Chapter 7 #2
He looked over at me then grabbed my hand gently.
His thumb caressed my knuckles slowly as he stared at me.
His eyes lowered and it almost seemed as if he was more fond of me from that statement alone.
I couldn't help but blush after a minute.
Not much needed to be said. We were both taken with each other.
“Tell me a little or a lot about you, Brandy,” he said in a softer tone than I'd ever heard escaping those lips thus far. Shit made me melt.
“Well, I'm thirty-four, own two yoga studios back in The States, have an older sister and great mom, and I'm trying my damndest to get a divorce from my asshole of an ex,” I explained. “My favorite color is...”
“Yellow, let's rewind,” he interrupted. My mouth instantly shut and my eyes damn near ballooned because how did he know that? He actually knew my favorite color without me saying so. Jeffrey had been my husband for years and still didn’t know it.
I was quite baffled, to the point where I didn't take in the rest of his statement.
He started talking and that was when I realized I mentioned my divorce and more so how easy it was to tell him that.
“You're a married woman, Brandy?”
“On paper, yes. We've been apart for over a year now. He's stringing me along and refusing to come to any agreement.”
“Mhm. I mean, I get it. You are not worth losing. I'd do anything to keep you and show you I'm willing to fight for us,” he said.
“Well maybe if he thought like you then I wouldn't be in this mess.”
“He hurt you?” His tone deepened and the coldness in his eyes was alarming. That beautiful brown and green meld of his irises was replaced by a light green that scared the shit out of me.
Should I be honest with this man? Or spare that fool’s life? My face scrunched and I suddenly couldn't find the words to confirm. I nodded and he hissed then looked out of the window for a second. His reflection was just as intimidating, but when he turned back to me, I was met with only concern.
“Never again.”
How could I be so sure about that? There was nothing in his voice that made me not believe his words and the look in his eyes told me I needed to believe him. But how could I when I didn’t even know this man and we were in a whole different country?
My naivete made me nod to confirm his statement. I wished I could find my voice and tell him the extent of that hurt, but it truly wasn't his business, and I didn't like telling it to anyone, let alone a stranger. It didn’t matter if this could be more or not. Until it was... what was this?
“I’m thirty-five. I love the colors burgundy and black.
I prefer gold to any other when it comes to jewelry.
I have a younger brother and sister, a mom from hell, and a father who still lives in hell.
I own two resorts, a casino, a bank, and a winery in Italy, my home country.
I don't tolerate bullshit and handle things accordingly, as you've witnessed.
I make my own pasta and sauces. I'm a very good cook.
I rarely eat fast food. I'm serious about those who are close to me and will eliminate any threat before you even know there is one.
I want to show you a good time and see where this goes because I'm quite taken with you, Brandy.”
It took a minute for me to process all he said.
So many keys to memorize in so little time and to digest. Once I did, my smile widened and I squeezed his hand while registering I was still attached to him.
I looked at our joined hands and realized I must've felt pretty safe with him if we were still joined like this.
It was something simple yet a huge deal for me.
Or maybe I was just stupid over this man. Pull yourself together, woman, damn!
“You've held my intrigue,” I replied.
That made him smirk then lick those luscious ass lips.
His mustache was trimmed perfectly. His goatee was silky and long and I wanted to pull my fingers through it.
I almost leaned forward to attack those lips but quickly pulled myself together.
I couldn't throw myself out there like that.
No matter how much I wanted to devour him.
I had to find something to talk about to pull these thoughts away from me.
“So are you cool with your siblings or do they think of you as the daddy brother?” I asked.
“Daddy brother?" He chuckled. “That's a new one, but no, we're all close. Two years between each of us.”
“That's pretty cool. My sis is my bestie for real. I hate that she couldn't come down for this trip.”
“I'm sure y'all will connect soon enough,” he assured.
“Yeah, I'm hopeful.”
Couldn't tell him I was linking up with my sis as soon as I headed back. I had to keep reminding myself what wasn’t his business and what I didn’t mind sharing.
I didn't open up like this for anyone and felt like I had already said too much.
But Armond freely threw out facts like he was truly unbothered and that made me find comfort in him to where I wanted him to know me fully right away.
Shit was pathetic but his aura was so calming and secure. I couldn't help but feel it.
“Sir, we have arrived,” his driver called out.
My eyes finally left him and looked out the window.
The restaurant looked lavish with its valet parking and bright lights.
It sat beautifully against the coast and the end of the sunset lit up the horizon just enough to see its never-ending edge across the water.
The tan building reflected the sunset onto the terrace seating and it was exactly where Armond was leading me.
Thankfully the air wasn't too thick and the temperature was comfortable for the evening.
I couldn’t help but notice the two men following us, along with his driver. They were discreet but of course I noticed the man who’d been driving us around.
Once we were seated, they found tables not too far from us. That was when I also noticed three other men around the perimeter.
“You're observant,” Armond stated.
“Yes. I try to be aware of everything going on around me,” I replied.
“I understand that. It's very good.”
“Since you've picked this place, I'm sure you have your favorites,” I said.
“Absolutely but I'd love for you to try whatever you want. Don't look at prices.”
I smiled. This first date with Armond was already different from being out with Jeffrey. At first, Jeffrey made it seem like he was trying to figure me out, then claimed he had and demanded to always order for me. It pissed me off, but I let him. This was refreshing.
“Well, for starters I'd love a mixed drink. If it's frozen, then it'll be even better.” I smiled.
“Yes, they do have that. What's your fruit of choice?”
“I go between strawberry and mango depending on my mood.”
“How about both? They have a drink that combines the two I think you'd love. It's called the bourbon smash and you can get it frozen. Might be the only suggestion I give you this evening.”
“That sounds magnificent. I'm with it. Bourbon is one of my favorites.”
“I could tell.” He winked and I blushed like a dork. He wasn't doing anything special, but it made me feel giddy inside.
“Nuh uh.” I laughed and he joined in. He took light to me calling him out, I liked that.
“Aight, you got me on that.”
We talked casually as we perused the menu. The second I saw carne asada I didn’t need to see anything further, but I took note of my sides and dessert before placing it beside me.
I watched Armond as he looked the menu over. That cute ass smirk rose in the corner of his mouth once he realized I was stuck on him. After a moment he hit me with a smolder that made my damn thighs squeeze together. My bottom lip tucked into my mouth and his eyes instantly dropped to it.
He leaned forward and grabbed my chin then stroked the little bit of my bottom lip that hung freely. He gently tugged my lip free then stroked it before he closed in and kissed me.
I was taken by surprise, but his warmth kept me hostage. His lips fit perfectly against mine and I couldn't help but slide my tongue along them until he opened up for me.
When our tongues collided, I felt a surge through me that made my heart skip a beat and I pulled away quickly. My hand met my chest and I lightly gasped for air . Gotdamn, Armond.