A Heart Not Easily Broken (The Butterfly Memoirs) (6 page)

Watching Ebony dance mesmerized me. Even though she wasn’t dancing like that night in the club, it was impossible not to appreciate those God-given curves. What I wouldn’t do to be able to hold her in my arms.

I chuckled. I was jealous of a seventy-year-old man because his hands were on my girl.

Date, get a grip. She’s my date, not my girl.

My attention went back to the guys who were in deep conversation. I shook hands, asked questions, and collected my portion of tonight’s performance fee. We exchanged business cards and talked about various work opportunities we’d heard of. Eventually, my attention turned back to Ebony. The first song had ended. They were now on to song number two. Ebony looked my way. Our eyes connected and she mouthed a silent plea for help. A survey of the situation revealed good old Harry trying his best to round second base with my date. His large wrinkled hands were on her ass. Her very fine, shapely ass.

The sly bastard.

Ebony grabbed his wrists, pried his hands off, and pulled them back to her waist. Harry put them back. Irritation flashed in her eyes, though she kept a smile on her lips.

I dismissed myself to go to her aid.

“Excuse me, may I have this dance?”

Good old Harry stared me down. Despite his age, he was still an imposing figure. We were nearly the same height, and he looked me dead in the eye.

“Do you want to dance with this fella?” he asked Ebony, his gaze never leaving mine.

“Yes, this is my date,” Ebony said smoothly, though irritation still shown in her eyes.

“Humph. Just remember what I told you.” Harry released her and hobbled back to the table where he’d been sitting to retrieve his cane.

Clearly relieved, Ebony slipped into my arms. Our bodies connected as if we’d danced a million times; every part of her fit perfectly against me. Her intoxicating perfume hinted at something sweet and forbidden, a line I’d willingly cross if given the chance. I’d gotten a whiff of her fragrance in the car before rolling the windows down. But now I was up close and personal. There was no doubt about it, I wanted her.

The only time we’d been this close had been the night we met at the bar. She’d worn heels at the time so we were nearly eye-to-eye. In her flat shoes, her head stopped at my shoulder.  Ebony tilted her head up. Her almond shaped eyes were liquid pools of chocolate, pulling me in hard. I zeroed in on luscious lips curved into a sexy smile that made my heart stop. Damn, they would be perfect for kissing.

Her hand felt soft and delicate in mine. Her curvaceous body, the inspiration for last night’s erotic dream, pressed against me. God help me, it was impossible to ignore the softness of her breasts when she brushed against my chest.

I drew in a deep breath and held it for a few seconds in an effort to control the increased beating of my heart. I didn’t want her to know how much she turned me on.

Ebony’s warm body against mine was the most exquisite form of torture.

My focus went to the old couple dancing on the other side of the room and the empty punch bowl. Even Harry, as he gave me the evil eye, anything to prevent the hard-on threatening to betray my thoughts.

“He said I reminded him of his first wife.”

Her melodic voice captured my attention.

 “The man’s got good taste.”

“Yeah, well, if he groped my butt one more time… Men, no matter hold old, will always try to feel you up.”

I chuckled. “The only difference is old men tend to get away with it. Young guys like me risk losing a limb or facing jail time.”

Ebony looked up again, studying me.

 “I can’t offer you Social Security money, but I can buy you dinner without requiring you get naked.” I smiled while Ebony giggled. “Let’s go eat.”

Chapter 6

Since our plans changed, Brian insisted he pay for dinner. But at these outrageous menu prices, I would need to sleep with him in order to be even again. That was not an option.

I studied my surroundings after the server took our order. Dark floors complimented the hardwood tables. Pictures depicting forest landscapes were on the walls. Animal heads and antique farming tools mounted on the walls aided the rustic cabin theme. Nearly every seat in the restaurant was taken, which could mean one thing they served good food.

A server walked by with a tray weighed down by steaming plates. Shrimp rested on rice next to cubed potatoes and steak covered with onions and bell pepper. My mouth watered while my stomach growled at the delicious aroma.

“The next time we go out, we’ll eat first.”

The deep timbre of Brian’s voice took my mind away from hunger pains.

 “Who said there would be a next time?”

A lopsided grin spread on his handsome face as he reached for his cup of water. “Call it wishful thinking.”

“Anyway, this isn’t exactly a date.”

Brian chuckled. “That’s not what you told Harry.”

“I said you were my date so he would let go of me.” I allowed a half smile.

Brian laughed loudly. “It definitely worked.”

Another server delivered a tray to the patrons sitting across from us. I contemplated the events of this evening. In the past few hours, Brian entertained me with live music, we slow danced, and a seventy-year-old man made a move on me. Most dates were boring, but not this one.

An outburst of cheers and clapping disturbed the ambiance as servers walked by singing happy birthday. I studied Brian as he watched the show. He’d ditched the tie and vest in his truck before loosening the top three buttons of his shirt. His chiseled features deep blue eyes under thick eyebrows, cocky smile, and curly blond hair - were heart-stoppingly handsome.

My gaze followed the movement of his Adam’s apple down the opening of his shirt. It had been impossible to ignore his hard body as we danced. His rough fingers were strong and sure on my body. His eyes drew me deep into the sea of blue. My initial reaction was to press myself against him because it felt…secure. How could being in his arms have felt right? I barely knew the man.

Brian’s attention turned back to me. He smiled. “What are you thinking?”

I straightened in the booth, glad he couldn’t read my thoughts. “Javan is your roommate. You guys are nothing alike.”

“Are you one of his ‘friends’?” He made air quotation marks, his expression curious and eyebrows creased.

“Do you mean am I sleeping with him? No, he’s dating my roommate, Yasmine. She’s the one who called you.”

Relief seemed to dawn on his face. “I’ve never met her, but tell her I said thanks. So, how did you two become roommates?” I reached for my cup of water.

“We met in college, lived in the same dorm room, and graduated the same year. We decided to rent a house together.” He shrugged. “Economically, it works for the both of us.”

“Do you guys get along? I don’t know Javan, but…he makes me nervous.”

Brian’s eyebrow’s creased. “Nervous? How?”

“I only run into him when he picks Yasmine up. I’ll answer the door, and it’s as if he’s mentally undressing me.” Goose bumps sprouted along my skin at the thought.

Brian looked away. “Javan plays games with people. He studied to be a shrink and likes to experiment. In college, his favorite past time was finding out how many women he could manipulate.” He shook his head, a look of disappointment on his face. “I figured he’d stop once we graduated, but apparently he hasn’t. Just ignore him, and he’ll move on to somebody else.”

I hoped he’d do it soon. Telling Yasmine about her new man was the last thing I wanted to do.

“That’s enough about him. Tell me about you.”

“What do you want to know?”

“You’ve got roommates. How did you meet?”

“Same as you, in college. Kaitlyn and I lived in the same dorm room. Yasmine lived off campus. We bonded like sisters.” I paused. “You’d like Kaitlyn. I’ll introduce you sometime.”

He appeared baffled. “You want me to meet your roommate? Thanks, but no thanks.”

“Are you sure? She’s very pretty, blond hair, green eyes, and big boobs. You didn’t notice at the club? Every guy in the room gravitated toward her.”

Brian remained quiet, his eyes steady on mine. “Are you insecure?”

“Excuse me?”

“I’m asking because you don’t understand. I like you. Are you telling me about her because she’s white?”

My back went up in defense. “No, I’m not insecure. You seem like a nice guy and Kaitlyn would like you. Besides, you guys might have some things in common.”

Brian’s eyebrows lifted. “Ebony, you don’t know me. How can you say we could have something in common?”

“Well, you’re both single.”

His gaze stayed on mine as he drank from his beer. “You and I are both single. I bet we have some things in common, too.” He sipped again. “We’re approaching this relationship differently.”

I scoffed. “We don’t have a relationship.”

He sat quietly, watching the remnants of his beer as he swirled it around. “When you look at me, what do you see?”

I preoccupied myself with the ring on my napkin. “A white man”

“Obviously,” he said before I finished my thought.

 I forced myself to look at him. “…who is not my type.”

Brian nodded, drained the last of his beer, and sat back in the booth. When he spoke again, his eyes focused on mine. “You know what I see?” His gaze traveled to my mouth and lingered.

Damn, when was the last time any man looked at me that way?

“The first time I saw you, your curves were what got my attention.” He smiled. “A man would have to be Stevie Wonder not to notice you.”

“You and every man there,” I mumbled, crossed my arms, and focused on a picture across the restaurant. I couldn’t hide the heat in my cheeks though.

“I’m not finished.”

The commanding tone of his voice drew my attention.

“At the bar, up close, your eyes revealed more than just a pretty face and hot body. You’re intelligent and witty. I like that. I want to know you, Ebony.” He paused to lick his lips. “Once I do…I want you in my bed.”

My eyes widened in shock.

 “Let me get this straight. You want to sleep with me, but you want to get to know me first?” I shook my head. “Is this supposed to be some line to get me naked?”

His dazzling blue gaze was mischievous. “No, it’s putting my cards on the table.”

“You know, no matter what race, all men are alike.” I sat back, irritation in my voice and heat in between my legs. Damn. The man was good.

“We all have dicks, but that’s where I draw the line.” He grinned.

I bit my lip to keep from laughing and shot him a look filled with daggers instead.

Brian’s smile faded. “Ebony, what bothers you most? The color of my skin or the fact I want to sleep with you?”

“Both.”

“Is there something wrong with me wanting you? Everything doesn’t have to be about skin color.”

“Maybe not for you but back home, people voice their disapproval of interracial dating.”

“Where are you from?”

“North Carolina.”

“That explains a few things. Look, you’re in California, home of legalized weed. An interracial couple is nothing.”

“It’s only legal by prescription. Besides, no matter where you go, people still look at interracial couples differently.”

“That’s their problem. What you need to understand is this: I could care less about the color of our skin. I like you, I’m attracted to you, and I want to know you. Let go of your inhibitions and take a chance.” His voice went cocky. “Besides, if all I wanted was sex, you would have been in my bed the night we met.”

Laughter shot out of me. “How do you figure that? I left.”

Brian continued as though I hadn’t spoken. “If I wanted sex…” His voice deepened as he placed his elbows on the table and leaned toward me. His blue gaze caught me, leaving me speechless. “I could have you tonight.”

My body felt as if it would burst into flames. It was impossible to dispute his comment.

I struggled to regain my senses. “You are another cocky, arrogant son of a”

“Cocky, hell yeah,” He shrugged and sat back again. “Arrogant about a few things. The word you’re looking for is confident. You like confidence, remember?” He flashed a devilish smile as the server returned with our meal.

The image of Brian standing half-naked and sweaty in my yard forced its way into my mind. Annoyed, I pushed at the vegetable pilaf on my plate. He was definitely confident. Knowing what he wanted turned me on. But that didn’t mean I would land in his bed.

We sat in silence. Brian cut his steak while I tried to ignore the stares coming at us from across the room. To be honest, I wouldn’t mind spending time with him. But at what cost? I forced a forkful of food in my mouth. It was hard to ignore the table of women who watched me. You would think I had stolen one of their boyfriends.

“When was the last time you went on a date?” Brian asked, as he cut into his baked potato.

“Honestly? Since this is not officially a date, I guess Harry would be it.”

Brian let loose a big laugh. “Damn, my feelings just got hurt. Are you sure you don’t want to reconsider? That way you can change your status from dating an older man to a young one.”

“Ha, ha, very funny.” I continued to pick at my food. “Men try to ask me out all the time. I tend to avoid their invitations.”

Brian looked past me. “You definitely have the eye of those men over in the corner.” He nodded in their direction.

I followed his gaze. He was right, I did have their attention, but they scrutinized both of us. When I turned, Brian stared back at them as intently as they stared at us. I cleared my throat, drawing his gaze.

“The problem is men assume I’m a model, a video dancer, or a stripper.  A man once offered me money for a private show,” I said in disgust. “My goal is to get my education. Unfortunately, no one sees beyond my body.”

“I do.” All laughter left his voice.

I broke his gaze and played with my rice. No man had ever said that. Not even Patrick.

“What made you come to California to go to school? It’s a long way from home.” He turned his attention back to the plate, cutting into his steak.