Within seconds, he started a conversation with whoever was on the other end of the phone. I fell back against the door of my car as I listened to him arrange to have my car towed to his mechanic friend’s shop. Not that I had the money to pay for it, but I was grateful to be able to get my car out of the store parking lot. As stubborn as I wanted to be, I actually did need and appreciate his help. I just hated to ask for help. What would he want in return?
When he ended the call, the overbearing stranger took a step forward to close the space between us. I took a shallow breath, hoping to fight off the intoxication of his cologne. Whatever that scent was along with the cocky half smile that seemed to be permanently etched on his face was a deadly combination.
“I’m Nicholas, by the way.”
“You really didn’t have to do that, Nicholas,” I told him, unsure of what else to say.
“What kind of man would I be if I were to leave you out here in distress without trying to do something to help you?”
“I’m not a damsel in distress.” I contested.
“And I’m not a knight in shining armor, habibti.”
“Either way, thank you for helping with my car. I knew she was on her last leg, but I was hoping I had a little more time. I don’t even want to think about what this is about to cost me.”
“You’re welcome. Don’t stress yourself about prices. I made the call to the mechanic.”
“That doesn’t mean anything. It’s still my responsibility.”
Smiley took that as his cue to walk over to check on me. I was mortified enough without a growing audience.
“You good, Ms. Jameela?” he asked as he jogged over to me.
“Yeah, I was just having a little car trouble. He was nice enough to get my car towed for me,” I explained as I passed the small, brown bag holding his vodka.
“OK, then. I just wanted to make sure you was straight. Me and PeeWee gon’ be in the back for a while. Holler if you need me.”
“I will,” I said as he continued on his journey.
“Have lunch with me,” Nicholas said, catching me off guard by completely changing the subject.
“I’m pretty sure whatever this guy tells me at the mechanic’s shop is going to ruin my appetite.”
He shrugged. “Who said you were going to the mechanic’s shop?”
“It was a given. I have to at least go over there and show my face so I can see what the damage is.”
“My face card is good enough to cover the ticket. The guy owes me a favor.”
“That’s nice and all, but I don’t want to owe you a favor.”
“Have lunch with me, and we’re even.”
“Seriously?” I asked.
He shrugged. “If that’s all it takes.”
“Don’t try to make me sound like a cheap date. Lunch doesn’t include dessert.”
He chuckled, and I got irritated at how sexy it sounded. This would have to be a quick lunch. He was hypnotic.
“I didn’t think it did. What are you in the mood for?”
“It doesn’t even matter right now.”
“Good, because whenever I’m in this area, I have to get fried catfish from Wilson’s.”
“What in the world do you know about Wilson’s?” I asked, narrowing my eyes.
