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I see that Darlene has been trying to reach me so I phone her first. I explain that Kara and I were stuck in her basement, but we are out now. After she laughs for about three minutes, she tells me that the phone call was rescheduled because of issues with the permits and that she will be updating my calendar. I thank her and then disconnect.
“Is everything okay?” Kara asks.
“Yeah. Everything’s perfect.”
I walk over to her desk where she is making a copy of her design and attaching fabric samples to them. She’s labeling things on the sheet for a better explanation to the owners before sticking everything into a fold-out portfolio with her information updated to say she is my designer.
“Well, here you go, Brent. I hope that these wow the owners tomorrow.”
She hands me the folder, and I accept it, grabbing her other hand in the interim.
“I’m sure they will.”
Her lips part slightly, and I want to kiss her badly, but I think she’s trying to save face in front of her sister.
I clear my throat before speaking. “I guess I better get back to my hotel room. See you tomorrow.”
“Kara, the Penningtons are having a birthday party at the Bounce House tomorrow night. We should go support them,” Tiana says as she enters the room where Kara and I stand staring hopelessly at each other.
“Yeah. Sure. It’ll be nice to catch up with old friends. Hey, I’m about to walk Mr. Phillips to his car so we can recap our meeting. Be back.”
“Okay. It was nice meeting you, Mr. Phillips.”
“Pleasure was all mine, Tiana. Have a good evening.”
Kara closes the door behind us, and we walk down the stairs quietly.
“I’ve never done that before. I mean, I’m not a virgin. I’ve had sex, although not in some time. It was completely unprofessional of me, and I apologize.” She fidgets with her hands and never once holds her head up out of embarrassment.
“I was the one who made the first move and I should be apologizing, not you. I don’t want you to feel that because we slept together that I expect something from you. You mesmerized me from the moment you stepped into the building yesterday. I dreamt about you last night and I couldn’t deny my want for you any longer. You most certainly have nothing to be ashamed about.”
She holds her head up and smiles, letting me know she is okay.
“Whew, I’m glad to hear that, ’cause, baaby, let me tell you, I thought I was going to lose this job when that door closed.”
Her accent on the word baby has me itching to throw her in my car and take her home with me. I think for a second, and that doesn’t sound like a bad idea.
“Would you like to come have dinner with me?” I ask with a serious tone in my voice.
“I wish I could, but I need to close out some of my invoices for customers and get things together for tomorrow. What if we go to dinner tomorrow, and maybe you can come to the Bounce House with me?”
“Uh, I’m not sure about the club. Am I allowed in there?”
She laughs so hard that she doubles over, holding her stomach.
“Oh, po’ baaby. Can’t let skin stop you from seeing and enjoying all of New Orleans. Where you from anyway?”
“Kansas City.”
“Oh. From the Midwest. It’s a bit more conservative than we are here in the boot. But don’t worry. I’ll be with you. Besides, we treat everyone like family.”
I look at her twinkle, and how can I say no? “Well, since you’ll be with me, it’s a date.”
“Good. I should be getting back in there before my nosey-ass sister begins to think something is going on.”
“Like she doesn’t know what’s already happened.”
She blushes, and at this moment, I don’t care if her sister is looking. I cup her face and kiss her, knocking her back a few steps.
