Damn. I knew something about that encounter felt off, and this woman was on the brink of heartbreak with a single interrupted conversation.
“I respect it. What can I do to help?”
“Help me turn tonight into something beautiful and untainted by the tragedy of the demise of my relationship.”
“Bet.”
Zakai’s single word is firm and steady, which doesn’t require further explanation, causing me to nod in approval. Being blindsided by Kelvin has my emotions swirling like a flock of birds circling the perimeter of the sky without direction. Knowing that Kelvin not only let travel become an excuse for his distance but also the existence of a wife has me praying that the last six months would somehow evaporate from my psyche. I pride myself on having an ironclad moral compass in all things, yet this situation has shame flowing through my body. Nothing could have prepared me for the events I found myself a part of.
Despite the sweet and fruity contents of the drink, I hope it will numb me the more I partake, as the urge to release thedevastation I’m feeling settles within me. The short time frame of my relationship doesn’t change the fact that I’ve been duped into being the other woman. Warm yet soft lips touch the side of my face, causing a surge of awareness to ripple through my body. My eyes bulge before I meet the intense stare Zakai gives me. His hooded eyes are without apology, causing my heart rate to increase.
“Wha—you kissed me?” My brain sputters from the reality of Zakai’s actions because I’m not sure if it truly happened.
“I know it was out of nowhere, but I wanted to kiss you. For the rest of the night, I want to focus on us and put everything else aside. You trust me?”
“I-I—” My brain is short-circuiting as I fight to comprehend the words leaving Zakai’s mouth.
“You no longer have to fill the space of your mind with something you couldn’t have foreseen coming. Do I need to escort you to the bathroom so you can use the wall as a landing place for your anger, or nah?”
The sly smirk on Zakai’s face has my chest expanding with warmth, and butterflies swarm in my stomach. It provides something far more meaningful than the liquid I’ve consumed. His smooth and deep hazelnut skin makes me crave something sugary yet mouthwatering and decadent. The merriment and spark within his orbs allow me to genuinely smile for the first time since Kelvin’s betrayal.
“I’m not sure that I could do Katherine Heigel justice if I reenacted her meltdown in the bathroom where you’re the only one able to witness it.”
Zakai’s brows pinch together, and a sea of wrinkles dances across his forehead before he responds.
“Who and what?”
Laughter tumbles out of my mouth as a light feeling warms me at the questions, because it didn’t occur to me that Zakai wouldn’t have a clue what I’m talking about.
“I’m guessing you’ve never watched27 Dresses, huh?”
“Twenty-what and who?”
My laughter continues when Zakai gives me a blank stare before drinking from the glass containing brown liquid I hadn’t taken note of before now.
“So, I see now I’m gonna have to expose you to something worth remembering before our time ends tonight.” The frown on his lips and the tightness around his eyes have me wanting to giggle like a schoolgirl. “Whatever. How about we change the topic? What brought you to this bar tonight?”
“Work. Hopefully, no one comes looking for me because I’m supposed to be in there pretending to care about the fake appreciation my employer keeps subjecting my department to,” he says, pointing toward the area where loud music plays.
Oh, I wonder what made him leave what seems to be a lively event.
Intrigue fills me, forcing me to probe further about the mysterious man whose appeal goes beyond his outward appearance.
“Wow. What kind of big brother deserts his little sister at the event he begged her to accompany him?” A petite woman with the same shade of skin tone as Zakai asks after hitting him on the back of his head.
A smirk forms, and I swallow the humor begging for clearance from my mouth when Zakai frowns. My gaze bounces from him and the woman whose beauty radiates from her like the sun’s rays. The short pixie cut, perfectly arched brows, and high cheekbones contour her face, and all I can do is stare while sipping from my glass without uttering a word.
“Had your little ass not forced me to come, I wouldn’t have left you while you became the line dance instructor for the rhythmless and hopeful,” Zakai says, shrugging.
“Hm. We’ll see if I push you to do something more than c?—”
“Don’t act like you had more pressing things to do tonight. Besides, my absence gave you an opportunity to find one of my lame coworkers to occupy your time.”
Why did he cut her off? God, can you send an immediate sign if I need to take my ass home right now? I can’t afford another shot to my ego tonight.
“Excuse my manners. I’m Asia,” the petite bombshell says with her gaze on me, cutting into my wayward thoughts and bringing my attention back to the present.
The warmth flowing through my body in a more defined way alerts me that the alcohol flowing through my bloodstream is taking shape. Blinking slowly, I lick my drying lips to give me a chance to formulate an appropriate response.
