many things that I think will surprise you about me.”
Her green eyes sparkled. A hint of intrigue flickered through them. “Everything in moderation right?”
“Depends on what you’re indulging in. When it comes to the senses, moderation is overrated. Food, drink, sex…those are pleasures we must enjoy to the fullest.” I wanted to bend her over this table and show her.
The vein in her neck quivered. “Too much of anything can poison even the sweetest of intentions. There is something to be said for playing it safe. To not lose yourself.”
I leaned forward and placed my hand gently over hers. “Sometimes losing yourself is the sweetest part. Until then, you haven’t truly lived.”
She pulled her hand away. We stared at each other for what seemed like an eternity.
Max hurried back over. “So sorry about that.”
“Everything okay?” Raven asked. Her pulse was still unsteady.
“Better than okay. Alfonso finally called. He wants to meet up.” Max was glowing with excitement. “But I told him I have plans with my country girl.”
Raven playfully smacked him in the arm. “Are you nuts? You’ve been talking about him all day. You have to call him back. I can get home by myself.”
“Are you sure? You’re still not familiar with the city,” Max said.
I jumped in. “Max, you should go. Don’t you worry about Raven. I’ll look after her.” I certainly wanted to do more than just look.
Raven fidgeted with her sleeve again. “Yes, I’m sure. Now get out of here before Alfonso makes other plans.”
Max jumped up and kissed her on the cheek. “I’ll text you later.” He reached for his wallet and I shooed his hand away. “Thanks, boss. Make sure this one gets home eventually.” He winked.
She rolled her eyes at him but giggled as he ambled off.
“Well, Raven. It’s just you and me now. What do you say we indulge in one of those senses?” I let my glass linger against my lips, pushing out the tip of my tongue to meet the peach infused champagne.
Her breath quickened. “I—um…” She looked like she was going to bolt for the nearest exit.
I chuckled. “Relax, darling. I’m talking about food. You will join me for dinner, yes? My treat.”
Raven let out a deep breath of relief. “I’m not sure if that’s a good idea. I mean… I work for you. What will people think?”
Watching her squirm was more entertaining than I thought it would be. “And yet we’ve just had drinks together. I’m not asking for your hand in marriage, just dinner between friends. Besides, it’s a big city, Raven. The odds of anyone from Dolce Sale seeing us is very slim. I personally don’t care if they do, but if that is a concern of yours, I understand. So…will you join me?”
I wasn’t sure if it was the champagne buzz or the high from seeing priceless works of art. Or maybe it was his full lips and perfectly smooth skin, or the way he smelled—like the night. Maybe it was all of it, but I was entranced. I should have left. I should have done a lot of things differently that day. But I stayed.
“I’m not dressed for dinner.” I looked down at my jeans and thought as cute as they were, they weren’t exactly five star attire.
Ozi was not phased. “It’s settled then. I’ll swing you by your place. You can change while I call ahead and let them know we’re coming.”
“Okay. But I want to make myself clear. This isn’t a date.” I was actually excited. I didn’t want him to think it was a date but I was looking forward to getting dressed up and going out.
Alex and I only went out on special occasions like my birthday or our anniversary. At least in the beginning. Three years into our relationship, we stopped going out altogether. He’d said it was because being at home was cozier, but it was more about him being able to watch sports on TV while I waited on him hand and foot. I loved cooking but every once in a while, it would be nice to have food cooked for me. Besides, he was such a picky eater, it was always just pasta or hamburgers. My palate always craved more.
Ozi paid the bill at the Met café and offered me his hand. “This will be the best non-date you’ve ever had.”
When we pulled up in front of my apartment, I didn’t invite him in and he didn’t insist. As I turned the key to my place,