Page 34 of Beautiful Noise
He grinned, shaking his head. “A debate for another day and it was no problem waiting. I’m not the eat alone type.” He motioned to my wine glass with his head. “Drink, you look like you need it.”
I opened my mouth to respond but gently closed it when he bowed his head and silently blessed his food. When I had his eyes again, he didn’t speak, only lifted his glass, swallowing a few gulps and like the obsessed person I’d somehow become, I studied his lips first, then his throat, enjoying the way his Adam’s apple slid down each time he swallowed.
When the sound of him clearing his throat snapped me out of my inappropriate staring, I quickly lifted my glass and slipped slowly, fearful that I’d choke if I didn’t because my nerves had my throat and chest feeling constricted.
“You work for a cleaning service?”
“Elite, yes, and there’s nothing wrong with cleaning as an occupation. It’s a noble job.” I lifted my chin defensively and he simply stared while shoving his fork into the chicken,broccoli, and rice casserole. Another one of his mother’s recipes. Ironically enough, she had been sending them every so often which I was sure was intentional and not aboutme.
“I agree. There’s nothing wrong with cleaning as a career choice andeveryjob is noble, no matter how menial it may seem from one person to the next, collectively we all have to do our part.”
I narrowed my eyes. “Even sex workers.”
“Are you considering switching to pussy for hire?”
I shrugged nonchalantly. “Maybe. Would you consider that noble as well?”
He smiled mischievously. “Hell yeah. It’s one of the most noble jobs I can think of. I, for one, appreciate their service.”
“Of course you do and I’m certain we have two very different definitions of the word noble if you think pussy for hire qualifies as such.”
“Having or showing fine personal qualities. Of excellence or superior quality. I know some women who charge for their services and are truly excellent and of superior quality even if they never chargeme.” He winked and that cocky grin of his had me rolling my eyes. However, I couldn’t help but admire the way he rattled off the definition of noble like he was stating the weather. I never assumed he wasn’t smart or a thinker but I also didn’t expect him to have definitions readily available. But then again, not just anyone graduated with honors.
“You’re reaching.”
“Am I? I could show proof if you’d like.” He grabbed at his phone but I threw my hand up.
“Don’t, please. I believe you.”
He chuckled, shoving another forkful into his mouth. “You got something against prostitutes, Ri?”
“No, absolutely not. I respect their ability to completely expose themselves the way they do and dealing with men likeyou isn’t for the meek. It requires resilience and a fortitude that I damn sure don’t have.” I shrugged. “I wouldn’t last a minute if required to service and keep my thoughts to myself around that type of arrogance.
His eyes crawled slowly over my body and I felt the heat of them before he mumbled, “Don’t count it out. I have a feeling you’d do okay.”
“Can we please move on from this topic?”
“Sure.’’ He paused, drinking a little more wine before asking, “As noble as cleaning may be, I have to assume it’s not your first choice of careers.”
“No, not exactly, but at the time I didn’t have a lot of options, so…” I swallowed a few more gulps of my wine which emptied the glass. I gave it a gentle shove and he immediately refilled the glass almost to the brim and sent it back toward me.
“Then what’s next?”
I grunted, wrapping my fingers around the stem of the glass but this time my swallows weren’t careful. “I have no idea.”
“None at all?” He arched his brow in question.
“No, none at all. Since before I knew what life goals were, mine was to be an educator. Even if it was decided by my parents, it was still the plan, and all I focused on. When that was no longer the plan and I was on my own, my priorities shifted from a happily ever after as an educator to figuring out how I was going to pay all my bills and still have enough money to feed myself. Trust me, that was utterly exhausting and didn’t leave much room for dreaming about what my life plans were. I considered it a win if I could figure out a cost-efficient dinner menu for the week.”
“And I’m sure worrying about a boyfriend who was cheating on you in your own bed didn’t make things any easier.”
Ouch.
My eyes shot up to his and his stare remained steady, unapologetic, and almost angry.
“I didn’t tell you that to throw it back in my face. I didn’t mean to tell you at all.”
“I’m not throwing it in your face, Ri. Just trying to get a better understanding of who you are.”