The Realest Ever - By Keith Thomas Walker Page 0,58

Roland replied. “Everybody’s scared to think outside the box. For your information, I want to open a pizza joint.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. That’s the one style of food black people haven’t perfected yet. I want to put my stamp on the industry. I already have a lot of great ideas nobody’s ever heard of, like pig’s feet pizza with hot sauce and my world famous chitlin loaf.”

Kyra couldn’t help but frown. Ewww. Gross.

“Nah, I’m just kidding,” Roland said. “It is gonna be a soul food restaurant. I didn’t wanna tell you, after you guessed it.”

Kyra cracked up. “You need to stop.”

“I love seeing you smile,” Roland said. He put his forearms on the table and leaned forward. “Miss Reynolds, I had a real nice time this afternoon. I would love to spend more time with you. I find you very attractive, and intriguing. I know it’s only our first date, but I sense a connection here.”

The intensity of his gaze made Kyra’s heart flutter. Roland looked like he wanted to climb over the table and devour her. Kyra thought she might want to let him.

“Okay,” she said. “I would like to see you again, too.”

≈≈≈≈≈≈≈

Roland pulled into Aunt Ruth’s driveway forty minutes later and put his car in park. It was bright and sunny outside. Kyra had a wonderful time, but she wasn’t ready when Roland leaned in for an unexpected kiss. She turned at the last moment, and his lips encountered the back of her jaw.

“Oh, I’m sorry,” he said. “I thought, never mind. I was wrong, and I apologize.”

He didn’t look too apologetic, but Roland had his sunglasses on again, and Kyra couldn’t see his eyes.

“It’s alright,” she said. “I didn’t…” She looked down at her hands.

“You don’t kiss on the first date,” Roland deduced. “I can dig it. Pardon my manners.”

“It’s okay,” Kyra said. She looked up at him. “Maybe next time.”

“As long as I have a next time to look forward to, I’m good,” Roland said.

He hopped out of the car and went around to open Kyra’s door for her. She felt like a princess as he took her hand and helped her out. If there was one thing she could say about Roland, it was that he was a certified gentleman – which is why his next move was so startling.

Kyra was willing when Roland reached to give her a hug in lieu of his thwarted kiss, but she pushed him away abruptly when his hands began to slide down her sides, towards her butt.

“Whoa.” Kyra wore a half frown, half smile, still trying to keep it lighthearted. “Slow down there, boss.”

“I’m sorry,” Roland said. He stuffed his over-eager hands into his pockets. “Kyra, your body is amazing.” He devoured her with his eyes while shaking his head. “I swear I didn’t mean to do that. I wasn’t going to touch – okay, yeah I was, but that wasn’t my intention. My hands were literally drawn to your cakes. I am so sorry.”

Kyra wasn’t impressed by his flattery, and she was confused by his boldness. What kind of man gets rejected when he goes for the kiss, but he still tries for a little grab ass? Interestingly, a part of Kyra was attracted to his daring. Roland saw what he wanted, and he went for it, even after he’d just been told that he couldn’t have it.

She chuckled. “Alright, I’ll let that slide. Goodbye, Roland.”

“Good day, Miss Reynolds.”

Kyra knew he was watching her ass as she walked to the door. She looked back anyway. Sure enough Roland hadn’t moved an inch. Kyra shook her head, but she couldn’t wipe the grin off her face. This man wanted her, badly. But Kyra sensed Roland might be one of those love ’em and leave ’em type of guys.

≈≈≈≈≈≈≈

She debated whether she should tell Donovan about her date or not. Kyra was eager to talk to someone. Donovan was the most likely candidate, but she worried he might get upset. But Kyra didn’t know why that would be the case. It wasn’t like Donovan wanted to be with her. In fact, Kyra wouldn’t even have gone out with Roland if Donovan hadn’t insisted.

She called him at 7:30 while she was washing dishes from Sunday dinner. When Donovan answered, Kyra heard dogs barking in the backyard.

“Hey.”

“Hey,” she said. “You walking the dogs?”

“Yeah. What’s up? Did you have a nice day?”

“I did,” Kyra said. “I… I went out with Roland.” Kyra felt her heart thudding. She felt like she was confessing to an