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Janae took a couple of deep breaths and gave herself a pep talk. “You can do this. You’re not going to fall for him,” she mumbled under her breath. “He already told you music was his only love.” Inhaling deeply one last time and satisfied that she was back in control, she tossed the napkin and went back to the table.
Terrence stood as she approached and seated her. “Is everything okay?”
“Yes. I see dessert arrived.”
He handed her a spoon. “Taste and tell me what you think.”
She cut into the cake, and the melted center oozed out. “Mmm,” she moaned. “So, so good.” He stared at her strangely. “What?”
“That good?”
“Definitely, but don’t take my word for it.” She waited for him to take a bite. “Do you like it?”
“I do. You’re right, it’s very good.” He slowly removed the spoon from his mouth and licked his lips.
The heat at their table intensified, and she was surprised the outer cake didn’t melt right along with the center. “So, are you working on any new music for yourself?”
He leaned back in his chair and nodded. “I’ve done about four tracks so far. I’m looking to finish the project by September, hopefully to debut on the cruise in late October.”
“Wow. Cool. Since it’s already the end of May and you’re going to be doing all this traveling, will you have enough time?”
“I’ve limited the number of concerts this summer so I can finish. After I come back, there’s a release party for one of our groups, then I’ll be stationary for close to a month. Speaking of the release party, would you like to go with me?”
She paused with the spoon midway to her mouth. “I...I don’t know.”
“It’ll be fun.”
“When is it?”
Terrence gave her the information, then added, “I’ll pay for your flight. It’s going to be at one of the hotels in L.A., and we’ll stay the night.”
“Can I think about it and let you know next week? I know you’ll be busy, so I’ll just leave you a message.”
“I can work with that.”
They finished dessert, settled the bill and talked for another forty-five minutes.
“As much as I don’t want to, I’d better get you home. I still have a few things to do before leaving tomorrow afternoon.”
“Thank you for dinner. It was wonderful.”
“I’m glad you enjoyed it. So did I.”
Terrence walked Janae to the door when they reached her house. “I’m not going to come inside.” He cradled her face and lowered his head.
Janae came up on her toes and met him. The moment his mouth touched hers, she moaned. The kiss started gentle, then passion exploded and she gripped his shoulders.
He tightened his grip and moaned deep in his throat. He worked his hands into her hair, tugged to tilt her head for better access and angled his head to deepen the kiss. Terrence slowly lifted his head. “I’ll talk to you this week, baby.”
Janae nodded. Her heart beat so hard, she was sure a heart attack was imminent. “Safe travels.”
He squeezed her hand, turned and walked away.
She closed the door and banged her head softly against it. “What are you doing? You’re not supposed to be falling for him.” The phone rang, eliciting a groan. “Probably Karen.” She wasn’t in the mood tonight.
“Hello.”
“Hey, baby girl.”
She groaned inwardly. “Hey, Devin. What’s up?”
“I’ve been calling you for the past couple of hours. Where’ve you been?”
“Devin, I know you don’t think I’m going to start reporting my whereabouts to you. What is your problem lately? You’re worse than usual.”
“Just concerned about you, that’s all.”
“What gives, Devin? That can’t be it.”
“I’m still concerned about that new guy you’re seeing and about Lawrence harassing you. You haven’t had any more trouble out of him, have you?”
Janae took a deep breath. Why did she have to have big brothers?
“You’re quiet, Jan. What’s up?”
“I saw Lawrence on Saturday. He tried to get in my face, but Terrence handled it. I’m sure I won’t have any more problems.”
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Did I not just say Terrence handled it? He knocked Lawrence out with one punch. When we came out of the store, he was gone. Can we please leave it at that?”
Devin grunted. “I guess. What’s up with you and Terrence?”
“Nothing much. We’ve hung out a couple of times. Did you call for something? Because I’m about to take a bath.”
