“Hmm, maybe it is. What time should I be ready?”
“How about seven-thirty?” He mentally went down the list of upscale restaurants. “Is there anything you don’t eat?”
“No, and I’m partial to seafood and Mexican food.”
Something they had in common. “I think I can handle that. How’s the toe?”
“Still throbbing, but I’ll live.”
“My number is in your phone now. Text me your address and go ice your toe. Let me know if we need to postpone.”
“I’m sure it’ll be fine.”
“I’m looking forward to seeing you again, Londyn.”
“Same here,” came the soft reply. “Goodnight.”
“Goodnight.” Braxton disconnected. A few seconds later, the cell buzzed. Londyn had sent her address. A second text came through: Thanks for being so caring. Smiling, he placed the phone on the nightstand. It had been a long time since he’d anticipated an evening out with a woman so much.
“How was your weekend with Derrick, Felicia?” Londyn asked, as she, Felicia and Monique sat in Monique’s condo having lunch Saturday afternoon. The three friends made a practice of sharing lunch or dinner at least twice a month, as their schedules allowed.
Felicia topped a French baguette slice with ham, Colby cheese and spicy mustard. “It wasn’t.” She rolled her eyes and took a bite. After swallowing, she propped her elbows on the table. “Why is it that every guy I hook up with acts like someone barely out of their teens and wants to spend all his time in the club? I’m a thirty-six-year-old organizational psychologist and I work every day analyzing people to find the right fit for a company, but I can’t choose a man who’s the right fit for me.”
Monique popped a chocolate-covered almond in her mouth. “I hear you. Every guy I find is either intimidated by how much money I make or they think I’m going to be their sugar mama.” She worked as an optometrist. “When I do find one who has potential, he always turns out to be married.”
“Ain’t that the truth,” Londyn said, shaking her head. She had run into the same problems with the men she dated. The one time she thought she’d found the right man, it turned out to be the biggest mistake she ever made. She shuddered every time she thought about what her ex put her through. What she had allowed him to do. Londyn vowed to never put herself in that kind of position again in the name of love.
“What are you talking about, girl? Felicia, Londyn met a tall, dark and gorgeous man at that wedding she went to a couple of weeks ago. Of course, she didn’t give him her number.”
Felicia stared at Londyn. “Wait. What? You didn’t tell me.”
Londyn repeated the same thing she’d told Monique.
“I can’t believe you didn’t slip him your number before you hopped in the car. Any man who walks you to your car when it’s not even a date deserves a little play. And since your coworker knows his family, all you have to do is ask the woman.”
She studied the fruit on her plate. “I already have his number.”
“What?” they both shouted, followed by a jumble of questions.
Londyn held her hand up. “He showed up at the office yesterday. Shawn hired his company to design and install a computer network, only I had no idea what he did until he walked in.”
Monique smiled. “That had to be interesting.”
“It was. At least on my part. Braxton barely acknowledged me.”
“Excuse me,” Felicia said with her hand on her hip. She waved a hand. “See, I can’t with these men.”
Londyn laughed. “Relax, sis. He explained that his first priority was his job, and he respected my privacy in case I didn’t want anyone to know.” Monique and Felicia stared with their mouths hanging open.
“Oh, hell, yeah! Braxton sounds like a keeper,” Felicia said, grinning.
“I don’t know about that, but we’re going out to dinner tonight. I was thinking something casual, since we don’t really know each other, but he said the first date is always dressy.”
Felicia peeked at her watch. “What time is he picking you up?”
“Seven-thirty, why?”
“We need to go shopping and find you a dress that’ll make his eyes pop out…and a few other things. Come on, Nique. We’ve only got a few hours.”
Monique jumped up and retrieved the charcuterie board as Londyn reached for a cracker and slice of cheese. “Hurry up and eat that.” She covered it with plastic wrap and stuck it in the refrigerator. “It needs to be something that hugs her curves,” she called out to Felicia.
“Hold up, y’all. I do not need to go shopping for another dress. I have some perfectly good options already in my closet.” They looked at her as if she’d lost her mind and shook their heads. Felicia handed Londyn her purse and jacket, then picked up her own belongings.
Monique retrieved a jacket from the front closet and grabbed her purse. She latched onto Londyn’s arm. “Let’s go.”
Knowing she didn’t have a choice, she donned her jacket and let them lead her out. Londyn always teased her two friends about being professional shoppers. They could spend an entire day going from mall to mall without missing a beat. Londyn, on the other hand, tended to search online first to get ideas before venturing into a store. That way she would already know what she wanted. Today, however, being with her shopaholic friends paid off. It had only taken them forty-five minutes to find a black long-sleeved asymmetrical crepe dress. It fit her like a glove, left one shoulder bare, stopped just above her knees, and had a front slit that gave a glimpse of her thighs when she walked.
“Okay, you were right,” she said, turning one way, then the other in the mirror.
Monique and Felicia shared a smile, and Felicia said, “I know. Now, we need shoes. This March weather is too cold for sandals, so pumps it is.”
Londyn paid for the dress, then they took the escalator down to the shoe department. She searched and discarded shoe after shoe.
“I found it.” Monique held up a silver rhinestone t-strap platform heel. “You need a little bling to liven up that black dress.”
“How tall is Braxton?” Felicia asked.
“Around six-two or three.”
“Good. Even with the four-inch heel, you’ll still be a good six inches shorter.”
Londyn asked an attendant for her size. She sat on one of the cushioned chairs and tried them on. They were a little higher than she typically wore and put a little pressure on her sore toe, but if they didn’t do much walking around she’d be fine.
“Since we shopped in record time, we have time to get a mani-pedi.”
She hooked her arm in Felicia’s. “I don’t know what I’d do without you guys.” Their excitement had rubbed off on her and she found herself anticipating her date a little more. Her cell rang. She released her friend’s arm and fished the phone out of her purse. Braxton’s name flashed on the display. “Hi, Braxton.” Monique and Felicia moved closer and she eased back, frowning at them. “What’s up?”
“I just wanted to let you know that our dinner reservations are at seven-thirty tonight. I’ll be there to pick you up at ten after seven.”
She gave him instructions where to park in her building. “I’ll be ready.”
“So will I,” Braxton said softly. “See you in a while.”
As soon as she hung up, her friends squealed in excitement, causing more than a few stares. “What is wrong with you two?” she whispered.
Felicia fanned herself. “Girl, if that man looks anything like his voice, you’d better figure out a way to keep him.”
“I know,” Monique said. “Deep and sexy like warm honey pouring over you.”
Londyn shook her head. “I can’t with you guys.” But she didn’t deny it. Every time she heard his voice, it had her thinking about things best left alone.
Felicia laughed. “But you’d better with him.”
“I’m going to pay for my shoes.” She left them laughing.
After their visit to the day spa, Londyn picked up her c
ar from Monique’s place and drove home. She still had enough time before Braxton’s scheduled arrival to make a pan of brownies for dessert—she preferred her own baking to that of most restaurants—and enjoy a soak in her Jacuzzi tub.
She applied light makeup and her favorite deep bronze lip color, then debated on whether to wear her hair up or down. In the end, she decided on the latter. Londyn slipped into the dress, then sat on the side of the bed to strap on her shoes. She winced a little when she stood. The ice she’d applied last night helped, but she still had some lingering soreness.
At exactly seven-ten, Braxton called to let her know he was in the lobby. She told him she’d meet him there, rather than have him come up. Taking a deep breath, she left and took the elevator to the first floor. Londyn spotted him immediately. The man looked better each time she saw him.
Braxton met her halfway and kissed her cheek. “You look amazing.” His gaze made a slow tour down her body and back up. “Amazing.”
The intensity of his stare sent a flurry of sensations through her and let her know the impromptu shopping spree had been well worth it. “Thanks. So do you.” And his walk—straight spine, broad shoulders and sexy with a hint of swagger. Mercy! He smiled. Placing his hand in the small of her back, he guided her out to where he’d parked. He unlocked the doors of the silver gray Acura sedan by remote and seated her before rounding the fender and getting in on the driver’s side.
As he pulled out of the lot and onto the road, he said, “Let me know if you want me to turn the heat up. How’s the toe?”
“I’m fine. And it’s still a little sore, but okay.”
Braxton slanted her a glance. “Glad to hear it.”
The warmth inside was a direct contrast to the outside temperatures that had dipped into the low forties. They conversed softly about everything except themselves and less than fifteen minutes later, they were escorted to a booth at Chops & Lobster Bar. She placed the napkin across her lap. “This is nice. I’d always meant to come here with it being so close to home, but for some reason, it never happened.”
“Well then, I hope you enjoy it.” A server appeared to take their drink order. “Will you share a bottle of champagne with me?”
“Yes.” Londyn waited until the server left before asking, “Are we celebrating something?”
“We’re celebrating the beginning of what I hope will be a beautiful relationship.”
She went still. He spoke with the assurance of a man who knew exactly what he wanted. She, on the other hand, couldn’t be sure if a relationship was something she could hope for right now. However, when she recalled how he’d behaved the first time they met and how he’d reminded her that she was indeed a woman, she wanted to take the chance. “I hope so, too,” she said with a smile.
Chapter 4
With difficulty, Braxton dragged his gaze away from Londyn. He hadn’t been able to stop staring at her in the alluring black dress that left her right shoulder bare. When she came toward him in the lobby and he got a glimpse of her toned legs and a hint of thigh from that front slit, it had been all he could do not to cancel dinner and go straight to dessert. The rhinestone heels added several inches to her height and made her legs appear longer. But he didn’t miss the slight hesitation in her voice when he mentioned celebrating the beginning of their relationship and he speculated on whether it had to do with someone from her past. He picked up his menu and studied it for a few minutes. “See anything good?”
Londyn chuckled. “I see several things. Unfortunately, my stomach wouldn’t be able to try them all.”
He glanced up. “You’re more than welcome to order a couple of things to take home for tomorrow, if you like.”
“Oh, no, that’s quite okay.”
She observed him for a lengthy moment in what looked like puzzlement, and he thought she might say something else. Instead, she, once again, buried her head in the menu. Braxton wished he knew what she was thinking. The server returned with the champagne and filled their glasses.
“Are you ready to order, or would you like a little more time?” their waiter asked after he placed the bottle in a waiting ice bucket.
Both were ready. Londyn chose a seafood trio, consisting of lobster, salmon and crab cakes, while he opted for the bone-in ribeye with a broiled lobster tail. They both added lobster bisque for an appetizer and agreed on sharing sides of green beans and Yukon Gold mashed potatoes.
“I’ll put this order in and be back with your appetizer.”
“Thank you.” Once they were alone, Braxton lifted his glass. “To the beginning of something beautiful and special.” Londyn touched the side of his glass and lifted it to her lips. His eyes never left hers as he sipped the sparkling beverage. He couldn’t explain it, but instinctively, he knew whatever he shared with her would be both of those things.
Over the meal, Londyn asked, “How long have you worked with computers?”
He finished chewing his steak and took a sip of his drink. “Since my first year in college, which would be almost twenty-two years.” He chuckled at her expression that went from surprised to confusion and knew she was trying to figure out his age. I had a part-time job at an electronics store that repaired computers. But I’ve always been fascinated by technology.”
“Are you an engineer?”
“My undergraduate degree is in computer engineering and I’ve worked as one in the past. I also have an MBA in information systems. Technically, I’m a computer network architect. Instead of installing the system, I’ll be building it.” Early in his IT career, his focus had been more on implementing and troubleshooting existing networks, but he found he enjoyed actually designing the networks and constructing roadmaps to determine what hardware and software would be used.
Londyn leaned forward. “I think that is so cool. I can’t even begin to understand anything outside of using the computer, and even that is a problem sometimes,” she added with a chuckle.
Braxton smiled. He’d heard that often. “I could say the same for your career. I’m not sure I could sit and listen to people’s issues all day. How do you do it?”
“I like helping people, and I guess you can say I probably honed my skills in high school. My friends always came to me for advice, and I figured if I was going to be doling out all this good counsel, I might as well get paid for it.”
He laughed. “Good point. I can tell you’re very good at what you do.” During the meeting, while the other doctor had been focused on the system, itself, her concern had been for the safety of her patients’ information.
“I hope so.”
There it was again, that hint of sadness he’d noticed before. He didn’t want to ruin the evening, so he refrained from asking about it. Besides, they didn’t know each other well enough for her to confide in him. The conversation tapered off as they finished eating.
Londyn dabbed the napkin to the corners of her mouth. “That was so good. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. Would you like anything else?”
“No, thank you. I need to leave room for the dessert I made for us.”
He lifted a brow. “You made dessert?”
“Yes,” she said, her brown and green flecked eyes shimmering. “I guess I should’ve asked what you like first, but I made brownies.”
A smile made its way across his face. “Brownies are one of my favorite desserts. Along with peach cobbler, apple pie, pound cake, chocolate chip cookies…” He waved a hand. “You get the picture.”
Leaning back against the booth, she laughed. “Yeah, I get it. You like dessert.” She propped her elbows on the table, braced her chin on her hands and whispered conspiratorially, “I’ll let you in on a little secret.” She made a show of looking around. “So do I. They’re my weakness, especially brownies topped with ice cream and a swirl of chocolate syrup.” Londyn placed her hand over her heart and pretended to swoon.
Laughter poured out of Braxton. He liked this woman. “Far be it from me to keep a woman from her p
rized dessert.” He signaled a waiter, paid the bill and drove back to her place.
He realized two things when he entered her condo: her office style matched her home, and she liked purple. The varying shades of the color had been incorporated into the furnishings and accents, and provided a warm, homey feeling. “I like your home. How many bedrooms?” The living room and den area were connected by a partial wall that held an electric fireplace. Another smaller room behind the den had been set up as an office space.
“Thanks. Just one. Less to clean. But I love living on the top floor because of the privacy and I don’t have to worry about my neighbors stomping above my head.” Londyn hung her coat in the closet, reached for his and did the same. “Have a seat, and I’ll bring the brownies out.”
“How about I help you?” Once again, she gave him a strange look. “Is there something wrong? That’s the second time you’ve given me that look.” An embarrassed expression crossed her face. She disappeared around a corner and into the kitchen. Braxton shoved his hands in his pockets and followed. “If I’ve done anything to make you uncomfortable, I apologize.”
She paused in removing the clear plastic wrap from the glass dish holding the brownies. “You haven’t done anything. I guess you caught me off guard with your offer. Not many men would, and especially on a first date. Just like when you invited me to buy an extra entrée if I wanted when that bill was already going to be expensive.” She shrugged. “You’re different.”
What kind of men has she been dating? “I’m just who I am, Londyn.” Braxton closed the distance between them and tilted her chin. “If I date a woman, she can expect to be treated special.” He felt the slight tremor in her body and fought the overwhelming desire to wrap his arms around her. Stepping back, he pointed to the dish. “I can say the same about you. I’ve never had a woman bake dessert on a first date. Actually, it’s never happened and I can’t tell you how much I appreciate it.” For a few charged seconds, neither of them moved.
Londyn cleared her throat and set out bowls and spoons. “Don’t thank me until you taste them. You have two choices for ice cream—vanilla or cookies and cream.”
Do Me (Irresistible Husband) Page 4