running backs in history. Being one of the most sought after bachelors in the Atlanta area, he had his pick of beautiful women and was never without one adorning his arm.
Finally acknowledging Soul’s statement, Amir shrugged. “Maybe not, but…I don’t know. There’s something about her. Matter of fact, I think I’ll go over so that she and I can make plans for later to see what that ‘something’ is.” Amir winked at Soul before standing up and confidently making his way to the other table.
Soul laughed. “Do your thang, playa.”
As Amir walked over, he didn’t notice the stares directed at him. He was used to the attention which so often followed him, and was more or less oblivious to it now. His focus was on the little cutie who’d captured his interest.
Wonder how long she’ll hold it, he thought with characteristic arrogance. Almost at their table, he smiled the charming Montgomery smile that he was famous for when he saw them look up at him.
“Hello, ladies. How are you today?” Although his smile included them both, his eyes were on ‘Nia’s twin’.
“Hello,” they answered.
“I was having lunch with my friend and noticed you two when you came in.”
The one he had his eye on raised a neatly sculpted brow as she looked him up and down. “And you are…?”
Surprise flickered on Amir’s face before he covered it with an indulgent smile. “Sorry. Where are my manners? My name is Amir Montgomery.” He waited for recognition to shine in her eyes, but her nonchalant expression stayed in place as she introduced herself and her friend.
“I’m Aleesha Matthews and this is my friend Jerra St. James.”
“Nice to meet you both. Do you mind if I join you for a moment?”
“Well -”
“Sure,” Jerra answered. She swallowed a smile and ignored Aleesha’s glare. “So, what profession are you in, Amir?”
“I own a couple of real estate agencies as well as several other businesses. Used to play professional football until an injury permanently sidelined me and forced me to retire. What do you ladies do?” He looked at Aleesha, but when she continued to eat her meal as if he wasn’t there, Jerra spoke up.
“I’m an attorney and Aleesha is the director of marketing at a major pharmaceutical company.”
Amir raised his eyebrows when Jerra mentioned the name of the company. Jerra pressed her lips together as she read the message Aleesha sent with her eyes. TMI: too much information.
“Impressive. Are you from Atlanta, Aleesha?” Because she’d been quiet since he’d sat down, Amir directed the question specifically to her. She gave him an impersonal smile and nodded before picking up her glass of water and taking a sip. A frown creased Amir’s forehead as he leaned back in the chair and studied her. If he didn’t know any better, he’d swear she was giving him the brush off. “So, what do you do for fun?”
“To be honest, lately I’ve found myself much too busy to have fun.”
“Come on now. A beautiful woman like yourself? You have to have some interests outside of work.”
Aleesha squinted up at the ceiling as if in deep thought then shook her head. “Nope.”
“I’ve told her that all work and no play will make her a very dull girl.” Jerra ignored the narrowing of Aleesha’s eyes and looked at Amir. “What source of entertainment do you prefer?”
“Actually, a friend of mine is hosting the opening of his new jazz club this weekend. Would you ladies like to go with me?”
Aleesha sat her fork down and stared at Amir. “I don’t think so, but we appreciate the