by Pat Simmons
Throughout the workday, David texted her with clues about their dinner date. One of her coworkers had seen her smiling and pestered Valerie for the scoop. After that, whenever her phone chirped to alert Valerie of a new text, Casey Wright eagerly waited for an update.
The young mother of two small boys amused her and despite a recent divorce, Casey had a positive outlook on life and believed in second chances at love. If only Valerie could convince her friend about second chances with God.
We will keep the fires burning, was David’s third text. Valerie frowned while Casey turned it into a game of charades.
“And you’re sure he doesn’t mean a sexy night between the sheets?”
Folding her arms, Valerie eyed her coworker as if she were crazy. Had she not lived a Christian example before everyone at her job?
Did they think all her commitments would go out the window because of a man? “If he does, it won’t be with me, and the pastor will know about it. There are people, including me, who give their all and all to live for Jesus.”
“Humph.” Casey lifted a brow. “Let me know how that works for you,” she said sarcastically. “If he looks the way you described him, then I don’t know if even God could hold me back.”
“Oh, He could, but that doesn’t mean He would.” Valerie recalled her pastor’s recent Bible class lesson. “It’s all about your will or God’s. We get to pick and choose.”
Even though David didn’t text any further clues, Valerie’s excitement continued to build.
By the time she got home after work and showered, Valerie had changed her outfit twice.
Laughing at her indecisiveness as if it was her first sweet sixteen date, Valerie opted for fun and relaxing: a long black skirt and a flirty leopard-print blouse.
As for her shoes, David’s first text had read, Wear the highest heels you want, you will still leave me breathless.
What did he mean? She wondered. Although Valerie dressed to impress, Mr. Andersen wouldn’t see any heels on her that night. She slipped into flats.
His second text was the most mysterious: Let’s compare notes.
Taking a deep breath, Valerie scrutinized her appearance. She had ten minutes before David would arrive.
She called the security gate and gave his name so that he could gain access to the complex.
Valerie’s phone rang seconds before her apartment intercom buzzed. She checked the I.D. “Hi Mom, hold on.”
She then tapped on the ON switch, which activated the monitor at the front entrance. David’s face came into view.
His white smile was unmatched. “Good evening, Mr. Andersen.” She smiled back.
“Hi.”
Giggling, Valerie buzzed him into the lobby. “I’ll be down in a minute.”
“Well, it appears your date is there,” her mother said, reminding Valerie she had overheard their brief interaction. “Let that young man woo you, honey.”
“I’ll try.” They said their goodbyes and Valerie took a deep breath. She hurried and grabbed her cape, and purse.
After one final inspection in the mirror, Valerie walked out her apartment to the elevator, which seemed to be waiting for her touch to open.
Her heart pounded with nervousness and excitement as she rode the two floors down. When the doors opened, she searched the lobby as she stepped out. She almost stumbled as David came into view.
A man never looked so good in black—turtleneck, coat, and slacks.
It seemed to enhance his features, especially his silky black goatee.
As David walked closer, his eyes seemed to dance as he scanned her attire. He smirked. “No stilettos?”
Valerie shook her head. She had forgotten how much taller he was than her when she was without her heels.
“Sister Hart, you make a brother want to kidnap you.” David’s nostrils flared.
Valerie grinned. “Should I remind you that I have a work night curfew?”
“You’ll never have to remind me of anything concerning you. I’m a man who knows how to take care of his Hart.”
He winked and then escorted her out the door.
Chapter 13
Valerie’s subtle fragrance began to assault David’s senses after he got behind the wheel of his Infiniti SUV. Immediately the interior of his vehicle filled with her fragrance.
He inhaled before starting his vehicle, then paused. Although she was looking out the window, she glanced over her shoulder. For a fraction of a second, their eyes connected before Valerie lowered her lashes.
“You’re truly beautiful. God is a magnificent creator.”
Thanks to his peripheral vision, he caught a glimpse of her blushing. David grinned, part cocky, part encouraged that he had that effect on her.
Since they were on a time schedule, David planned to honor it, so reluctantly he started his engine and pulled out of the circular drive toward the exit. “You live in a very nice complex. Now I feel better about you going home alone.”
Valerie nodded, then glanced out her window. “So where are you taking me?”
“Because this is our first official date, I wanted it to be memorable—The Courtyard. Have you ever been there?”
“No, I haven’t.”
“Good, then we can be first-partakers together.”
“I would like that.” Valerie shifted in her seat until she angled her body to face him.
“I’m surprised no one at Salvation is Free Church has snatched you up.” David kept the conversation going as he drove south on I-270 toward Maryland Heights.
She released a soft sigh before mumbling, “Me, too.” Clearing her throat, Valerie changed the subject. “Why The Courtyard?”
Not pressing her to expound, David answered, “Well, it’s the brainchild of one of our clients. The owners’ concept was not only to authenticate dishes from around the word, but the environment as well. I’m ashamed to admit I missed the grand opening, but my brothers and parents gave it rave reviews.
“It’s like a boutique restaurant with ten rooms for entertaining guests, all with different themes like Jamaica, Greece, China, Brazil, Ghana, and I forgot the others.
“You’re tempting me to break curfew.” Valerie’s eyes sparkled. “So what country are we visiting?” Her excitement caused him to grin.
“I won’t be an accomplice to your lack of sleep the next day at work. To answer your question, my first choice was Brazil, but because of limited seating and a waiting list for reservations, Ghana was my second choice. I hope you like it.”
“I’m sure I will.”
“It’s an amazing concept, actually. That’s why Andersen Inventors and Consultants, LLC, backed them. The rooms can be intimate for two or the paneled doubled-wide doors can be opened to cater to a wedding party of up to seventy-five.” David exited off the interstate onto Dorsett Road. “We’re almost there.”
***
Valerie thought David was detouring into an upscale strip mall. Then she was in awe. It appeared that The Courtyard had a separate access for each country, taking up the entire plaza. “Wow.” She didn’t realize the word had escaped from her lips.
“Impressive. I know.” He chuckled. “Wait until you see inside.” David pulled the vehicle to the curb in front of an archway entrance with the word Akwaaba written above it. Before she could unbuckle her seatbelt, a valet opened her door at the same time another valet gave David the same treatment.
Somehow David was at her side before both of her feet touched the ground. Reaching for her hand, he guided her onto an outdoor red, green, and black carpet that reminded her of a runway, stopping at a set of double doors. As they drew nearer, the doors opened automatically.
Now she wished she had followed David’s wardrobe suggestions via text. “I feel underdressed.”
“You’re beautiful.” He paused and gave her a slow assessment. “Something tells me I wouldn’t be disappointed seeing you in a T-shirt and jeans.”
Valerie laughed. “I hope you never see me at my
worst.”
A dark-skinned man dressed in African attire, greeted them at the entrance with a slight bow.
“Mr. Andersen.” The two shook hands and grinned. “It’s good to see you again.”
“Same here.” He turned to her and made the introductions. “This is Reggie, one of the owners…and this beautiful woman is my date, Miss Valerie Hart.”
Reggie’s eyes widened as his face brightened. “Akwaaba! In Ghana, that means welcome. This way.”
When David gently nudged her forward, Valerie experienced a static charge. She swallowed hard, trying to ignore the spark. Instead, she focused on the lobby’s grandeur with high ceilings and mahogany wood trim. When their host pushed opened another door, Valerie felt she was entering another world.
Awesome didn’t begin to describe her surroundings. She had just been transported from a chilly February night to a balmy desert island getaway, complete with all the props: a sandy brown hut with a thatched straw roof and an inviting table set for two inside floor-to-ceiling mosquito netting.
Authentic-looking palm trees were on either side. She smiled at the massive bird cage in the corner with live exotic birds, which seemed to salute her with their chatter.
Oddly, what seemed out of place, but inviting was a roaring fire that commanded space on the opposite side of the room. Two stuffed chairs and a small foot ottoman was just as tempting.
Forgetting about Reggie and David, Valerie explored the bird cage, scrutinized the pictures of the beaches of Ghana, and tapped on a set of African drums. “Wow.” She spun around to see that the men hadn’t moved from their original spot, watching her. “Wow,” she repeated.
David snickered and joined her in the middle of the room and squeezed her hands. “Is this okay?” he teased.
“I’m speechless. I can’t wait to see the other countries.”
“That can most definitely be arranged.” He didn’t stop staring at her.
“But not today, I’m afraid,” Reggie said, reminding them of his presence. “We’re still fulfilling our Valentine’s Day requests through the end of the month.” He paused. “Now, if you don’t want to eat near the patio doors under the netting, we can move the table near the fireplace.”
“No!” Valerie startled them. “Don’t change a thing! I love it.” She pivoted on one heel, taking in the feel of the room. “This is perfect.”
“As you wish, Miss Hart.” Reggie gave her a knowing smile as if he anticipated her reaction. “Your server will be with you shortly. In the meantime, relax by the fire.”
Their host disappeared, and David removed her cape, then his jacket. “Shall we?” He held out his hand for her to take as he walked backward toward the fireplace where two chairs seemed to await them.
Once they were seated and faced each other, Valerie stretched out her legs and rested her feet on the ottoman. David followed her lead.
Valerie giggled. “No wonder this placed is booked.”
“I’m so glad you like it.”
“No, I love it!”
The doors opened again, and another young man entered, also dressed in African attire, and introduced himself with an authentic African accent.
“My name is Coujoe.” He bowed slightly. “I was instructed to serve non-alcoholic drinks. May I suggest…” He rattled off a selection before David placed an order and sent Coujoe on his way. Taking a deep breath, David gave her his undivided attention again. “Now.”
“My mother would love this place. She always wanted to travel to an island or someplace out of the country. She and Daddy made it as far as Canada until he became too sick to travel.”
“Let me know when you want to bring her and it’s on the house.”
Valerie’s heart swayed at the invitation. “That’s a generous offer…I don’t know if I should accept.”
“Why? What’s your hesitation? There are no strings attached, per se, except to get to know you better.”
Bowing her head, Valerie began to play with her fingers. “You’re larger than life, David. I’ve never met a man like you.” She lifted her head. “Are you real?” It came off as a joke, but she was serious.
“I am—”
Too soon their server returned with their drinks, and another worker pushed a cart with a tray filled with food. David tugged her to her feet. Valerie accepted a stemmed glass of pineapple juice before David escorted her to their table, pulling back the netting for her to enter the intimate sanctuary.
“We didn’t place our orders. How did they know what we wanted?” she asked Coujoe. The food was either on platters or in bowls. Valerie doubted they could eat half of it. Plus, there was so much, there wouldn’t be enough room for their place settings.
“If you’ve never dined with us before, we like to bring you many selections to sample from my homeland—”
“So, you’re really from Ghana?” Valerie asked.
“Yes.” The server nodded, then continued. “Then when you return, you’ll know what stimulates your taste buds.” He began to identify the various foods. “These are main dishes in my country: Jollof rice, fried whitebait fish, banku…”
Valerie’s stomach growled with anticipation. She hoped no one else had heard it. Frowning, she pointed to a large bowl filled with some type of liquid topped off with what appeared to be white foam. “What is that?”
“It’s for you and Mr. Andersen to wash your hands. Eating is a community event in our households,” Coujoe said and placed the bowl between her and David, then rested a fluffy towel on the side. “You eat with your hands. Enjoy.” His assistant left with the cart while Coujoe remained.
“Shall we do as the locals?” David asked.
“Ah.” Valerie twisted her lips indecisively. The last time she ate with her hands was probably while she sat in a highchair. Both men seemed to be waiting on her. Finally, she said, “O-okay.”
Closing her eyes, she went for it, dipping her hands in the warm soapy water. David joined her, tickling her fingers. Opening her eyes, she giggled before he began to cup water in his hands and pour it over hers.
He massaged her fingers as if he was about to give a manicure or as if they were having feet washing service at church—as Jesus instructed in John 13. David lifted her right hand and cupped the towel around it, then patted her fingers dry. He repeated his ministration with her other hand before drying his.
Immediately, Coujoe removed the towel and bowl, then placed the dishes and platter on the table. Backing away, he turned and left them alone. David reached across the table for her hands and engulfed them with his moist ones.
“Father, in the name of Jesus, we thank You for this day and this moment. We thank You for Calvary and the blood You shed to sanctify us. We ask that You bless and sanctify the food we are about to receive. Please remind us to bless others who are hungry. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
“Amen.” It was so refreshing to hear the words of prayer come out of David’s mouth.
Within seconds, they began to taste test. When she turned up her nose at the sight or smell, David coaxed her into at least trying tidbits as he brought them to her mouth. She returned the favor until they had nibbled on everything, but the banku—a fermented corn dough—which they devoured.
David drained his glass of coconut juice.
Valerie followed with her pineapple juice. “That was so good.”
“Would you like to go back in front of the fire?” he asked.
“I don’t think I can move.”
They both laughed.
Opening the door, Coujoe peeked inside the room before making his way to the netting. “Was everything satisfactory?”
“Yes.” Valerie patted her stomach as he collected the dishes and returned with fresh fruit for dessert.
After enjoying her last taste of papaya, she rested her fork on the plate and crossed her arms on the table. “Okay, Mr. Brother Andersen, what did I do to get your attention?”
He grunted and pushed aside his dessert plate. “Do you re
ally want to know?”
“Yes,” she whispered and lifted a brow. David reached across the table again, she thought for her hands. Instead, he touched above her lip. She shivered and pulled back.
“Your mole. That beauty mark did me in. It makes a woman sexy and sophisticated. Then this.” He touched her forehead.
“My widow’s peak, really? Most men joke about how it’s eerie.” Valerie would have never thought those minor details would attract a man.
David didn’t blink. “I’m not like most men. What one man doesn’t appreciate, the right one treasures. It’s easy to be drawn to beautiful women, but the spiritually committed woman is the hidden treasure in plain sight. Once I noticed you, I watched you, and your focus seemed to always be on the Lord.”
Valerie held her breath. How long had she waited for a Christian man to take notice of her love for Christ? Evidently, love had kept her waiting for the right one.
Chapter 14
David didn’t want the night to end when he escorted her to the lobby.
And he conveyed that sentiment giving Valerie a lingering goodnight hug. Although he would have preferred kissing her, Valerie didn’t offer.
He wondered if she was adhering to Pastor Peyton’s instructions he had outlined in a recent Bible class that unmarried couples should avoid all temptation that could lead to fornication.
“That includes kissing, which could lead to other lusts,” he had said.
Logically, Pastor’s advice made sense in the kingdom of righteous living, but God help him if Valerie puckered up. David hadn’t been the only one who had groaned their displeasure that night.
“I can’t say enough how much I enjoyed myself tonight,” Valerie said, stepping out of his embrace and severing their contact.
“I enjoyed the company.” He stared at her lips. Valerie’s perfume made him woozy. Swallowing hard, he forced himself to say good night, then he turned and walked back to his SUV.