“Do you like live music?” he asked, giving her forearm an affectionate squeeze. “There’s a jazz café a few blocks from here, and the house band is one of the best I’ve ever heard.”
“I’d better not. It’s almost midnight, and tomorrow’s going to be a long, busy day.” Remembering their bet, Sharleen picked up her purse and took out a glossy white brochure. “There are tons of free workshops offered at the conference, but I highly recommend Stress Less, Live More; Life Plans for Dummies, and Reclaim Your Life Today.”
“You’re going to hold me to our bet, aren’t you?”
“Absolutely!”
Emilio took the brochure and looked it over. “Interesting.”
Sharleen expected him to make excuses for why he couldn’t attend the event, but to her surprise he said, “I’ll be there. When and where should we meet?”
“I’ll meet you at the front entrance of the convention center at one o’clock.”
“Don’t make any plans for dinner, because after the conference I’m taking you to Dolce Vita Atlanta for the culinary experience of a lifetime.”
“I love that restaurant. It’s a date.”
Sharleen finally felt confident that she could help Emilio overcome the pain of his past—but she just had to do it without losing her dignity and self-respect. Just because I’m attracted to Emilio doesn’t mean I can’t effectively do my job. Besides, if Brad can socialize with clients after dark, so can I!
“I had a great time tonight. This was fun,” Emilio said.
“This was nothing,” she quipped, dismissing his words with a wave of her hand. “You’re going to have even more fun at the Mind, Body & Soul Conference tomorrow.”
Emilio gave a hearty laugh. “I’ll walk you to your car.”
He took her hand, led her down the staircase and through the empty lounge. Outside, the streets were loud and crowded. The moon hung high in the sky, the air smelled sweet and the wind whistled through the trees. It was the perfect night for stargazing, for cuddling with that special someone in bed, and Sharleen secretly wished she had someone special in her life, a man who would love her in spite of her—
“Thanks for dinner and that nail-biting pool game.”
Sharleen playfully poked his shoulder. “Don’t hate ’cause I’m fabulous!”
“That you are.” Emilio dropped a kiss on her cheek. “Drive home safe.”
“I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“You can count on it.”
He opened the driver’s-side door for her and stepped aside. “Good night.”
Sharleen started the engine, waved and drove slowly through the parking lot. In the rearview mirror, she watched Emilio hop into the gleaming white sports car parked in front of the bar. Her temperature rose, and desire burned hot inside her. She needed a stiff drink and a cold shower, or it was going to be a very long night.
Chapter 6
“Sweetie, open up. It’s me.” Sharleen pressed her palms against the window, stood on her tiptoes and peered inside the quaint brick house. Spotting a figure curled up on the couch, she banged on the glass until her hands throbbed with pain. “Jocelyn, I know you’re home, and I’m not leaving until we talk, so get up and open the door!”
Remembering where she was, Sharleen straightened and smoothed a hand over her ivory blouse. Faking a smile, she waved at the elderly woman walking her poodles. Jocelyn lived in Grant Park, a working-class neighborhood filled with professionals, families and retirees, and Sharleen feared if she continued banging on the window, one of Jocelyn’s neighbors would call the cops, and she’d be arrested for trespassing.
Frustrated, she crossed her arms and tapped her foot impatiently on the ground. Sharleen knew Jocelyn was upset about being fired, but she was taking things too far. She wasn’t answering her cell phone or responding to her text messages, and now she was blatantly ignoring her. What’s up with that? Why is she pushing me away? We’re supposed to be girls.
To calm herself down, she counted to ten and inhaled a deep breath. As Sharleen stood on the porch, contemplating her next move, her thoughts turned to Emilio.
Her mood instantly brightened, and a smile warmed her lips. They’d had a great time last night, and although Sharleen was annoyed with Antwan for tricking her, she’d enjoyed the one-on-one time with Emilio. He’d opened up to her, agreed to meet her at the Mind, Body & Soul Conference that afternoon and even promised to take her out for dinner. And that morning, as she was eating breakfast, he’d surprised her with a hilarious text message.