed his tongue.”
“Rodney,” she said, the word tasting bitter on her tongue as she thought about how he’d made a fool of her. “He and I used to date. It was stupid of me to date my coworker.”
Dorian could admit to not being the most experienced woman out there, but she’d always thought she was a good judge of character. Rodney had proven her wrong on so many levels. While she had dated during high school and college, it had never been anything too serious because she was focused on her studies, determined to get a college scholarship. She’d accomplished that goal but at the expense of not having much of a social life during those years.
Then came her first real job at Concept Marketing Agency where she had worked since college and enjoyed her job. She and Rodney had worked together for a few years before she started crushing on him, but she never intended to date him.
“Is he the reason you won’t give me a chance?” Lynix asked, cutting into her thoughts.
“Yes, partly. Okay, mostly,” she added and gave him a slight smile while shrugging her shoulders. “I had a crush on him for at least a year, and then he asked me out. I thought I had died and gone to heaven because he was considered the most eligible bachelor in our department. Actually, probably in the whole company.
“For him to askmeout had been a big deal, but I said no at first. I knew he was out of my league, and the whole dating a coworker was risky. Still, it had been nice to get asked out.He didn’t give up, though. He hung out at my cubicle, making me laugh, paying me compliments, and basically giving me the attention I craved from a man. Needless to say, I finally gave in and became the envy of my co-workers.”
Dorian stared down at her plate and moved some of the yellow rice around, giving her a reason not to look at Lynix as she contemplated her next words. She couldn’t believe she was about to tell him one of the most embarrassing situations of her dating life. Him of all people.
He might’ve been interested in her before, but after this conversation he’d realize she wasn’t worth the effort. She wouldn’t know what to do with a man like him. A man as worldly and well off as him could get any woman he wanted. Heck, he already had, multiple times. He’d soon learn she wouldn’t be a good fit for him.
“Rodney and I dated for six almost seven months, and I thought we were having a good time getting to know each other. But then he wanted to take our relationship to the next level…”
Her words trailed off, and she chanced a glance at Lynix. People like him would think that, after dating that long, all the levels would’ve been hit by then. However, Lynix didn’t respond. His expression was patient and kind with no judgment. As a matter of fact, she was impressed with how he was letting her talk without much interruption.
Good listener.Another point in the pro’s column for him.
“Basically, when I wasn’t willing toput out, Rodney suddenly started canceling dates and ignoring my calls. He didn’t officially break up with me, but his attitude toward me turned chilly. We had kept our relationship quiet at work. So I didn’t think much of him not hanging out at my desk or us not going to lunch together. But there were no text messages, no phone calls, and there were no winks or smiles when we passed in the hallway.
“I eventually got the message and called myself all types of fools for dating a coworker. Something that will never happen again. My little impromptu show earlier was me trying to show Rodney how I was able to do a whole lot better than him. I’m sorry for pulling you into my pettiness, but more than that, I’m sorry for crashing your meeting. I hope I didn’t embarrass you too much.”
Dorian went back to eating, shoveling food into her mouth to keep from rambling. She liked Lynix. She liked him even more with how nice he’d been to her today, but maybe it was time to leave before more questions were asked.
“You didn’t embarrass me at all,” he said, rubbing the scruff on his chin as he watched her. “I’m just still wondering why you quit your job. Are you saying you quit because Rodney started ignoring you?”
Dorian’s fork stopped inches from her mouth as dread seeped in. She already felt like a loser where Rodney was concerned. She didn’t want to prove how much of one she was by answering more of Lynix’s questions.
You owe him. The words blared through her mind, and she knew she did. You couldn’t just infiltrate someone’s business meeting without a full explanation of why you’d done it.
