Chapter 19
Nineteen
Nhuri wasn’t sure what Shyriq had up his sleeve for the evening, but from the moment she stepped into the sleek black SUV that arrived at her doorstep, she knew he was up to something special.
When he texted telling her that he was on his way, she thought he’d be the one picking her up.
Instead, a driver greeted her politely before opening the back door.
“Good evening, Ms. Coleman. My name is Rick, and I’m your driver for the evening. I’ll be escorting you to Mr. Hendrix.”
Nhuri smiled. “Nice to meet you, Rick. He didn’t tell me a car service would pick me up.”
“A man full of surprises. Shall we go?”
“Of course.”
Rick helped her inside and shut the door. A single rose lying on the backseat made Nhuri smile. She lifted it to her nose while picking up the white envelope next to it and opening it.
I hope tonight continues to bring a smile to your pretty face. See you soon.
Nhuri blushed so hard she covered her face. “This man,” she said, shaking her head. She couldn’t wait to see what he had planned. Rick didn’t reveal a thing when she asked where they were going, nor did he converse with her. That was fine with Nhuri.
Rick eased through traffic with the quiet hum of the radio playing slow jams. Nhuri took the city in and was amazed by some of the upgrades she’d missed out on witnessing over the last four years.
She still had to explore so much and knew tonight was just the beginning.
Shyriq was observant and thoughtful, in a way that caught her off guard at times.
Whatever he had planned, she knew it would be nothing short of amazing.
Her brows lifted in curiosity when the SUV pulled up in front of an upscale boutique hotel. She didn’t know what to expect, and that was secretly one thing she liked about Shyriq. He kept her on her toes.
Rick opened the door for her, and Nhuri stepped out. “Enjoy your evening.”
“Thank you.” Nhuri was prepared to enter the hotel and figure out where she needed to go, but Shyriq came through the doors, greeting her with a smile that almost made her stumble.
“Gorgeous, like I expected,” he said, sweetly kissing her cheek. “These are for you.”
The rose in Nhuri’s hand matched the bouquet of lush petals in Shyriq’s hand. Happily, she grabbed them, inhaling their floral scent.
“I love flowers. Thank you,” she gushed.
“You’re welcome. Tonight is all about you.”
Nhuri blushed as he led her into the building.
The concierge greeted them, leading them through the lobby to a private elevator.
Nhuri’s brow raised, and her stomach curled with anticipation when the doors glided open, but she just stepped inside.
What she really wanted to do was ask a million questions.
Shyriq stood close by, examining her under the dim lights as best as he could. Her sweet perfume had him wrapping an arm around her waist and whispering in her ear.
“You smell divine and look absolutely beautiful.”
The warmth of his breath made Nhuri shudder.
She didn’t bother to thank him; she couldn’t speak.
Of course, he smelled good, and his body heat was enticing her in ways Nhuri knew would get her in trouble tonight if she fed into temptation.
Thankfully, the elevator dinged, notifying them that they had arrived at their destination.
When the doors opened, they were greeted by a breathtaking setup on the highest floor of the hotel.
Floor-to-ceiling windows wrapped around the space, offering a panoramic view of the downtown city lights.
Nhuri walked over to the window and took in the skyline.
It stretched endlessly, with glowing buildings kissing the stars, it seemed.
She took her phone out to capture the view, not realizing Shyriq was more enamored by her.
“Want me to take a picture of you?” he asked.
Nhuri pivoted, hitting him with a smile. “Sure. If you don’t mind.”
He reached for her phone. “I don’t mind at all.”
Nhuri struck a few poses, and Shyriq happily snapped them all. When she waved her hand for him to come over and take some with her, he didn’t hesitate.
“You like capturing memories?” he asked, wrapping an arm around her waist as she held the phone in front of them.
“I do. This is our first real date, and it deserves a picture.”
“Can’t argue with you there.”
They smiled, and when he leaned in to kiss her temple, Nhuri captured that one too.
She told him he couldn’t touch her while they were working, and Shyriq stuck to his word.
Now, they were far from the main headquarters, so it was fair game.
Respectfully, of course. He kept his hands right at her waist, fighting the urge to caress and grip her ass.
It was poking out something vicious in her dress.
Nhuri’s heels clicked as he walked her to a table in the middle of the room.
It was covered with black linen with gold accents.
Candlelight flickered, adding a warm, intimate glow to the mesmerizing ambiance.
Nhuri released a soft gasp when her eyes landed on the open-concept kitchen where a woman in a crisp olive-green chef’s jacket stood, ready to greet and serve them.
The delicious aroma of something rich and buttery filled the air, instantly making Nhuri’s mouth water.
“Shyriq . . .” she breathed, turning to face him. “You did all this?”
He pulled her chair out and nodded. “This is nothing.”
Before she could respond, the chef turned to them and wiped her hands on a pristine towel. She had warm brown skin, with her hair pulled into a neat bun at her nape and a confident yet welcoming smile on her face.
“Good evening. My name is Torin. I’m your chef for the evening and I’ll be preparing a special menu for you tonight. Shyriq told me you’re a pasta lover.”
Nhuri glanced at him. He asked her one day while they were grabbing lunch, and she didn’t think anything about it.
“I am,” Nhuri confirmed with a grin, knowing she was in for something amazing.
Torin gestured toward the table. “We’ll start with a charcuterie board.
It’s filled with imported cheeses, thinly sliced prosciutto, marinated olives, and fresh figs.
For the main course, I’ve prepared a truffle lobster fettuccine.
Handmade pasta, creamy white wine sauce, chunks of tender lobster, and a hint of black truffle for depth. ”
Nhuri sighed dramatically, placing a hand over her heart. “You’re speaking my love language right now.”
Torin laughed. “I love to hear that. For the second course, we have a wild mushroom risotto, rich and velvety with a hint of Parmesan. Then, spinach ricotta ravioli in a brown butter sage sauce.”
Nhuri’s eyes widened. “Now you’re showing out.”
Torin smirked. “I’m just getting started. For dessert, if you aren’t too full, we have a classic tiramisu.”
Nhuri turned to Shyriq, shaking her head in disbelief. “This is crazy. How did you even pull this off?”
Shyriq waited for her to sit. “I pay attention,” he said simply. “And I like seeing you happy.”
Smiling, Nhuri took her seat. “Well, you’ve done that so far.”
Pleased with her answer, Shyriq took a seat across from her. He reached for her wineglass and poured her a nice amount while Torin plated the charcuterie board. The first bite of aged Parmesan had Nhuri humming in approval.
“Good?” Shyriq asked.
She nodded. “Mhm. So good.”
He passed her the wine, and she took a sip, letting the flavors marinate.
Nhuri wasn’t sure what Shyriq had up his sleeve, but she was glad it’d been revealed.
She wasn’t easily impressed, but she loved it when a man put in effort.
It was the small details Shyriq had paid attention to since she met him that made this night even more special.
“I’m glad you said yes to coming out with me tonight,” Shyriq said, pouring himself a glass of Cognac. It was only two fingers full because he planned on driving Nhuri home.
“Are you?” Nhuri teased, eating an olive.
Shyriq’s gaze locked in on her lips, and he shook his head. “Yeah, I am. And I know you are too. You didn’t have any plans.”
Nhuri chuckled, amused and fake insulted. “Now, who says I didn’t? Maybe I turned everyone down so my boss could wine and dine me.”
“Maybe so. Either way, you still ended up with me.”
“So cocky,” she chuckled.
“Confident.”
Nhuri couldn’t deny that. Shyriq was sure of himself, but it suited him. She traced the rim of her wineglass and took in his handsome features. Shyriq was the kind of fine that made you do a double take, smile, and shake your head. It was unfair.
“Well, confidence looks good on you,” she admitted, slowly sipping her wine.
Shyriq smirked, setting down his glass. “Yeah? I appreciate you saying that.”
“You’re welcome. But don’t get used to it,” she joked.
His smirk deepened. “Too late. You done spoiled me now.”
She shook her head with a knowing smile, setting down her glass. “I should’ve known you’d take that and run with it.”
Shyriq exhaled a quiet chuckle, resting his forearm on the table. “I don’t run with anything that isn’t real. And what’s real is you sitting here, enjoying yourself, despite all that fronting you’ve been doing.”
Nhuri arched a brow, feigning innocence. “Frontin’? Or just playing hard to get?”
He shrugged, watching her. “I’ma go with both, but it’s all good. I’m not here to hurt you at all. Just wanna spend some time with you.”
Nhuri’s fingers brushed the stem of her glass, but she didn’t lift it. Instead, she held his gaze, the weight of his words settling between them. A slow warmth crept up her spine, but she masked it with a teasing smile.
“As long as you continue making my time with you well spent, you’ll get all the time you need.”
Shyriq’s head bobbed. “Noted.”
They didn’t have to wait long before food was brought out. Nhuri sampled the truffle-infused fettucine and fell in love. The flavors were so rich and authentic, and the lobster was beyond tender. She closed her eyes, savoring every bite.