Chapter 6

 

Jeanette’s footsteps slowed to a stop as she peered into the dark ally. On either side of the brick walls were dumpsters. Was that a cat or a rat that scurried from underneath one metal container to the other? This was not good. She decided right then and there she wasn’t moving another inch.

Nice young man, my foot! Auntie handed me over to the big-bad-wolf on a silver platter! She didn’t know if she was safer with him or the cat … rat … whatever the heck that thing was!

When Alonzo didn’t hear the clicking of her shoes against the concrete, he glanced over his shoulder. Jeanette’s arms were folded across her chest, her feet firmly planted on the ground.

Perplexed, he asked, “What’s the matter?”

“I’m not going down that ally with you. I’m out of here.”

Jeanette pivoted on her heels and began briskly walking back toward the street.

“Must think I’m crazy …” she muttered.

Alonzo took off after her. He should have explained to her that they would be going through the back door. If he did though, he would have to come clean with his identity and he wasn’t quite ready to do it. She yanked her arm away when he gently grabbed her.

“Listen, I don’t know what kind of game you’re play—”

“I’m not playing a game.”

“Then what do you call this? The entry to the restaurant is around the front,” Jeanette snapped, pointing down the street.

Alonzo dropped his head as a couple walked past.

“I know. My friend is the owner and he’s going to let us in the back door so we don’t have to wait in line.” Calling her bluff, he pointed out, “Not unless you want to wait.”

His explanation did make sense. For a Wednesday evening the line was out the door. She didn’t have much of an argument to come back with. After being up since the crack of dawn, Jeanette wasn’t in the mood to stand in line for food.

Creeped out by whatever animal was dodging back and forth, Jeanette held on to his arm.

“I’m hungry, so no I don’t want to wait. I’m telling you right now if any critters run across my feet I’m jumping on your back.”

Before she could blink, Alonzo swept her up in his arms like a bride on her wedding night. Jeanette softly gasped. Her face mere inches away from his. If she leaned in ever so slightly their lips would touch.

“What are you doing?” she whispered, her eyes glued to his mouth wondering how it would feel against hers.

“Making sure no critters run across your beautiful feet.”

If she had been any other woman in his arms, Alonzo’s tongue would’ve been deep in her mouth setting the stage for what was to come later.

Jeanette wasn’t one of those women. She wasn’t looking for a good time with a professional athlete with hopes of being the one to tie him down. He got that impression when she tried to talk her way out of going to dinner with him.

The warmth of his body was teasing. The distance he carried her was too brief. When he placed her on her feet at the door, she stepped back to put what little distance she could between them. She needed to get crazy thoughts of them together tangled in sheets out of her head.

Neither said a word as Alonzo banged on the metal door waiting for someone to answer.

“What’s up, man?”

A tall, good-looking guy greeted Alonzo with a handshake and masculine hug. He stood back to allow them in. Jeanette was thankful for the loud hustle and bustle in the kitchen. The noise disguised the angry growls coming from her stomach.

“Not much. Just out to get something to eat with a beautiful lady.” Alonzo answered as he winked at Jeanette.

“Joshua, this is Jeanette. Jeanette this is my longtime friend, Joshua.”

Joshua took Jeanette’s hand and brought it to his lips for a kiss.

“Indeed, she is a beautiful flower. A pleasure meeting you, Jeanette.”

Jeanette blushed, shaking her head thinking Joshua was the biggest flirt.

“You’re not so bad yourself. Nice meeting you too, Joshua.”

She swung around at the sound of what reminded her of a pissed off dog growling in her ear. Alonzo’s stormy eyes glared at her as if she’d done something wrong. Jeanette matched his glare. I know this man is not jealous.

Scrunching up her face, she wanted to know, “What’s your problem?”

Joshua’s outburst of laughter bounced off the walls in the narrow hallway.

“He thinks I’m going to steal you like I did his girl back in college.”

“Yeah, that won’t be happening,” Jeanette mumbled watching a waiter rush past with a tray of entrees.

Joshua laughed even harder at something Alonzo spat out in rapid Spanish. He was speaking too fast, Jeanette was only able to capture bits and pieces. Sounded like he said something about snatching something from Joshua’s throat.

“Come on. I’ll show you to your table.”

Joshua escorted them up a staircase to a private dining area. Jeanette didn’t mind the feel of Alonzo’s hand on the small of her back as they climbed the stairs and was led to a table in the corner near a window.

Smooth jazz played through concealed speakers. The dimly-lit, cozy area held ten tables with seating for two. Black linen table cloths covered the tables adorned with white china, silver flatware, and crystal water glasses.

Jeanette thanked Alonzo as he pulled out the chair for her to sit. She glanced out the window enjoying the view of pedestrians and passing vehicles.

Alonzo took his seat wishing Joshua would get the hell out of there. It never bothered him when his friend flirted with his dates until tonight. His story of stealing Alonzo’s girl in college was a joke, but for some reason he didn’t think he was joking about Jeanette. Joshua was known to tread where he didn’t belong.

“Steven will be taking care of you tonight. I have a large party coming in shortly. I’ll catch up with you later, Alonzo.”

Joshua winked at Jeanette. “Hope to see you around, beautiful.”

“Get the hell out of here,” Alonzo snapped.

Joshua laughed, enjoying getting a rise out of his college buddy. He held his hands up in surrender. “I’m going.”

Once Joshua was out of hearing range, Jeanette leaned over the table, plucking Alonzo’s knuckle.

“You didn’t have to be so rude, Alonzo,” she harshly whispered.

“He shouldn’t’ve been flirting with my date.”

Out of the corner of her eye, Jeanette spied who she guessed was Steven approaching. She had to make this quick. He had a lot of nerve acting possessive with her.

“This is not a date. I’m paying you back for crashing into your car.”

After the words left her mouth, she and Alonzo stared at each other before bursting into laughter.

“Oh, my goodness! That sounded terrible.” Jeanette admitted with a giggle.

 “Yes, it did, sweetheart.”

Jeanette hoped Steven didn’t overhear her talking like a coo-coo bird. They listened as the waiter recited the meal and drink specials after placing a basket of freshly baked bread on the table.

“I’ll give you a few minutes to look over the menu.”

“Thank you,” they said in unison.

Alonzo reached across the table, gently taking Jeanette’s hand to rest in his. She melted like butter over one of those dinner rolls in the basket.

His smile was so sweet when he conceded, “Sweetheart, you’re right. This is not a date. I hope you like the food here.”

If she could kick herself she would. Who in their right mind would take the person out who damaged their property to one of the hottest restaurants in the city as payment for said damage? Instead of giving the man a hard way to go, she should be grateful he wasn’t demanding the few pennies left in her bank account. If he wanted to call it a date, so be it.

Jeanette gently squeezed his hand liking how it felt in hers. Wondering how it would feel tenderly caressing her body.

“I’m sorry, Alonzo. I should be thanking you instead of having an attitude.”

She glanced around the beautiful, intimate space. It certainly was five steps above the dive the last guy she dated had taken her.

“You didn’t have to do any of this; especially when I was the one at fault. Please forgive me.”

Sweetheart, where have you been? True, he wasn’t looking to marry any time soon, if ever. However, Jeanette Adams was a woman he was willing to put the time and energy into getting to know. She called it attitude. He called it spunk. He liked that she spoke her mind, yet was willing to consider the feelings of others. Her apology was proof she was a caring person. A trait he hadn’t seen in a while.

“Sweetheart, there’s nothing to forgive.” He nodded to the menu, “Steven will be coming back shortly. Do you see what you want?”

On impulse, Jeanette stood and went over to Alonzo. She surprised herself when she wrapped her arms around his neck, kissing him on the cheek. In Spanish she whispered, “I think I like you, Alonzo Castro.”

“I like you too,” he responded, stunned she could speak Spanish.