Page 14 of Solomon’s Temple

So nice that I tossed and turned all night, thinking of a way to make it up to her. I knew I’d overstepped, but I couldn’t help it. Shorty had the makings of being Mrs. Matthews . . . if I could get her away from the pole at least.

With a bouquet of yellow roses, I walked up to the desk and greeted the receptionist.

“Good morning. Is Temple in today?”

She looked at me with flirty eyes before speaking.

“Yeah, she’s here. Who should I say is looking for her?”

“Her man friend.”

“Mm. Okay.” She stood and headed down the hall, and I took a seat in one of the chairs in the lobby. I could hear the boisterous sounds of children playing while I waited for my future to grace me with her presence. It took about twenty minutes before she finally came to the front and stopped in her tracks upon seeing me.

“What are you doing here?” she asked. I stood from my seated position and moved toward her until I was close enough to smell the flowery scent of her perfume.

“I wanted to come and apologize for my behavior last night. I was wrong,” I told her. “These are for you.” I handed her the roses, and she received them.

“Thank you. I appreciate your apology. Thank you for stopping by. Enjoy the rest of your day,” she said, attempting to walk away, but I gently grabbed her elbow.

“Hold up. I’m not done.”

“I have to get back to work.”

“I know. I just want to confirm that our date is still on?”

“You could have texted me and asked.”

“I would have, but you proved to not reply to text messages.” I could see a hint of a smirk on her lips. “And I’d like to apologize further and get to know you better.”

“Why? It’s clear you don’t like my night job. I may not be the woman you need to pursue if that bothers you.”

It bothers the hell out of me, Beauty.

“Just agree to go to lunch with me as we planned. We’ll talk about the logistics later.”

“I guess, sir. I have to get back to work.”

“You certainly do.” Mr. Jones appeared behind her with those predatory eyes. When I saw how his eyes roamed over her frame, I stepped closer to Temple, wrapped my arm around her waist, pulled her close to me, and dropped a kiss on her neck. I could feel her body shudder slightly as she looked up at me with a smile.

“I’ma see you later, baby,” I told her.

She nodded. “O-kay.”

“Have a good day, Mr. Matthews,” Mr. Jones said. I didn’t even warrant him with a reply as I turned and exited the building.

Homie was going to make me step to him sooner rather than later.

I hopped in my truck just as a text came through.

Karon:

Drinks and cards later? It’s poker night.

I chuckled.

Me:

You’ve always been a bad influence. And a heathen, might I add.