Page 17 of A Trial of the Heart
With confusion, I took my hot towel and wiped my hands. I had so many questions but kept quiet and waited to see what would come of the night. Rashad said he had something planned, and I didn’t want to impose with the many questions I had.
“This is nice…” My words dragged out, while my eyes jumped around the elegant room.
“How did yo—” My words were cut off.
“Hello, Mr. Carter.”
My eyes bounced from the elegance of the room to the person who had spoken.A short Italian guy rocking expensive clothing stood before us with a smile and his hands folded in front of him.He didn’t look more than five feet tall and a hundred pounds with a bald head.
“Ricardo.” Rashad greeted him with a smile before his eyes shifted my way. “This is Shiloh. It’s her birthday we’re celebrating.”
Butterflies tickled my stomach when Rashad said who I was. Nothing spectacular was said, yet it gave me that fuzzy feeling.
Ricardo looked my way, never losing the smile, but he didn’t speak or move, so I did.
“Good to meet you.” I extended my hand his way.
His eyes lit up as he took my hand into his. Lowering his head, he kissed it softly.
“Signora Shiloh,” he replied.
It was something about Ricardo that was warm and inviting. He gave me that grandfather that always kept peppermints in his pockets and snuck you money when no one was looking vibe.
“I hear we have a celebration tonight. I would like to wish you a happy birthday. However, in my country, it is bad luck to do so before the day arrives. Instead, I will say, I hope that the evening Mr. Carter had my team and I create is everything your heart desires.” Ricardo offered a warm smile.
I had heard about other countries thinking it was a jinx to wish someone something before the actual date, but until Ricardo, I had never met anyone who believed that.
“I appreciate that.” I returned the smile.
Still smiling, Ricardo shifted his gaze from mine back to Rashad. “Everything is ready for you two whenever you’re ready to begin.”
Rashad nodded with no words.
“Enjoy your night.” Ricardo lifted my hand once again, kissing it before quickly ambling away.
Crossing my legs, I gazed over at Rashad. He smiled at me with his eyes.
“You brought out the big guns for tonight, huh?” I wasn’t sure all that he had planned, but it was evident that Rashad hadn’t spared a thing for the night, and it was just beginning.
With a smirk, Rashad lifted the glass of water to his lips, taking a quick drink.
“You only turn thirty once.” His response was simple, yet it meant so much to me.
“I guess you’re right.”
Rashad stood, and instinctively, my eyes raised with him.
“Let’s go.” He held his hand out palm side up.
With dipped brows, I placed my hand in his and stood. I wasn’t sure where we were going, but the security I felt with Rashad made me want to follow the man to hell and back. My heels reverberated off the marble floor in an even beat, slowing once I realized Rashad was leading me to the kitchen.
“Wait. I don’t think we should go back there.” I spoke with a nervous giggle.
Stopping fully, Rashad looked back at me. A slight smile adorned his beautiful face.
“I know the people. We’re good.”
He hadn’t said anything special, yet it caused my heart to skip a beat. Going against anything my big, grown self would do normally, I relaxed and allowed Rashad to lead the way through the double doors that saidemployees only.
