“You know what I mean.” I chuckled. “It’s a simple question.”
“That I don’t have to answer.” Her heels clicked against the concrete.
“Mm…you are wearing heels and a strapless sundress on a Saturday. Lucky man, though you’ll have more fun with me.” I bragged, ignoring the twinge of jealousy that she probably had a date.
“So,yousay.” The ends of her lips curved.
“I do. Try me.”
“I’m good.” Soraya continued walking, and I saw my chances of spending time with her today diminishing.
I quickened my steps to be slightly ahead of her. “Could use a ride to pick up mine. It’s not far from here at the dealership. Won’t take up much of your time.”
She looked at me skeptically. “Why would I want to do anything to help you? You were gloating in there like you won some prize, even though you know what I said makes sense. People still drown in pools all the time, and these families with these bad ass kids that don’t like to listen could make a decision they can’t come back from.”
“I like to win. Seems like you do too.” I pointed to her maroon Lexus. “Good job, even better condo and car. You didn’t get all those things without being a little competitive. Probably the top of your class throughout school, with ambitions at your job to be at the top.”
She pursed her naturally pouty lips. “Mr. Howard, I’m not giving you a ride anywhere.”
“You know my first name, Soraya.” I nudged her shoulder with mine. “Let’s say it together, ‘Jashaun’.”
We made it to her car, and she spun around, putting us closer than either of us expected. A flicker of desire flashed in her eyes before her jaw tightened. “Stop trying, Mr. Howard. You got your way back there. You don’t have to be nice to me when you don’t mean it. I’m not a sore loser.”
“I’m not being nice. I’m being intentional in approaching you. Isn’t that what you women say nowadays? I want a man with intention?”
“No, thank you. AsIsaid, I’m good.” She touched her knob, and I moved to the other side of her, partially blocking her from opening the door. Soraya lifted her bag higher on her shoulder. “What?”
“Let me take you out. You’ve been here for months and won’t give me a chance.”
“For what? We don’t want the same things.”
“How do you know what I want?” I rested my arm on the top of her hood.
She scoffed loudly. “You might want to find you one of those little girls who are too young to recognize game.”
“I only date women,” I said firmly.
“You know what I mean.”
“AsIsaid, I only date women. I love to talk about real shit, and if you can’t keep up with me, I’m not interested.” I moved a little closer, and she didn’t retreat, eyeing me warily. “Come on, give me a ride to get my car, and then we can go anywhere you want to eat. I know a few nice spots. We could eat some good food, have a few drinks, share a few laughs, and listen to a live band. It’s Saturday. Come on… My treat. And don’t say you’re not hungry, I heard your stomach growl back there.”
A hint of a smile crossed her lips. “Thank you for the invite. I’m sure one of your women will be happy to take you up on your offer. Bye, Mr. Howard.” She pulled on her door enough for me to take the hint and move.
“I still need a ride.” I grinned, undaunted by her rejection.
“Not my problem.” She eased into the car and soon disappeared around the corner of the parking garage.
Shaking my head and retrieving my cell from my pocket to call a ride, I whistled. “Why do I love a challenge?”
“Hey, Mara?” I asked as I opened the Camry’s back door, and the woman looked at me and her eyes rounded.
“Shit,” She exclaimed.
The dimple in her chin looked vaguely familiar. I stared at her. “You know me?”
She shook her head. “I thought you were someone else.”
Her answer didn’t ring true. She’d reacted too strongly to me. Easing into the car, I squinted against the fading sun, trying toplace her attractive face as she turned around to drive away from the curb.
