Alex shrugged. “Don’t worry. You’ll have plenty of time to get that ass spanked at pool.”
Topaz laughed. “No, actually it’s your ass that’s in danger of being spanked.”
The snappy retort melted the tension that had hovered. Shortly, however, they took note of their closeness.
“Thank you,” Topaz whispered when she stepped back from the embrace.
“Dessert order for Rice. Dessert order for Rice. Please pick up at hosts’ stand.”
“Let’s get out of here,” Alex decided, pressing another kiss to Topaz’s temple.
“So are you gonna make me finish this dessert by myself?”
Topaz’s surprised expression was difficult to see in the dark. “I had no idea you were buying it for me. I figured since we didn’t get past the appetizers ...”
Alex shrugged. “I thought it might cheer you up,” he said, bringing the SUV to a halt when the traffic light turned red.
“You’re very sweet,” Topaz whispered, turning to face him on the plum suede seat.
Alex graced her with a smile and could not resist the curve of her jaw with his index finger. “That would be you,” he said, before returning his attention to the road.
Topaz cleared her throat and pretended to be interested in something outside the passenger window. “It’s so nice out tonight,” she remarked on the late summer evening, which was not warm, but comfortably breezy.
“We should find a place to have our cake outdoors,” Alex suggested.
Topaz considered the thought, then snapped her fingers. “I know. There’s a park in my neighborhood. It’s pretty nice. I go out there lots of evenings—it’s very peaceful.”
“The park it is,” Alex decided.
It was still quite early and Topaz hoped the park wouldn’t still be crowded from basketball games or playing children. Surprisingly, the area was quite calm. When they left Alex’s truck, Topaz was pleased to find that they had their choices of tables or benches. Alex set the restaurant bag on the table, and for the next ten minutes, they enjoyed rich chocolate cake and flavorful hazelnut coffee.
“So, when is this party?”
Topaz groaned at Alex’s mention of her aunt’s dreaded gathering. Suddenly, she raised her hand to her cheek. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t even think to ask if you had other plans. The party’s in a few weeks.”
Alex only fixed her with a brief glance. “My plans are with you.”
“I did put you on the spot, though.”
“Will you stop?” he ordered, setting his plastic fork on the lid of the Styrofoam box. “I hardly ever find myself booked up on the weekends.”
“Hmph,” Topaz grunted, taking another bite of her cake. “I guess Goldie was wrong.”
Alex pushed his cake aside and folded his arms across the table. “Goldie?”
“He said you were a real ladies’ man,” she explained with a soft chuckle. “‘A real playa’ is what he said.”
Alex laughed then and Topaz likened the sound to a roar—a humorous roar, but a roar nonetheless.
“I think Goldie was describing himself, but just wanted to make me look bad,” he decided.
Topaz was stumped. “Why would he do that?”
“Hell, Topaz, it was his birthday,” he retorted, as though she should have realized. “If the brotha could’ve stepped out of there with any woman on his arm, my guess is his first choice would’ve been you.”
“Me? Why?”
Alex didn’t bother to mask his exasperation. “Topaz, you really have no idea, do you?”
Topaz clasped her hands to her chest and leaned forward. “I’m sorry to admit that I’m completely clueless. Would you please elaborate?”
Alex looked away, his gaze filling with weariness. “If I elaborate, I may offend you,” he sighed.
Intrigued by what he wouldn’t say, Topaz pushed her cake box aside and placed her hands flat upon the sanded, wooden table. “You once told me that you always say what’s on your mind. I see no reason for you to change up now.”
Realizing that he’d been trapped by his own words, Alex shook his head and smirked. “Just remember you asked for this.”
“I know.”
“You are extremely incredible to look at,” he began, watching her extraordinary eyes widen in response. “Through no fault of your own you have the power to make a man want anything—any part of yourself—your time, no matter how minute. You can do this without even trying. That would probably explain why you have such trouble with your female counterparts. They hate you because they believe no one could look the way you do and not know how she affects a man. Personally, I don’t think you have a clue and that only makes a man want you more.”
The explanation rendered Topaz both speechless and motionless. She could feel her mouth hanging open and clamped it shut.
“Why don’t we pack up this stuff and get you home?” Alex suggested, noticing how his words had affected her.
