Lathan laughs. “Yes, she is. Are you okay though?”
“I’m fine. I’m just pissed. She ruined the cake. She ruined the rest of the night.”
“She didn’t ruin anything for me.” He smiles. “I kind of like how it turned out.”
I grin. “Is that so?”
“Do you know why she was jealous of you?”
“Tell me.”
“Because you’re beautiful. Naturally so. You don’t have to plaster your face in makeup like she does. I imagine you wake up looking like you do right now.”
Chuckling, I shake my head. “Not exactly. I have to put some effort into it.” I look down dragging my fingers over the table. “But thank you for the compliment.”
“Do you know?”
“Know what?”
“That you’re beautiful?”
“Yep.” As he raises his eyebrows, I laugh. “What kind of question is that? If I say yes, I’m conceited. If I say no, I have self-esteem issues. Do you know you’re hot?”
Lathan laughs. “I know that women find me very appealing. Whether it’s true or not is immaterial.”
“Then I’ll answer you the same way. Men seem to find me appealing.”
“I would agree with that.” His words are softly delivered.
I tilt my head. Is he flirting with me? Oh please let him be flirting with me.
“So why don’t you have one?”
“A man?”
“Yes.”
I shrug, pausing as our drinks are delivered. “I didn’t say quality men. I just said men. I’m holding out for someone…” I glance out the window, then back again. “Someone spectacular. Worth my time and effort.”
“Fair.”
“And you? You must have your pick of women?”
Lathan drags his finger down the side of his glass. “Perhaps we share the same goal.” He sips his beer. “I’ll be honest, when I first moved to America, it was overwhelming and exciting the variety of women suddenly available to me. I couldn’t get enough.”
I nod. “I get that.”
“But it wore on me quickly. Women attached themselves expecting much more than I planned to give. Other women made it clear that falling into bed with near strangers was normal behavior for them. Unnerving to say the least. I thought I was special.” He laughs indicating his joke. “After just a few months, I stopped being so casual with the women I met. It’s not like me, and I felt bad, so I decided to be more judicious in my choices going forward.”
“I see.” I sip my beer.
Lathan scrunches his nose slightly. “You must think awfully of me now?”
“Because you slept around for a few months?” I shake my head. “Not at all. I’m sure if I moved to a new country, I would be tempted to do the same.”
“But would you?”
“Sleep around?”
“Yes.” I notice his serious expression.
“Um, unlikely. I’m not a virgin, but I’m far from being a slut.”
“Forgive me if I’m being too personal.”
“You’re not. I prefer to be in a relationship before we move to the bedroom. I need to be attracted to more than just the physical side of things.”
“So it takes more than a somewhat attractive face and an exotic accent to get you into bed?”
“Are you asking me to sleep with you?”
His eyes open wide. “No, no I’m so sorry. That’s not what I meant.”
“So you don’t want to sleep with me?”
“Yes, I mean, um… oh god.”
I just start to laugh as I take another swig of beer. “I’m just teasing you, Lathan.”
He shakes his head, grinning, and sipping his beer. “But, yes,” I continue. “It takes more than an extremely attractive face and a very sexy accent to get me into bed, but if you want to, you’re on the right track.”
Lathan smiles. “Wonderful.”
The server returns and we order our meals, Lathan a plate of pasta with chicken and asparagus, lobster macaroni and cheese for me. After the server leaves, I gaze at the man across the table from me.
“Tell me more about where you’re from.”
He smiles. “It’s a small country. Tiny in fact. There’s more people in this city than in the whole of my country.”
“Really?”
“Yes. We’ve existed as a people and culture for millennia, but we’ve only been an independent nation for the last thirty years. We’ve been ruled by every major country in Europe: France, Spain, England, Italy, Germany. Many more over the years.”
“Interesting. How did that change?”
“We appealed to the European Union. We had our own very strong government, economy, and the ability to self-rule. At that time, France and Italy shared rule. They both agreed to relinquish control.” He smiles. “Ironically the date coincides with America’s freedom—July the 4th.”
“That’s cool. Does everyone speak English there?”
“We all speak English, but we have our own language too.”
“Neat. I speak French and Italian.”
“We all speak that as well. In the North, they also speak German. I speak…” He pauses, counting on his fingers. “Ten to twelve languages to varying degrees.”
“Ten to twelve?! That’s incredible.”
“I wouldn’t say I’m fluent in all, but I can get by. Education and languages is stressed in my country because of our complicated history.”
“Wow, that’s really cool.” I grin. “I thought I was doing pretty well speaking three.”
“You are. I haven’t met anyone in America yet that can speak that many languages.”
“It’s because of my heritage. My dad is French, Irish, and partly South African. My mother is English, Italian, with a little bit of Greek. I’m like the United Nations.”
Lathan laughs. “A blend of nationalities that resulted in stunning beauty.”
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. I am 100% Havendonian.”
“Havendonian? Your country is called—”
“Havendon.”
“I’ve never heard of that.”
“I didn’t expect that you had.” He pulls out his phone and taps for a moment, then turns it around to face me. “This small portion here,” he says pointing to a map of Europe, “This is my country. We’re the second smallest country in the world after Monaco.”
“You’re smaller than Monaco?”
He nods. “Bigger in size, but smaller in population. It’s a beautiful place to live with amazing people and a rich history. We’ve been blessed that our rulers through the years allowed us to retain our culture and beliefs. They wanted us for our position from a military standpoint, but there hasn’t been a war fought on Havendon ground since the dark ages.”
“Not even World Wars I or II?”
“No. Armies marched through us, but no one ever stopped. We didn’t have the resources for anyone to set up camp. Our size has been our savior.”
Our food comes so our conversation pauses until the server leaves. Lathan inhales the steam coming off his plate.
“Smells great.”
“Looks great.”
He lifts his fork in the air. “In my country, we clink forks before we eat to wish everyone an enjoyable meal.”
“I like that.” I clink his fork. “Why did you leave?”
As his expression shifts to one of sadness, he stares down at his plate for a moment, nodding. It’s obvious I hit a nerve. “I wanted to see more than just my country. I wanted some space from my family. Don’t get me wrong, I love them as much as anyone could, but…” He pauses, replacing his melancholy with a subtle smile. “I’m the rebellious one. I did some things, made some choices, against my father’s wishes. Instead of bowing to his will, something I’m nearly incapable of doing, I chose to spread my wings in America for a while. I’ll go back when I’m ready.”
I nod. “So your time in America is temporary?”
“Yes.”
>
I consider that for a moment. “Can you tell me what you did?”
Lathan chuckles. “The list is long and illustrious.”
I laugh. “I see. So it wasn’t one event?”
“No.” He lifts a forkful of pasta. “Taste this. It’s amazing.”
Leaning forward, I take the bite. “Mmm,” I murmur, chewing. “That is good. Want a bite of mine?”
“I would.”
I scoop up a big bite, ensuring to get a chunk of lobster on it, then offer it to him. I watch as his full lips close over the fork. He has a mouth like nothing I’ve seen on a man. A sexy pout, cut jawline, perfect nose. He flashes his hazel eyes at me.
“Incredible.”
“We chose wisely tonight.”
“Better than anything either of us could prepare I imagine.”
“Hands down.” I take another bite. “I’m glad you’re not mad at me again.”
“Mad at you?”
“For spraying you with flour and butter.”
He laughs softly. “Oh that. I forgot in all honesty. I was more concerned with your safety than anything.”
“I appreciate that.”
“Where I come from, it’s a man job, his duty, to protect the woman he loves.”
I tilt my head, fighting a smirk. “So now we’re in love?”
Lathan chuckles. “No, but I guess my protective streak is ingrained even when I just like a woman. I do hope she likes me too.”
“She likes you too, Lathan.”
Smiling at the beauty across from me, I remind myself that I need to take it slow. She’s already made it clear she doesn’t casually sleep with men, and that makes me happy. It’s refreshing, really, except for the problem I’m having right now. The more time I spend with her, the more attraction I feel. I’m dying to touch her, kiss her, run my fingers through her hair. She’s not just beautiful on the surface, but lovely to be around as well.
“What about you?” I ask, engaging her in more conversation.
“What?”
“Your family life.”
“Oh. It’s good. I am not the rebellious one. I tend to follow the path of least resistance. My best friend is the opposite of me, and I think she helps me be out in the world a little more, you know? This class was her idea. A lot of things I’ve done have been. I would probably never leave my house except for work if it wasn’t for her.”
“Why?”
“I don’t know. I’ve always been this way. I guess I just like the safety of predictability.”
“Do you enjoy your life?”
“That’s a good question.” I stir my pasta around. “I might be in a bit of a rut. I mean, at least I was before this class and meeting you. I haven’t dated in a while. I was kind of tired of the scene. I’ve been focused on working, trying to get promoted, and hanging out with Fallyn. She’s like the sister I never had. We’re so close.”
“How did you meet?”
“She was my neighbor when I was in third grade. We were more the same back then, but as we grew, she developed this adventurous streak, and I developed a more reserved demeanor. Fallyn thinks it’s because I’m an only child, so I had to use my imagination for entertainment.”
“Interesting. You seem very outgoing, and you can certainly stick up for yourself.”
“Oh, I am outgoing. I like people. I just need a lot of alone time too.” She smiles softly. “You have to be able to stick up for yourself in this city, but I have to be provoked. I’d rather just keep to myself.”
“We’re the same that way then. I miss my family, but I really enjoy living on my own here and having time to myself.”
“Do you have siblings?”
“One. A brother.”
“Are you close?”
I reflect on her question for a moment. “We used to be as children. If I’m the rebellious one, he’s the wanderer. He travels the world, and we don’t see him for years at a time. There’s some tension between us lately though. He resents me a bit.”
“Why?”
“My parents tended to favor me a little. Arlan knew it, so he acted out a lot, got in trouble at school, things like that. It backfired. My father, instead of directing some of his attention to my brother, cut him off completely. Arlan responded by taking off.” I sip my beer as Delaney hangs on my words. “The first time we didn’t even know where he went, but he called our cousin and told her he was fine. He was in Singapore, and he’d return when he was ready. He shows up every so often in order to get money. My mother will give it to him, but my father won’t see him. Either of us.”
“Your father won’t see you?”
“No. He’s angry, and he’s stubborn. He wants us to apologize for things we already have, but the apologies haven’t met his standards as of yet.”
She touches my hand. “I’m sorry. I hope I haven’t upset you by asking you about this.”
“Not at all. It’s funny though. I don’t actually know why I’m telling you. I haven’t told a soul outside of my own family.”
“Maybe you trust me.” She grins. “Maybe I make you feel safe.”
I smile at her. “That must be it.”
“So, if your father wasn’t angry, you would go home?”
“Yes.”
“Would you stay here if you found a reason?”
“No. Not forever. I can’t. I’ll have to go home eventually to…” I let my words fade, realizing that I almost let my situation slip.
“To what?”
“To run the family business when my father no longer can. As the oldest, that’s my expectation regardless of whether I actually want to or not.”
“I see. So…” She shakes her head. “Never mind.”
“No, please, what were you going to say?”
She averts her eyes and gazes up at me. “What if you met someone special? You would just leave?”
I smile, reaching for her hand, happy when she offers it. “I honestly don’t know what I would do in that situation. It would be truly difficult. On the one hand, I’d want her to come with me, but how do you ask someone to leave their country for yours?”
She nods. “But on the other hand?”
“Let’s just say it would be a shock if I chose an American woman over someone from my country.”
“I see.” She offers a stiff smile. “I guess I shouldn’t get too attached then.” She pulls her hand away and shifts her gaze to the remainder of her dish.
I wish I could tell her why, but it’s impossible. I’ve known her for three weeks and have barely talked to her until tonight. I can’t trust her yet, no matter how much my heart insists I can. Not yet. The truth is she’s right. She shouldn’t get attached and neither should I. Regardless of what my mother says, falling in love with a girl not from Havendon would be suicide.
We finish our meal in silence and when the server comes to clear our plates, I ask Delaney if she’d like to share dessert, hoping to get her talking again.
“I’m full actually.”
“Okay. We’ll take the check please.”
The server hands it to me and Delaney pulls out her wallet in an attempt to pay.
“Please, allow me.”
“I’ll pay for my half. It’s not like a date. We’re just friends eating.”
I sigh, realizing I’ve hurt her feelings, or at least her hopes of more with me.
“I insist, Delaney.”
“Fine.” She crosses her arms, staring out the window.
I pay then stand up, attempting to help Delaney with her coat.
“I got it,” she says, shrugging me away.
I nod. She’s completely closed off from me now. Once outside, I start to walk in the direction of her apartment.
“Thanks for dinner,” she says. “I can get home from here.”
“Delaney, please.”
“Please what?”
“What changed? We were having a good time. Now I feel like you never want to see me again.”
She looks up at
me with sad eyes. “I don’t.”
I narrow my eyes. “Why?”
“What’s the point, Lathan?” She runs her fingers through her hair. “You seem like a great guy, really. I think I could like you, okay, but I don’t want to. I don’t want to spend time with you only to have you leave when it’s time. I just can’t open up in that kind of situation, and if I can’t open up, then there’s no point. So thanks for dinner. It was nice.” She pats my chest. “Take care.”
She starts to walk away leaving me bewildered on the sidewalk. “Wait,” I call out. She pauses. “I’ll see you next week in class?”
She turns back and looks at me, shaking her head. “I’m not going back.”
“Why, Delaney?”
“Because you’re there.”
I watch her walk away and turn around to go home, but then pause. Is she just going to give up on me that easily? Am I going to give up on her? I like her, a lot, and I don’t often feel like this. Turning back around, I rush to catch up with her, grab her arm, and twist her around until she’s pressed against me.
“What are you doing, Lathan?”
I search her eyes for a moment, before deciding to just go for it. Leaning forward, I kiss her, pressing my lips firmly against hers. She’s stiff for a moment before relaxing against me, and parting her lips. I slide my tongue inside her mouth feeling my entire body warm up. It may be freezing cold outside, but it’s hot as hell between the two of us. A moment later, I lean my forehead against hers.
“Lathan?”
I gaze into her eyes, cupping her face. “Give me a chance, Delaney. How would we even know what’s possible if we don’t try?”
“I don’t want to get hurt.”
“I don’t want to hurt you.”
“But you will.”
“Maybe you won’t even like me. Maybe I’ll irritate you and you’ll dump me and you’ll break my heart.” I smile. “Have you even thought of that?”
She finally smiles. “No.”
“You’ve predicted a future already.”
“Because we already know the ending.”
“We don’t. No one does.”
“I don’t know.” She shakes her head.
“Delaney,” I whisper. “I’m the rebellious one, remember? I take chances when I feel like it’s worth it. I think this could be. I want to find out. Don’t you?” She tries to look away, but I hold her face, making her look at me. “Just a little bit? Don’t you want to see where this could go?”
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