Page 17 of The Aries Alliance
“Yet what?” She raised her eyebrow.
“You’re not my woman . . . yet. Never say never.”
Scarlett tilted her head and laughed from her belly.
“Boy, please. What game are you trying to play?” She closed her eyes and paused, as if she were in deep thought, then opened them suddenly, her lashes fluttering rapidly. “Be honest. Are you off?” she asked in such a respectful way that I almost wasn’t offended.
Before I could answer, a timer dinged in the kitchen, signaling that tonight’s entrée was ready. I rose and pointed to the pitcher before us.
“Can I get you anything other than water?”
Scarlett nodded.
“Yes, I’d like wine if you have any.”
I soon returned with a slightly chilled bottle of Pinot Noir and set it next to the platter of appetizers on the table. I sat back down before blessing the food.
“Do you need anything else?” I faced Scarlett, whose stunned face amused me.
She shook her head.
“No, this is good. I nibbled on some crackers before I came.”
“That’s not real food. Help yourself to this hummus. I like my women to have big appetites too.” I picked up the platter and handed Scarlett small tongs to select her vegetables.
She picked up the tongs and eyed the platter before placing hummus, pita, and a couple of carrot and zucchini slices on her plate.
“As I said before, since I’m not your woman, I won’t have to worry about that.” She smirked, amusing me again.
We ate our meal in comfortable silence until the grandfather clock struck eight o’clock.
Scarlett checked her dainty gold watch.
“It’s getting late, so please tell me why I’m here.” She gestured to the open area around us.
I cleared my throat and took another sip of water before placing my linen napkin on the table.
“About that. It’s complicated.”
“Well, talk to me like I’m five and make it simple.” She pointed to her watch again.
I cleared my throat.
“I have a radical proposition for you that will address some of your work problems.”
Scarlett placed her hands in her lap.
“I’m listening.”
“I thought of making you sign an NDA, but I hope that given your advocacy for social justice, that won’t be necessary.”
“Okay. You’re stalling. Spit it out, War.” She rolled her hands in a circle, gesturing for me to hurry up.
“I want to take EFU down and need your help.” I spoke the words quickly and exhaled a sharp breath.
Scarlett’s neck whipped back and forth so fast I was surprised she didn’t get whiplash.
“So, youareoff.” She scooted away from me to stand, but I held her arm.
