Page 25 of Serenity
“Damn. How did I miss them?”
“Them” because good things come in threes. The Dukes were several. The Dukes were loaded and likely more so than my own family. Sending their invitation—or rather his invitation was crucial.
“The first, second, or third?” Misty asked for clarification, looking up from her desktop. “You know they’re damn near triplets as well as possessing the same name. Good things come in threes.”
Indeed, Misty. Indeed.
“The third,” I clarified. “Duke Stepford, III.”
Offering a knowing smirk, Misty thankfully didn’t lend her thoughts.
DISTURBED
“Good afternoon. Welcome to Sugar Honey Iced Tea. Are you ready to order?”
“Gimme the Cubano, and—”
Her.
A survey of my surroundings caused my gaze to cement toward heaven.
Heaven had a name. A look. A signature scent and an undeniable feeling I had yet to experience fully. Mahogany-toned legs, ample breasts, plush lips, thick baby-faced cheeks, and bright, playful fucking eyes…
Give me her alongside a bag of fucking chips and a tall glass of water.
Stalled, my words gathered between my chest and mouth, refusing to be delivered verbally. Hesitation forced the waitress to study me with concern. Sugar Honey Iced Tea was laden with hungry souls seeking to assuage the pang of empty bellies. And while I, too, sought satisfaction, my hunger was of a different variety.
Around me, the raucous of forks and knives clinking against plates amongst nondescript conversations created a song of contentment. A brief start and stop downpour of rain prompted heightened humidity. The heat. The moisture. The dampness discouraged many souls from being seated outdoors. Inside, the restaurant was packed, yet I still located her.
“And take it to that table in the corner.”
“To the lady in the tweed peach mini dress?”
I hadn’t noticed her dress until the waitress brought it to my attention. As my gaze scoured Serenity’s frame, I took in the peach-colored dress adorned by the presence of thick, toned brown sugared legs crossed beneath the table. Peach was her color and scent. Intoxicating in both appearance and smell, it complemented her well.
Some nigga approached in a polo buttoned all the way to the neck. Awarding him a courteous smile, they chatted briefly before he clutched his chest as if she’d hurt his feelings. Before I rose to draw near, he took off, though it wouldn’t have mattered either way.
Again, she’d committed to that anxious bounce of her legs as the lotto of her attention returned to the laptop in front of her. Her feet were covered in black pumps. Wrapped around my neck, I’d have them shaking and bouncing for pleasure. Breaking my gaze, I confirmed with the waitress.
“That’s correct. I’ll be over there shortly.”
The promise I’d made not to disturb would be broken. Staying away from Busy Bee was far from an option. I rose, ambling toward the woman who’d caught my attention the two weeks prior. The familiar scent of peach and hibiscus invaded my olfactory system as I made yet another attempt to unsettle her the way she’d unsettled me.
Tucked behind a laptop and cat-eye-framed glasses, Serenity was committed to the task before her, failing to notice my presence as I slid into the seat.
“What are you working on today, Busy Bee?”
Slowly, manicured nails grabbed the lid of her laptop and pushed the screen downward. The way she’d managed to type with their length was both a wonder and impressive. Aggravation stained her face at the prospect of yet more unwelcome company. Swiftly, it was replaced with amusement as she recognized the face matching the voice of who’d disturbed her.
That lame nigga from earlier got dismissed. I got a smile.
“Oh. Hi, Duke.”
Affection, admiration, and astonishment carried her tone. The soft and sweet way she called my name inflamed nether regions.
“Hi, Gorgeous.”
“What are you doing here?”