Chocolate Dove Read Free

good I can’t stop.”
    â€œI can imagine that’s what the men say about you,” Lawson replied with a contemptible grin.
    â€œGet your mind from the gutter,” Basra said.
    Lawson’s grin evolved into a full chuckle. “I can’t help myself. But I promise I won’t touch.”
    â€œAre we going to dinner?” Basra asked, only to receive a puzzled look from Lawson.
    â€œDinner? We just—”
    â€œI mean dancing. Are we going dancing? I’m sorry, I’m just—”
    â€œA little nervous. I can tell. You’ve had two hours to warm up. Am I making you that uncomfortable?”
    â€œI have a confession,” Basra expressed. “This is my first date like this.”
    â€œWhen you say like this, you mean as an escort.”
    Basra nodded her head.
    â€œGood, I’ve always been fond of virgins.”
    This time, his look started to make her stomach rumble with rolls of nervous energy, but luckily the head chef came to the table and greeted them.
    â€œLawson, it’s good to see you again, my friend,” Chef said.
    Lawson rose and gave the chef a hearty hug. They spoke in Japanese for a few seconds and then Lawson introduced Basra.
    â€œI hope you have enjoyed your experience,” said the chef.
    â€œMy taste buds thank you,” Basra replied with a sweet smile.
    â€œThis one is beautiful,” Chef said to Lawson.
    â€œI’m sure they’re all beautiful,” Basra mumbled to herself. Lawson cut his eye in her direction but Basra pretended as though she’d said nothing. The chef walked away and Lawson placed his card on top of the ticket. Basra tried to sneak a peek at the bill but couldn’t see the numbers and dared not to ask.
    It’s pocket change. It’s pocket change, she continued to think.
    â€œSo you mentioned dancing?” Lawson asked.
    â€œOnly because you mentioned it earlier when we spoke on the phone. We don’t have to go dancing. If you’re ready to go home ...”
    â€œHome? I have you for the evening. And the evening has just begun,” Lawson said while reaching across the table to hold Basra’s hand. She lowered her head to gain her composure and then lifted it with a pleasant smile. She felt like rented property, and there was nothing she could do about it, and so they left dinner and headed to Smoke for cocktails and jazz. Smoke was much more casual and laid back. She immediately felt more at ease once they walked in the door. But Lawson once again took control of the situation as they approached a table near the back corner.
    â€œI’m getting a bottle of champagne,” he said before walking away from the table.
    â€œI don’t like champagne,” she whispered into the atmosphere. “He doesn’t care,” she sighed. Basra looked around the room at the couples holding hands, flirting, and smiling. She honed in on an Italian-looking couple canoodling three tables over. Somehow, she became so lost in their world that she didn’t realize Lawson had snuck up behind her.
    â€œI bet they’re having sex tonight,” he whispered in her ear.
    Basra, startled by his presence, let out a small yelp. “I’m sure they’re having sex tonight, and I’m sure they’re a real couple. Unlike us.”
    Lawson sat as the server placed the bottle of champagne and two glasses on the table.
    â€œI don’t like champagne,” Basra said.
    â€œThat’s because you’ve probably only had cheap champagne. You will like this, I promise.” Lawson took the liberty to pour her a glass.
    â€œI’ve been drinking sake all night. I don’t think I should mix—”
    â€œShhhh,” Lawson said, placing his finger to her lips. “Drink. It will make me happy.”
    Basra placed her lips on the edge of the glass, sipped, and pretended to enjoy.
    â€œSee, I told you. Once you’ve had the finer things in