Trouble with Luv' Read Free Page B

of his drink before responding to her question. “I’m having a good time, thanks.”
    â€œThe food was wonderful, wasn’t it?”
    He could listen to her deep vixenish voice all night. Rolling his eyes toward the ceiling, he patted a hand over his stomach. “The women’s fellowship committee really outdid themselves this year. The main course was scrumptious, the desserts heavenly and the overwhelming turnout is a testament to all their hard work.”
    He smiled kindly, those dimpled cheeks enhancing his nice-guy appeal. He exuded masculinity and strength and though they stood shoulder to shoulder, Ebony felt elfin standing next to him. It was a welcome change. Most men were intimidated by her size; it was refreshing being with a man who wasn’t dwarfed by her five-eight frame.
    Ebony extended her right hand. “Ebony Garrett. And you are?”
    â€œXavier Reed. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Ebony. I’ve never seen you at Jubilee Christian Center. Did one of our members invite you?”
    â€œI came with my aunt. She visits Jubilee from time to time.”
    â€œHave you ever attended one of our services?” Xavier asked, inhaling her sweet perfume. The scent made him hanker for fresh fruit.
    â€œI don’t have much free time during the week, so I like to hit the clubs on the weekends. I use Sundays to catch up on sleep.” Stop babbling, Ebony chided herself. Be engaging and witty and let him know you’re both interested and available.
    With a pensive expression on his face, he said, “You don’t know what you’re missing out on, Ms. Garrett. Church is where we feed the soul.” He paused briefly, unsure of whether to share a page from his autobiography. “Back in the day, I thought there was nothing better than running the street with my boys and partying the night away. But after my best friend died, I knew I had to make some serious changes in my life. I gave up that reckless lifestyle years ago and started attending Jubilee. That was the best decision I ever made.”
    â€œNothing wrong with having a good time,” Ebony countered, troubled to learn about his wild past. “After putting in twelve hours or more a day from Monday to Friday, I need an outlet. I need to unwind. I’m not much of a drinker,” she pointed out. “I go to the club to dance. Dancing is a great way to relieve stress. You should try it sometime.”
    â€œMaybe you should cut back on your hours so you won’t be so stressed.”
    Ebony bit her tongue. She wanted to tell him to mind his own damn business, but didn’t. In the corner of her eye, she caught sight of the flamboyantly dressed emcee swaggering toward the stage. He had a program in his right hand and a microphone in the other. She turned back to Xavier, her lips fashioned into a smile. His eyes were the lightest shade of brown she had ever seen and the overall image he projected was one of extreme confidence. Yes, he was just the kind of man she was searching for.
    They talked for a few minutes about the church and then a long, painful silence settled in between them.
    There was an air of shyness about him Ebony hadn’t picked up on initially. If she waited for him to build up enough courage to ask her out, they could be standing there all night, and time was of the essence. “Have you heard of A Taste of Venice?” Ebony asked, tilting her head to the right. Her stance gave him an unrestricted view of her cleavage.
    Xavier kept his eyes on her face. She couldn’t be more obvious, he thought, refusing himself a glance at her chest. “That’s the new upscale restaurant on Hennepin and Ninth, right?” She nodded, and he continued. “I’ve been meaning to check it out, but I haven’t had the time.”
    So far so good, Ebony thought, brushing a lock of hair away from her face. She paused, when a trio of long-haired, blue-eyed blondes