Taste The Smoke: Four20 Bae

Chapter 1

Alonzo Bennett stared at his sister through the reflection of the mirror as she stood in his office doorway, an expression of concern lining her features. “What?”

Sonya Bennet opened her mouth, then closed it again. “I was just checking to see when you were leaving. Cologne, dress slacks and shirt…I guess I don’t have to ask. I’m taking off early to pick up a few things for the spa, so Jamie is going to close up.”

He finished buttoning his shirt, faced her and nodded. She’d come to him five years ago expressing a desire to leave corporate America and open a day spa that would focus on wellness, but also incorporate the benefits of using cannabis in massage therapy. At that time, he’d needed the distraction and, after listening to her business plan, hadn’t hesitated in investing and agreeing to handle the books. Sonya had tapped into a relatively new area of treatment, unlike many of the other day spas in the area. It had only taken eighteen months for Elite Oasis Spa Retreat to start seeing a return. “Sounds good. I took care of the payroll and secured the vendor spot for the CannaBliss Sunset Cruise next month.” The day spa would be participating in one of the several cannabis events in Los Angeles.

A smile lit her face. “Great.” She snapped her fingers. “That reminds me, I’m running low on the CBD isolates and I’d like to have enough to make more products for the cruise. I don’t want to dip into the spa supply.”

Shaking his head, he said, “Is that your way of asking me to go get more?”

Sonya entered the office and wrapped her arm around his waist. “And this is why you’re my favorite big brother.”

Alonzo let out a short bark of laughter. “I’m your only brother, and sucking up doesn’t look good on you.” At thirty-two, Sonya was nine years his junior, and he’d spoiled her from the day she was born.

She gave him a look of disbelief and brought her hand to her chest. “What? Me sucking up to my wonderful, sweet, amazing big brother who always takes care of me? I can’t believe you would think something like that.”

Still chuckling, he picked up his duffle bag and keys. “Mmm hmm. Whatever. I’ll take care of it next week. Now, I’m out of here.” Her smile faded. “What’s on your mind, baby girl?”

Sonya sighed. “I know it’s none of my business really, but I just don’t get good vibes from Pamela and I don’t want you to get hurt.”

He lifted a brow. “This is only our second date, so it’s not like I’m ready to propose.”

“Thank goodness,” she muttered. “I know you’ve only gone out with her once, but she’s…she’s territorial already and acts like you can’t even speak to someone you know without her pulling out her claws.”

Alonzo and Pamela had run into Sonya and her friends as they left a local bar. Pamela had been more than a little irritated when Sonya had rushed over and gave him a quick hug. Once he’d made the introductions, Pamela had relaxed some, but in Sonya’s mind, the damage had been done. He slung his arm around her shoulders and placed a kiss on her temple. “I love you for being concerned, but like I said, it’s still early, so we’ll see how it goes.”

“Okay, but I’m telling you, she’s not the one for you. Oh, and if she hurts you, I’m kicking her butt,” she added pointedly.

“On that note, I’m out of here.” He gestured her forward, the locked the door behind them.

As they headed toward the front, she said, “Don’t forget about dinner tomorrow. You know Mom would have a fit if you didn’t show up.”

“Have you ever known me to forget about food, especially Mom’s?” After he and his sister had moved out, their mother made a practice of continuing Sunday dinners, only now they tended to be monthly instead of every week. Alonzo looked forward to great food and the huge amount of leftovers she’d always send home with him and his sister.

Sonya laughed. “You’re right. I forgot who I was talking to. See you later and have fun.”

Alonzo threw up a wave and exited the building located in Santa Monica. After tossing his duffle in the trunk, he slid behind the wheel of his Camaro and drove to Pamela’s Culver City condo. While driving, he thought about Sonya’s comments, and agreed that those few tense moments before he’d introduced Sonya as his sister, had given him slight pause. However, on the ride to take Pamela home, she’d been apologetic. So far he hadn’t seen anything else, but as he’d told his sister, they were still getting to know each other. He’d taken himself out of the dating game for a long time after his fiancée’s death and had finally waded back in three years ago. However, he hadn’t found the one woman who stirred his heart, mind and soul.

He pulled into a visitor’s parking spot when he arrived, then took the stairs to her second-story unit and rang the bell. His greeting died on his lips when Pamela opened the door barefoot and wearing sweats. “Ah, what’s going on?”

“Hey, Alonzo. Come on in. I’m running a little late, but it’ll only take me a minute to change.”

He followed her inside and glanced down at his watch. “You remember our reservation is at seven, right? It’ll take about half an hour or more to get there with traffic.”

Pamela waved him off. “It’s only six, so we have plenty of time. Can I get you something to drink?”

“No. I’m fine.” He really wanted to tell her to get moving as she stood there like they didn’t have to be somewhere. I just don’t get good vibes from Pamela. Sonya’s words rang in his head.

“I’ll be right back,” she finally said.

Alonzo sat on the sofa and checked his emails, then his schedule for the upcoming week. He worked full-time as a physical therapist for a state of the art rehabilitation center where they often treated several high-profile professional athletes. After working there all day, he usually went by the spa two or three nights a week and put in a couple of hours. So engrossed in his task, it took him a minute to realize that almost twenty minutes had passed and no sign of Pamela. He sighed, stuck his phone in his pocket and stood. “Pamela, we need to leave in the next couple of minutes to make the reservation.” No reply. Alonzo waited another minute, then tentatively made his way down the hallway toward her bedroom.

As he got closer, he heard Pamela say, “Girl, he’s over forty and never been married, but said he wants to be.”

“Translation, he’s approaching that desperate age and will wait until hell freezes over for the right woman,” another voice replied.

“And I am the right woman,” she said with a laugh.

Alonzo had heard enough. He folded his arms and leaned against the doorframe watching Pamela lounge on the bed polishing her nails and still wearing the sweats. “Actually, you’re not.” He thought he heard the woman on the phone say something that sounded like, “Oh, shit.”

“Alonzo!” She scrambled off the bed, her eyes wide. “I was just…I chipped my polish and?—”

He held up a hand to stop the lie. “Save it. I don’t know what kind of game you’re playing, but you’ll have to play it with someone else. I’m out.” He turned to walk away, then stopped. “You’re right about one thing, though. Hell will freeze over before you see me again.” He pulled out his phone, scrolled to the restaurant’s number and hit the button. “Hello, this is Alonzo Bennett. I have a reservation for seven and would like to cancel it. Thanks.” Next, he blocked her number before pocketing the phone. Pivoting on his heel, he stalked out the way he came.

Pamela ran after him. “Alonzo, wait.”

She tried to latch on to his arm, but he shifted away from her and didn’t stop until he reached his car. Alonzo couldn’t believe what just happened. Was he hurt? No. More like angry and disappointed that a thirty-seven year-old woman who had a banking career would pull that kind of a stunt. As he drove away from the development, it dawned on him that when they met for drinks a couple of weeks ago, she’d been almost fifteen minutes late, citing traffic. Now he had to wonder. Shaking his head, he chuckled. Maybe he should start letting Sonya vet his dates. At forty-one, he had neither the time or inclination to deal with any kind of drama. Sure he wanted the whole wife and kids thing, and had almost made it down the aisle, but life had other plans. He wouldn’t, however, settle for games and foolishness to get it.

Instead of going home, he ended up at a nearby upscale bar and slid onto a barstool.

A bartender materialized within a minute. “What can I get for you, handsome?” she asked.

“Jack on the rocks.”

“You got it.”

While waiting, Alonzo surveyed the large space. The crowd sat at tables, booths, and around the curved marble bar. Music, lively conversation and college basketball enthusiasts all competed to be heard. He picked up a menu and scanned the offerings. The place offered burgers, fries, wings and a few other appetizers. Placing it back in the holder, he glanced up at the three televisions mounted above the bar. March Madness would begin in a couple of weeks and Alonzo usually had his brackets for both men’s and women’s games filled out as soon as the teams were set. But with many athletes opting out after a year, it was anyone’s game, so now he just enjoyed each one. Most times he found the women’s games more dynamic and exciting.

The bartender returned with his drink. “Thanks.” He slid her a bill, picked up the glass and took a sip, letting the smooth, slightly sweet flavor linger on his palate.

Alonzo watched the game for a few minutes before lifting the glass again. He paused halfway to his mouth just as a hostess seated a beautiful woman with flawless sable skin and shoulder length loosely curled hair at a table directly in his line of sight. Her smile and sparkling dark eyes hit him square in the gut. He frowned. After what happened a few minutes ago, the last thing he should be thinking about is a woman, particularly since he saw the hostess leave a second menu on the table. Obviously, the woman was waiting for someone. Giving her one last cursory glance, he went back to the game and his drink. Moments later, his gaze strayed her way again. She had an expression of mild irritation as she checked her watch, then typed something on her phone, before glancing around the busy place and settling back against her chair. “Join the club,” he muttered under his breath, taking another sip of his drink and refocusing his attention on the screen.

No matter how hard he tried, Alonzo couldn’t stop himself from looking again. He realized a good twenty minutes had passed and she still sat alone. A couple of men tried to engage her in conversation and she politely shook her head, then picked up her phone. The scowl that appeared on her face and her agitated movements let him know that she was upset by the caller. A few seconds later, she tossed the phone on the table and dabbed at the corners of her eyes.

He hoped she didn’t start crying. He could never handle seeing a woman cry. She seemed to pull herself together as she picked up the phone again and called someone. The tears started again and made his chest tighten. Downing the rest of his drink, he stood. His protective nature kicked in and he needed to make sure she was okay, then he’d head home.

Kenya Grant couldn’t believe the arrogant jerk she’d agreed to meet for drinks had stood her up. They’d met at a psych conference the that week and he’d been engaging and pursued her for all three days, only to be a no-show. She tried to keep the tears of anger at bay as she talked to her older sister. “He actually said he was too young to be bothered with a disabled woman.”

“He said what? What’s his address? I’ll send Jared to kick his ass.”

She almost laughed. Her brother-in-law wouldn’t hesitate to come to her rescue. “Believe me, sis, I’m so mad right now that I could do it myself.” Because of a back injury, she occasionally needed to use a cane during a flare-up, just as a precaution when she experienced some weakness in her right leg. The last thing she wanted was to be in public and fall on her butt because her leg gave way, which would hurt her thirty-four year-old pride more than being seen with a cane. “The thing is, he could’ve just canceled before now, instead of having me drive over here.”

“Girl, I don’t know what’s wrong with these men nowadays.”

“I don’t think I can do this again.”

“Hold up, Kenya. I know Gavin…George…”

“Greg.”

“Whatever. I know what that idiot did hurt you, but please don’t go back to closing yourself off again. All men aren’t like him and he who shall remain nameless.”

Kenya closed her eyes and swiped at the lone tear that ran down her cheek. It had taken her a good three years to start dating again and not one of those few guys had been worth the time it took to get dressed. “I don’t know, Phaedra.”

“You’re in a classy bar. I’m sure there are some nice, single guys around.”

“Ugh. Please. Two men have already come up to the table and all but propositioned me without even asking my name. No. I’m done.”

“I hear you, but since you’re there, you should at least have a glass of wine and maybe an appetizer or two.”

“I don’t know. Maybe I should just?—”

“Excuse me, miss. I don’t mean to interrupt, but I wanted to make sure you were okay.”

Kenya forgot to breathe and couldn’t utter one word. Standing next to her table had to be the finest man she’d seen in a long time. She had to crane her neck to stare up at him because he was so tall. Close-cropped hair and beard, whiskey colored brown eyes, all set in a deep bronze face. The slacks and dress shirt he wore couldn’t hide his slim muscular frame.

“Have mercy!” Phaedra said. “Please tell me that the brother looks as good as his voice sounds…like sin and sex all rolled into one.”

Still staring at him, Kenya said, “Um, yeah, something like that. I’ll call you later.”

“Ask him to sit down. Ain’t no man gonna come across a crowded bar to ask if you’re all right if he doesn’t have some kind of home training.”

“I can’t just ask a perfect stranger to sit down,” she whispered, aware that the man still stood there staring at her expectantly.

“Sure you can. He sounds like the perfect man to banish the other one from your thoughts. Ask. Him.”

“We’ll see. Bye.” She could still hear her sister yelling into the phone when she disconnected. Where Phaedra had always been the outgoing one, Kenya tended to be a little more reserved. She shook herself. “I’m sorry. Um…yes, I’m okay. Thanks for asking.”

“Sounds good. Enjoy your evening.” He blessed her with a knee-weakening smile and started to walk away. Kenya placed a staying hand on his arm and felt the muscles bunch under her fingers. She quickly pulled back. “Why don’t you join me?” He stared at her for what seemed like forever, his head angled as if weighing her offer.

“Are you sure?”

This had to be the most impulsive thing she’d ever done. Channeling her older sister’s extroverted personality, she nodded. “Yes.” She gestured to the seat across from her. “Please. I’m Kenya. Kenya Grant.”

“Alonzo Bennett,” he said in that dark honey voice as he folded his tall body into the chair. “You were expecting someone?”

“Until he called twenty minutes after I arrived to cancel on me.”

“What an idiot,” he mumbled, shaking his head.

For the first time, a smile spread across her face. “That’s the same thing my sister just said.”

“Seems like there’s a lot of that going on tonight.”

Her brow lifted. “You, too?” What woman in her right mind would stand him up? But at least that confirmed he was single.

A grin kicked up on the corner of his mouth. “Something like that.”

Before she could ask what he meant, a server came over. “I see your other party has arrived. What can I get started for you?”

“I’d like a mango margarita, blended, please,” Kenya answered. She glanced over at Alonzo.

“I’ll just have a coke.”

She waited for the young man to walk away before speaking. “So, you’re just going to make me look like a lush all by myself over here?”

Alonzo laughed. “One drink doesn’t qualify you as being a lush. I had a drink at the bar. One’s my limit when I’m out.”

That confession earned him a brownie point. “Something we have in common. So, you mentioned that you’d been stood up, too, or something like that.”

“Let’s just say deliberately leaving me waiting for kicks is not my idea of a woman.”

Her mouth fell open. “You have got to be kidding me. I mean what grown woman does that?” She felt offended on his behalf and almost wanted to apologize.

“I don’t know and I didn’t stick around to find out.”

“I wouldn’t either.” The server returned with their drinks.

Alonzo lifted his glass. “To good conversation.”

“And no drama,” Kenya added.

“Amen.”

Both laughed as they touched glasses. She took a sip of the fruity drink and started to let her guard down a little. “I don’t know if you’ve already eaten, but I was going to order a couple of appetizers.”

“I haven’t, and they look big enough to share.”

“I was just going to suggest that.”

“Great minds think alike,” he said, his gaze never leaving hers.

The way this man keeps looking at me and the sound of his voice pouring over me like warm honey…I need a fan!To distract herself, she snatched up the menu and perused the selections.

“What looks good?” If it were Phaedra, she would’ve answered, you. But since Kenya hadn’t ever been that bold, she just said, “The lettuce wraps and short rib tacos sound good to me. Hmm, but so do the teriyaki wings.”

Leaning back in his chair, Alonzo placed the menu on the table. “We’ll get all three, and you can take the leftovers.”

“Oh, no. I can’t do that. You can take them.” She figured he was close to her age, maybe a couple of years older, and most of the men she’d been around didn’t cook much, so it was the least she could do since he’d been nice enough to be concerned about her.

He waited until the server had taken their order to continue the conversation. “I’m going to get all the leftovers I need when I go to my parents’ house for dinner tomorrow, so I’m good.”

“Do you eat there often?”

“Family dinners have been pretty much monthly now that my sister and I moved out, aside from holidays. I think it’s more like her way of checking up on us and making sure we’re all right. I don’t mind if it keeps her from worrying. Besides, I love my mama’s cooking.”

Kenya laughed. “Sounds like my mother, and I know what you mean. I’d probably never cook if I could get her food every day. Well, if you’re sure.”

“I am. Think of it as you having a day off from cooking. You can spend a Sunday with your feet up relaxing. And you deserve a little something after being stood up.”

“I’ve already gotten something.” Kenya didn’t realize she’d spoken the words out loud until she heard his low chuckle. She wanted to disappear under the table.

Still smiling, he said, “That makes two of us. I’m enjoying dinner with a beautiful woman. His loss. So tell me a little about yourself, Kenya.”

For a moment, she stared. This brother was smooth, but the way he said it didn’t sound like a lame pick-up line. “I’m a psychologist and work as an art therapist at a teen center.”

“That has to be interesting.”

“Believe me, it is,” Kenya said with a little laugh. “Those kids keep me on my toes and not much gets by them. I love it, though. I’ve only been there about nine months, but it was the best move for me.”

“I don’t imagine you having any boring days.”

“Not one. Every day is a challenge, in a good way. Do you know what I mean?”

“I do.”

“What about you? As tall as you are, I would’ve guessed you’re an athlete.”

“If I hadn’t blown my knee out senior year of high school, I may have ended up somewhere on a football field. The physical therapist I had was amazing, so I went that route.”

She wished her therapist had been amazing. Maybe she wouldn’t be having so many issues now. “That’s pretty cool. So you work with athletes?”

“Some.”

The server returned with their food and Alonzo waited until she’d filled her plate to do his own. Another brownie point. They continued talking about their jobs and swapping stories while eating, and it turned out to be the best date she’d had. Something about his calm demeanor relaxed her. For once, Phaedra’s advice had been spot on. “I can’t believe we’ve been talking for over an hour. I’d better get going, and I’m sure you have some other things to do this evening. I want to thank you for a great time, Alonzo.”

“Thanks for the invitation. I enjoyed myself.” He helped her box up the leftovers, then snatched up the bill as soon as it hit the table. “I’ve got this.”

“Oh, no. I can’t let you pay. It’s my treat.” It was the least she could do since he pretty much saved her from an embarrassing evening. He just shook his head, placed his credit card in the folio, then handed it to the server. She didn’t know what to say. The last guy she’d gone out with took one look at the bill and suggested they go dutch, and he’d asked her out.

After he signed the receipt, he asked, “Ready?”

Kenya had a moment of panic. She knew her body would be stiff from sitting so long and getting up would be a chore. She nodded and he was up and around the table with his hand extended before she could blink. Steeling herself for the look of pity most men gave her, she planted the cane and slowly pushed to her feet, using his sure grip as leverage.

“Let me help you.” Alonzo wrapped the other hand around her waist and gently guided her upright. “Stand here and give your body a minute to adjust.”

In his eyes, she saw no pity, only genuine concern. All evening he’d been charming and courteous and something told her she could easily fall for him, a perfect stranger. “Thanks.” He was even taller than she thought. He towered over her five-six height by almost a foot. After a few seconds, Kenya felt steady enough to move, but the heat of his hard body surrounding her, along with the warm, earthy fragrance of whatever cologne he wore, made her weak all over again. “Okay, I’m ready.” His hand rested in the middle of her back as he guided her to the exit, as if they were a real couple.

“I’ll walk you to your car.”

“Thanks. I’m in the lot at the end of the block.” A slight breeze kicked up and she shivered.

“Cold?”

“A little. These mid-seventies temperatures for the last few days had me spoiled, but I heard they’re supposed to drop back down into the low sixties again with some possible rain.” Because she and Greg had only planned to meet for drinks around six-thirty, Kenya hadn’t brought a jacket. She hadn’t planned to spend almost three hours, and definitely not with someone else.

“I know what you mean. I planned to go running tomorrow, but we’ll see.”

Silence rose between them as they slowly made their way up the street and to where she had parked. “That blue Acura right there is mine.” She stopped next to it, unlocked it by remote and placed her cane on the backseat.

“May I ask what happened?”

“Car accident six years ago, courtesy of my ex-husband, may he continue to rot in hell,” she added bitterly. She looked up and found him watching her curiously. “I’ll tell you about it another time.”

“Works for me because I’d really like to take you out again.”

Everything about Alonzo had been different from any of the other men she’d dated, but the fear of being hurt again rose up swiftly. Baby, you can’t measure every man by the sins of a few. I believe there’s a man out there who’s worthy of your love. Her mother’s voice sounded in her mind just as quickly. Alonzo had been nothing but kind to her, and even paid for dinner. “I’d like that.” Before the words were off her tongue good, he had his phone out and open to the contacts. She inputted her information and handed it back. He called, let it ring once, then disconnected. For a moment, he stood there as if he wanted to say something else. Alonzo moved closer, his gaze never leaving hers. Her pulse skipped. Was he going to kiss her?

He stepped back and held the door open. “I’ll call you to see when’s a good time for that date.”

Disappointment warred with relief. Kenya nodded. “Again, thank you so much for an enjoyable evening, Alonzo. I really had a good time.” She got in and placed the to-go container on the passenger seat.

“So did I. Drive safely and I’ll talk to you soon.”

“You, too.” He closed the door and waited until she’d backed out and started out of the lot. She smiled and waved as she passed him. Two minutes into the drive, her cell rang and she knew it could only be one person. She connected the Bluetooth and answered. “Hello, dear sister. Yes, I asked him to sit, and yes, we had dinner. I’m just leaving.”

“Yes! I want to hear every detail, and don’t leave anything out. Wait. What does he look like?”

“Fine, with a capital F. And he’s tall, at least six-four or five.” She told her sister about their conversation, but had to stop after every other word because Phaedra kept interrupting with questions about where Alonzo lived, how long he’d been at his job, and whether he’d ever been married. “We didn’t get that far, but it was probably the best first date I’ve ever had to be honest.” Whenever she spoke, he leaned forward and made her feel as if she had his undivided attention. “I did have a little moment of worry when it came time to leave. Sitting in that wooden chair for over an hour had my back and entire right side stiff.”

“I hope he didn’t have the same reaction as Mr. No Show.”

“No, he didn’t. As soon as he saw the cane, he came around the table and helped me up, then made me stand there for a minute to make sure I was good before taking a step.” Kenya recalled every inch of his hard body pressed against hers.

“Well, well. It sounds like Alonzo might be worth a second date. If he asks you out, you’d better say yes.”

Laughing, she asked, “Why are you always so bossy?”

“Because if I wasn’t, you’d be a hermit. What’s that phrase about falling, skinning your knee and getting back up again? That’s what you have to do. You’re only thirty-four, sis, and much too young to throw in the towel, especially when I know that’s not what you really want.”

“Wanting it and being able to get it are two different things.” Yes, she’d wanted the whole love, marriage and children thing, but her ex had killed that dream, and she was having a hard time wanting to recapture it. Kenya had no problem giving advice to her clients. Maybe it was time she started taking it herself. So, yes, she would go out with Alonzo again, but she planned to take things slowly and get out at the first sign of trouble.