Page 18 of A Trial of the Heart
“Good evening, Mr. Carter. Good evening, madam.” The staff of about eight seemed to greet us in unison.
“I will be your guide for the night,” an older white lady spoke up.
“What can I get you two to drink?”
Rashad looked to me, indicating I go first. It was small things like that, that had me on a high with Rashad. In past relationships or dates, guys never waited for me. Rashad always made it a point that I go first in everything.
“Lemon drop,” I said the first thing that came to mind.
“For you, sir?”
“White Russian.”
Rashad had barely completed his request before one of the staff members hurried away.
“Could I explain tonight’s experience?”
“Of course.”
“First, we will begin with the tour of the kitchen. You two will be enjoying a six-course meal. You both will handpick your main course from an array of meats and seafoods. Once that is complete, you have the option to watch as your meal is prepared. You can even participate in the preparation.”
I could only smile. I wasn’t sure how Rashad had gotten the date completed; it was a pre-cruise amenity.
“Here you are, madam, sir.” The guy that had rushed away handed us our drinks.
“Thank you,” I said.
“‘Preciate that.” Rashad spoke with a head nod.
“Shall we begin?” the guide asked, looking between us.
“Ready?” Rashad looked down at me.
I blushed. “I am.”
“Let the night begin.” Rashed winked, holding his drink toward mine.
Our glasses clinked once I touched mine with his.Rashad and I had connected through sex on every encounter we had other than the first night, so him doing this meant so much. It may not have seemed like a lot for many, but him taking the time to plan a special date would make my birthday much more memorable.
The night was just starting, but when he took my hand before leading the way and those butterflies took flight, I knew it would be everything I could ever want.
“Are you enjoying yourself?”
We were on the dessert portion of the meal. I was stuffed to the max, but the food had been so good I couldn’t stop eating. Him asking me if I enjoyed myself had to be a joke. The experience I had couldn’t be anything but enjoyable. Even if Rashad and I kept the no talking after the cruise rule I originally set forth, I knew our memories would forever be in my bank.I finished the rest of the mini chocolate chip waffles paired with the strawberry ice cream before wiping my mouth.
“This cruise was my birthday gift, but you, Mr. Carter…” I mocked the way everyone had called his name tonight while pointing my French manicured nail his way. “Have exceeded anything I’ll ever do. Hell, even what I have planned won’t amount to this.”
I smiled, looking around the room, taking it all in. I had already said Rashad had out done himself, but looking deeper, he had truly went all out.He winked, and instinctively, I bashfully dropped my eyes.
“Just want to make you happy.”
It was so many emotions released in the few words. Rashad meant those words, and as scary as it seemed, I felt it.
“You’re doing it.”
“Ready to get out of here?”
Involuntarily, my kitty jumped, assuming Rashad meant we were about to head back to his room.
