Chapter 3
Aweek later, Alonzo sat in his office finishing up some supervisory work so he could be ready to leave for his date that evening. While he and Kenya had talked or texted several times, he hadn’t been able to stop thinking about her and wanted to see her. He glanced up from laptop when he heard a knock on his office door. He grinned and rounded the desk. “Well look who decided to show up at work.” He’d worked with Raven Montgomery from the time she joined the state of the art rehabilitation center almost a decade ago as a new physical therapist.
“Keep talking and you won’t get those butter cookies I brought you. You sound as bad as David.” David was another one of the senior therapists.
“You just ain’t right, Raven. Girl, you know I missed you.” He laughed and hugged her.
“Mmm hmm, tell me anything.” She dropped down in the chair across from his desk. “What did I miss? I see it’s gotten even busier. I’ve seen patients back-to-back since I walked in the door this morning.”
Alonzo reclaimed his seat. “Yeah, we’ve gotten so many referrals recently, that we’ve started a waiting list.” As one of three supervisors, he’d spent several hours making sure clients were seen as soon as possible. “And you haven’t missed much, except Eileen has graduated from begging for people’s food to actually digging in without asking.” Not a day went by when the woman didn’t try to beg one of the staff out of their food, but recently a few people had been complaining about items missing from their lunches stored in the breakroom refrigerator. “Of course, no one has been able to prove it was her. Yet.”
Raven shook her head. “That woman needs help. I wish there was a way to prove it because I know it’s her. I busted her snooping around my desk looking for my butter cookies the last time I brought some back.”
He took a sip of his water. “I’m sure we’ll find out soon.”
She eyed him curiously. “What are you not telling me?”
Before he could reply, the sound of a woman yelling, “Oh, my goodness! I need water,” sounded.
Alonzo and Raven poked their heads out the door and saw Eileen running from the break room fanning herself. He said, “I do believe we’ve just gotten the proof we need.”
Her mouth fell open and she burst out laughing. “What did you put in the food?”
“I didn’t do it, but I have it on good authority that there may have been deviled eggs topped with a nice dosing of cayenne pepper instead of paprika in the refrigerator.” They shared a smile.
“I bet she won’t be so quick to jump into somebody else’s food again,” Raven said, still chuckling. “Speaking of lunch, I’m going to go eat mine before my next client gets here. I left your cookies in the car so I didn’t have to deal with everybody asking why I didn’t bring them any. Let me know when you have a minute to get them.”
“I’m leaving at five today, so I can get them then.”
“Whaaat? You’re leaving at five? You must have a hot date or something.”
A grin played around the corners of his mouth. “Or something.”
“Since I know you don’t have a client for the next hour, I’m eating my lunch in here and you can tell me all about this mystery woman, Mr. Bennett.” Raven was out the door and back in a flash with a small cooler.
“Did you run down the hall or something?”
“Maybe. So spill it.” She took a seat in the chair she’d vacated moments earlier and took a sandwich out of her bag.
Alonzo gave her the short version of the weekend, but had to keep stopping every other sentence because Raven kept interrupting, particularly about Pamela. “So, we’re having our first official date tonight.”
“Well, if it goes well, we should double date.”
“That would be cool.” He’d met her husband Bryson when he volunteered at the teen center Bryson ran. It dawned on him that Kenya had mentioned working at a teen center. Tonight, he’d ask the name. “How are big B and the twins?” The couple, who had started out as best friends, had four-year-old fraternal twins—Bryson, Jr. and Gia.
“They’re good. It’s going to take me a month to undo all the spoiling my mother did. Bryson is worse than the twins. My mother gets all giggly, makes every food Bryse happens to mention and treats him like a king.” She rolled her eyes. “It’s ridiculous.”
“Jealous?” He picked up his water bottle and sipped.
“Damn straight. She’s supposed to be my mother, yet, I’m almost an afterthought now,” Raven said, frowning and shoving a chip into her mouth. “Wait until you have kids. You’ll see.”
Alonzo wasn’t sure it would ever happen, despite the fact that he’d always wanted children. A vision of Kenya with her belly swollen with their child floated through his mind. He choked on the water. Where in the hell did that come from? He’d just met the woman a week and a half ago and they hadn’t even had their real first date, so it shouldn’t have even crossed his mind. Don’t get ahead of yourself, Bennett. Okay, so I like her and feel like I’ve known her for forever, but that doesn’t mean I need to be fantasizing about her having my babies. Since Alonzo had no intention of being a baby daddy, marriage would have to be in the equation. Yeah, he needed so slow his roll. Dinner date. That’s it. Well, and maybe a kiss. No, definitely a kiss.
After lunch, he had back-to-back clients and finished his charting right at five. He followed Raven out, thanked her for the cookies, then drove home to shower and get ready for his date. By the time he left to pick up Kenya, he’d eaten three of the dozen of butter cookies. He could see why Raven never shared. Those things were more than addictive.
Following the directions, Alonzo parked in the semi-circular driveway of the one-story home in the hills, sauntered up to the double doors and rang the bell. It briefly crossed his mind that this might be a repeat of his last date, but struck the notion as quickly as it entered. He didn’t get the same vibe from Kenya. He scanned the large houses with their manicured lawns in the fading light, but turned back when the door opened.
“Hi. Come on in,” Kenya said with a smile. She moved aside for him to enter.
Tonight she wore a pair of black slacks with a purple printed off-the-shoulder top. His gaze made a slow tour down her body and back up again. “You look beautiful.” Alonzo handed her the single pink rose.
“Thank you. I forgot to ask where we were going and hoped business casual would be okay.”
“It’s perfect.” He’d forgone the tie, opting for slacks and silk pullover. “This is a nice house. How long have you lived here?” The entryway opened to a kitchen on the left with the family and formal living rooms directly across, the open areas separated only by one wall with a double fireplace. To the right was a long hallway which he assumed led to the bedrooms.
“Only two years. This was my grandparent’s home and I moved in to help my grandmother out after her stroke. She passed away at the beginning of the year.”
“I’m so sorry.” The sadness in her eyes let him know she was still grieving.
Kenya nodded. “We were pretty close and I miss her like crazy. People keep telling me the grief will run its course soon, but I don’t know.”
Seeing the pain reflected in her eyes, Alonzo gathered her in his embrace. “Grief has no timetable and everyone deals with it differently, but you’ll eventually find that moving on and still grieving in some capacity can coexist in some way.”
She stared up at him. “Sounds like you should be the psychologist, not me.”
“No. Just life experiences.” He’d suffered the loss of grandparents, close friends and the woman he’d planned to marry, so he understood.
Backing out of his arms, she picked up her purse from the kitchen bar, slung it over her shoulder and grabbed her keys from the hook. “We should probably get out of here before we turn this into a mutual therapy session.”
Laughing softly, he said, “Lead the way.”
“Nice ride,” she said after they were settled in the car. “I never would’ve guessed you drove a muscle car. I pictured you in something like a Mercedes or Audi.”
“Nah, I like my muscle cars.” The sound of smooth RB came through the speakers as he drove them to Fleming’s Steakhouse at L.A. LIVE across from the STAPLES Center. He escorted her inside and gave his name to the hostess. Bending close to Kenya’s ear, he said, “Is this okay? I should’ve asked about your eating preferences.”
A smile lit her face. “This is better than okay. I like your style, Mr. Bennett.”
“And I like yours, Ms. Grant.” He tossed her a wink, then gestured her forward to follow the hostess. Alonzo seated Kenya, then rounded the table to sit across from her. Even though it was the middle of the week, the restaurant was crowded.
The hostess handed them menus. “Your server will be right with you.”
“I’ve lived in L.A. all my live but have never been here. Actually, none of my first dates have been in a place like this.” Kenya waved a hand around. “I would’ve been fine with a place like the one we were at on Saturday.”
Granted, he typically didn’t go for an expensive steakhouse on a first date—maybe an upscale bar and grill where they could get to know each other without the commitment of a long dinner— but he’d wanted to this evening to be special for her, especially after she’d been stood up. She needed to know not all men were asses. The fact that she didn’t expect him to spend hundreds of dollars made him glad he’d chosen the restaurant. “Technically, this is our second date.” The shy smile she gave him hit him squarely in the gut.
“Okay, second date.” She pointed to the menu. “Everything looks so good. Any recommendations?”
“Depends on what you like.”
She glanced up at him. “I like everything.”
Alonzo leaned forward, staring intently at her. “Is that right? I like everything, too.” Except he wasn’t talking about the food. He liked her.
Her dark eyes widened, then narrowed. “We’re talking about food, correct?”
“Among other things,” he murmured.
Kenya opened her mouth, then closed it again. “I’m not touching that comment.”
He smiled. “Okay. We’ll table it for now and focus on food.” She shook her head and pointed to his menu, but didn’t comment. They went back and forth over the menu and by the time the server came to the table, they were ready to give their drink and food order. “How did your day go?” he asked.
“Not too bad. Because the school year is in session, the kids only come after school, so I spent time with the preschoolers doing art in the morning, before my afternoon group. Today, I asked them to create a silhouette filled with images and words that represent their personal strengths. Along with creative expression, I want them to develop a positive self-identity and self-esteem.”
He loved hearing the passion in her voice when she talked about the students and how she learned just as much from them as they did from her. He had the same passion for his career. “I don’t know how you come up with these activities. You must be an incredible psychologist.”
“I don’t know about that, but the other psychologist at the center is phenomenal with the kids.”
“Speaking of the center, you wouldn’t happen to work at Impressions Community Center?”
Kenya waited until their drinks were served to answer. “I work at Impressions 2 with Dante Powell, but I met Bryson a few months ago. Do you know them?”
“I work with Bryson’s wife, Raven, and I volunteered to go with them on the summer camping trip a couple of times.”
Her eyes lit up. “What a small world. Is Raven a therapist, too?”
“Yes, and she’s one of the best we have.”
“I’m sure you’re a pretty good therapist, as well.”
“Yep, I’m pretty good.”
“No shame in your game, I see,” she said with a little laugh.
Once their dinner arrived, they continued conversing about their jobs, favorite foods, sports and television shows, and growing up with siblings. By the time he parked in her driveway two hours later, Alonzo knew he wanted to pursue a relationship with her. Everything about their time together seemed easy. No drama, no games. Just the way he liked it.
“Would you like to come in for a few minutes?” Kenya asked as she opened her door.
“I would, thank you.” He followed her inside, closing and locking the door behind him.
Kenya immediately kicked off her shoes and headed for the kitchen. “Can I get you anything? Coffee, wine, water?” She leaned against the counter.
“No, but there is one thing I’d like.” Alonzo closed the distance between them, and placed his hands on the counter on either side of her, blocking her in.
“Um…what is it?” she asked staring up at him.
“I’d like to kiss you. With your permission, of course.”
Kenya’s gaze dropped to his mouth, then moved back up to his face. “Yes.”
As soon as the words were out, he brushed his lips across hers once, twice. Her head fell back and he trailed kisses along her jaw and exposed shoulders before reclaiming her mouth in a deep, sensual kiss. She moaned and the sound sent heat flowing straight to his groin. Her hands roamed over his stomach and chest, and it was his turn to groan. Desire hit him hard and fast. Despite their height difference, she fit perfectly in his arms, as if she belonged there. At length, Alonzo eased back and rested his forehead against hers. “There’s something about your taste. I could kiss you all night.”
“And I’d let you,” Kenya said, her breathing as erratic as his.
With it being a work night, he couldn’t do it tonight, but he definitely planned to indulge in that fantasy soon. He slanted his mouth over hers again. For now, he’d just enjoy a little sampling.
A week later, Kenya still couldn’t get Alonzo’s kisses out of her mind. The man had literally kissed her for a good hour, but made no attempt to get her into bed. She had intended to ask him about his age and whether he’d ever been married, but every one of her rational thoughts had gone right out the window the moment his lips touched hers. Last week, his schedule had prevented them from getting together and she was looking forward to seeing him tonight. Refocusing on the computer screen, she started typing again. She was supposed to be finishing up some clinical notes, but hadn’t been able to concentrate all day. It didn’t help that for the past two nights, she and Alonzo had laughed and talked on the phone until after one in the morning about everything and nothing. As a teen, she had no problems staying up all night and getting up the next morning energized and ready to go. Now, she needed every second of sleep she could get.
Kenya checked the time. Thirty minutes to go, then the weekend begins. Shaking herself, she went back to her task. Two minutes in, her mind drifted back to Alonzo. Kenya rotated her chair and stared out the window into the playground where some of the preschoolers and teens were involved in various games.
Leaning her head back, she closed her eyes. Everything about the man made her want to jump in with both feet. She had been more than in the moment that night. She smiled. Her mother would be proud that she hadn’t thought about the past or the future. Just themoment.
“You sleeping on the job now, girl? Those must be some thoughts to have you all smiling.”
Kenya’s eyes snapped open. She whirled around in her chair and met Jayana’s amused expression. “Just thinking about some things.” Jayana had worked at the center for two years.
“I bet you are,” she said, sauntering in, closing the door and taking a seat in one of the chairs across from Kenya’s desk. “You’ve been distracted for the past two or three weeks, and I distinctly recall seeing a smile on your face when you thought no one was looking. So come on and give up the goods. Things with Greg must be heating up.”
She made a face. “If I ever see him again it’ll be too soon. His trifling behind canceled on me after I got to the bar.”
“You have got to be kidding me. Girl, it’s been three weeks and you never said anything. That asshole. Did he give you a reason?”
Kenya shared the brief conversation she’d had with Greg. “He needs to be with a woman who can keep up with his active lifestyle and, apparently, I don’t fit the bill.”
“See, this is why women don’t want to be bothered with relationships.” She shook her head in disgust while muttering about no good, sorry men. Jayana stopped and narrowed her eyes at Kenya. “Wait a minute. If you didn’t go out with him, who’s got you all drifting into la-la land?”
“While I was sitting at the table upset, a guy came over to see if I was okay. I happened to be talking to my sister at the time—you know the extroverted one who takes risks. Well, she heard his voice and said I should ask him to join me, since he’d been nice enough to check on me.” Kenya shrugged. “So I did. The man turned out to be one of the nicest guys I’ve met.”
A grin spread across Jayana’s face. “I can’t believe it. You, who I can’t get to even make eye contact with a cute guy, invited a stranger on a date? You go, girl. I’m going to have to give Phaedra a high five the next time I see her.”
She rolled her eyes, but couldn’t hide her smile. “Shut up.” Jayana was just as outgoing as Phaedra, and the two women had bonded the first time they met.
“What’s his name and I know you’re going to go out with him if he asks again.”
“Sometimes, I don’t know who’s worse between you and Phaedra.”
Jayana waved a hand. “Mmm hmm, I know. Just answer the question.”
“We went out to dinner at Fleming’s last week and he’s coming over tonight and we’ll order in. His name is Alonzo Bennett, and apparently, he works with Bryson’s wife, Raven.”
“What are the odds that you’d meet a guy who knows the people you work with?”
“I know, right? But the fact that he is friends with them makes me a little more comfortable because I know Bryson isn’t going to let just anybody be around the kids at the center.”
“You’ve got that right.” She scooted forward in her chair and whispered, “Okay, now that we’ve gotten all the boring stuff out of the way, what are his kisses like and can he bring it in the bedroom?”
“I take it back. You’re way worse than my sister,” Kenya said with a chuckle. “I just met the man a few weeks ago.” However, if the way he kissed was any indication, she knew he’d definitely be able to bring it. Just the thought sent all kinds of sensations flowing through her.
“And? You know I’d only known Dante a few hours before we were indulging in the best sex of my life. My baby can?—”
Kenya held up a hand. “Just stop. I do not want to hear about you and my boss.” Jayana had shared that her and Dante’s relationship started as a one-night stand during a flight layover. Both were surprised to find out that Jayana had been hired as the new psychologist. Now the two were married the and parents to an eight-month old baby girl. Her cell chimed and she picked it up as Jayana burst out laughing. Her pulse skipped when she saw a text from Alonzo: Hey, beautiful. Hope your day is going well. Just wanted to know if you had a taste for something specific for dinner.
“See. There you go again…smiling wide enough to power a small building. Must be a message from Alonzo.”
She couldn’t even deny that she’d been smiling. “I thought you wanted me to find a nice guy and be all smiley. He’s checking to see if I have a taste for something particular tonight.”
“You should tell him you have a taste for him.” Jayana wiggled her eyebrows.
“I can’t with you, girl. Don’t you have some work to do? I’m not sending him that.” Kenya had never played these kinds of sensual games with men. Then again, they hadn’t done it with her, either. She did wonder what Alonzo’s response would be if she were to send such a bold reply. Instead, she just told him they could decide when he got to her house.
“Aw, come on, Kenya. I bet if you did, dinner would be a whole lot more fun.”
A knock sounded. “Come in,” Kenya said. Dante poked his head in. “Hey, Dante. Looking for your wife?”
“Yep.” Dante entered holding his infant daughter, Carmen, and divided a speculative glance between the two women. “Uh oh, what’s going on?”
“Nothing.” Jayana hopped up and kissed him. “You almost ready?” She kissed the baby. “How’s mama’s little angel?”
Carmen giggled and burrowed deeper into her father’s chest, and a sharp pang of envy hit Kenya. The love Dante had for his wife and daughter was clearly evident and she found herself wanting to get that dream of happily-ever-after back again.