Page 36 of A Trial of the Heart
“Yeah, was just heading out.” He seemed disappointed.
I was grateful he said he was heading out. That meant I wouldn’t have to deal with what he wanted since I’d shown up like he requested, even if I wasn’t on time.
“Oh, well. That’s terrible.” I pretended to pout.
Rashad smirked. “You shoulda held off just a little bit longer.”
“Huh?”
“I was heading out, but you’re here now, so we might as well order.” He winked.
He’d beat me at my own game. I just knew since I was late, he’d say the night wouldn’t proceed. I was sure the anger was all over my face as I did a horrible job hiding my expressions.
“What’s wrong? Something on my face?” He stood wiping his hands over his face just before pulling my chair out. “Have a seat, beautiful. I’m starving. You had me waiting long enough.”
Rashad was taunting me. It was clear. As bad as I didn’t want to be, I was here. I had agreed on it, so it was best that I made it work in my favor.
“What you having? I been looking over this menu since I been here, so I know what I want. You want to start with something to drink? Lemon drop still your thing, right? That hasn’t changed in the last few weeks?”
Oh, yeah. He was definitely playing. It was now time for him to see that I could play too. I offered a sexy smile.
“Yeah lemon drop works, Rashad, or um… should I call you Kyan? It seems that’s what you’re going by nowadays.” My smile turned into a smirk.
Instead of responding right away, he raised his hand, getting the attention of the waitress. She rushed over quickly like she’d been waiting to be summoned.
“I see you decided to stay.” Her tone was sultry. She had a beautiful smile, and her eyes undressed Rashad. She was oblivious to me being there. It was either that, or she just didn’t care.
Rashad offered a friendly smile before his eyes shifted to me. He winked.
This motherfucker.Rashad knew what he was doing, and sadly, it wasn’t even much, yet he affected me with the minimum.
“My um… wife finally showed up from her late meeting, so I decided since we were already here, might as well have our date night as planned.” He had the nerve to utter with a smirk.
I almost objected to him calling me his wife, but the look on the waitress’ face halted my words. Petty wasn’t how I moved, but Rashad was fine, so mine or not, I selfishly didn’t want anyone else to have him.
“Oh, sorry.” Her face had drained of its color, and the smile quickly dropped. “What can I get you two?” She looked my way.
My lips parted, but no sound escaped as Rashad spoke first.
“She’ll have a lemon drop, and I’ll just get another of this.” He pointed to his empty glass with barely any ice in it.
“Of course. I’ll be right back.” The waitress hurried off, almost running into one of her coworkers. I got the embarrassment and maybe even disappointment, but I couldn’t lie and say she was doing too much.
“Your wife? Really?” I questioned with a playful attitude while crossing my legs.I watched him closely as he seemed unbothered.
“It’s Kyan.”
“Huh?” Confusion took over.
“My name… It’s Kyan, but to everyone, I’ve always gone by my middle name. Don’t think I played you. I introduced myself in the manner I have with everyone I know and meet.” He went back to our original conversation without addressing who I was to him.
“Hmm.” He seemed truthful. Before my next question could roll off my tongue, the waitress returned. “I like Kyan better,” I added softly.
He chuckled, shrugging “Then call me Kyan.” He was too damn carefree.
Crossing my legs, I glared at him. He had swooned me on the cruise, but now that I knew he was a criminal, I knew it all was a lie, and since he wanted this dinner, it was time I poked the bear.
“Rashad,you care to tell me why we sitting on opposite sides of the law? I mean, you seemed like a straightforward good guywhen we first met. Care to tell me how you pulled the wool over my eyes and how many other women you’ve swindled the same way? Were you hoping to get some money out of me too? Is that why you tried to pursue things further when I insisted we didn’t? Is that why you’re here now? Hoping to get me out of my panties and fuck with my job so the case can be thrown out? Tell me… because it’s clear you’re a fraud. So, what the hell is it?” I was being petty by calling him Rashad after he had just granted me permission to call him Kyan.
