Page 98 of My Heart Belongs to You

“Months? Don’t be dramatic.”

Opal laughed at our exchange, reminding me that we were having this conversation in the middle of my kitchen.

“Go wait in my office,” I said, shooing Raven out of the way. She was right about me needing a night out. Besides, I’d never pass up the chance to see my man. I already planned to stay with him for the next few days but I never grew tired of seeing him in his element.

An hour later, I was with Raven outside of Ray’s. She stayed true to her words and came home with me. While I showered, she took it upon herself to select my outfit for the night. The little black dress clung to my body and left little to the imagination. She wore something similar in blue with cutout sides. We were dressed perfectly for the vibe tonight. Mel spotted us in line and waved for us to come ahead.

“Look who decided to grace us with her presence,” he teased.

“Stop.” I feigned embarrassment.

“Just sayin’. Since you opened your spot, you no longer have any use for us.”

“Not true at all. I’m here now and that’s what counts. How is it tonight?”

Mel motioned toward the line down the sidewalk. “Sultry Saturday is jumping. I’m going to start turning folks away soon.”

“That’s bittersweet.” I poked out my bottom lip, hating that they wouldn’t get to experience Ray’s tonight.

“Fasho, but y’all get inside. Enjoy y’all selves.”

As soon as we walked inside, I inhaled the thick air. At the beginning of the month, Nadir unveiled a new lineup for the summer. Each Saturday night had a different theme and tonight was as sexy as I imagined. The lights were lower than usual with a red backlight illuminating the DJ booth. DJ Love had everyone swaying as the classic Joe song “The Love Scene” poured through the speakers. Couples slow-danced and others moved from their seats. The patio was filled with people blowing hookah and other vices. Clouds of smoke dissipated into the air. Inside, every table was occupied, leaving the bar as the only option for us. Raven and I took a seat. Soon after, we were greeted by my girl Kenya.

“What can I get you babes?”

“I’ll take a Roseville martini and an order of truffle fries,” Raven said without hesitation.

“And I’ll have a lemon drop.”

Kenya nodded while pouring vodka into the shaker.

“Their drinks are on me,” came from behind us, prompting me and Raven to turn around.

I took a quick glance around the room. Nadir was nowhere to be found.

“That won’t be necessary,” I said with a polite smile. The last time I paid for something at Ray’s, I woke up to a pending refund the following day. There was no use in arguing with Nadir about it. Instead, I tipped the waiters and the bartenders handsomely.

“Come on, beautiful. Let me buy you a drink.”

I looked at the man eager to pay for our drinks. He wasn’t bad on the eyes at all. He was average height, brown skinned, with braids in a low bun. I was certain someone here would love his advances. Unfortunately for him, I wasn’t the one.

“Trust me, she’s the last person who needs a free drink,” Kenya teased with humor dancing in her eyes. I shot her a knowing look.

He came closer, squeezing himself between me and the person to my right.

“Oh, so you’re used to getting special privileges?” His smile was charming, but his incessant flirting was irritating.

“Yup. Especially when those privileges come from me.”

The sound of Nadir’s voice had him straightening his stance. I smiled at the fury in my darling’s eyes.

“Nadir Bennett, I own the place and she is my lady.”

Mr. Cocky Stranger raised his hands in surrender. “My fault. I saw her come in and wanted to shoot my shot.”

Raven and Kenya snickered while I was mortified for the man and turned on at the same time.

Nadir nodded with an arrogant half-smile. “I get it, but she’s spoken for.”