A Weekend Affair by Noelle Vella Read Free Book Online Page B

complexion like a Werther’s Original hard candy, light hazel eyes, dark curly hair, and a body that boldly proclaimed, “I spend a lot of time in the gym”; this man was definitely what Shell would call eye candy. Don’t get me wrong. I’ve never been one to fall for the handsome face and nice body, but I could surely appreciate one when I saw it, and at the moment, Diego had my full appreciation.
    â€œNot to pry, but what are you two stunning ladies doing here alone?” Diego asked. He was a slick-tongued charmer as well.
    â€œLike I said, girls’ night out. Actually, it’s a girls’ weekend. We both just needed to get away for some R&R,” I responded, hoping I wasn’t blushing.
    Diego smiled, flashing his perfectly white teeth. “In that case, I hope we are not intruding.”
    I smiled back. “Not at all. We don’t mind the company, do we, Shell?” I asked. She still appeared to be in a daze, so I once again kicked her under the table.
    â€œHuh? Oh no, we don’t mind,” she finally answered.
    â€œAh, she speaks,” Carl teased. “Does she dance as well?” He stood up, extending his hand to her.
    â€œSure she does,” I interjected.
    Yeah, I know I should have minded my own business, especially because Shell was a married woman, and according to her ratchet worse half, I was the whore of Babylon, but it was only a dance. Besides, from our vantage point, I had full view of the dance floor, so I would be keeping my eyes on both of them.
    â€œYou two go ahead, but stay where I can see you,” I said, more serious than joking.
    That got a response from Shell. “Yes, Mom. Whatever you say.”
    I was tempted to do something childish, like stick my tongue out at her, but I refrained. Instead, I gave her the “You better act like you know” look, then smiled at her. She smiled back, took Carl’s hand, and allowed him to lead her to the dance floor.
    Once they were gone, I shifted my focus back to the man sitting beside me. All of a sudden, I was at a loss for words, which, for me, was extremely rare. But then again, I was in a situation that I was not used to; talking one-on-one with a very attractive man. I had been in a relationship for twelve years, so I didn’t have to worry about dating or having meaningful conversation. At that moment, it dawned on me . . . When it came to mackin’, I had no skills whatsoever. It was a skill I never needed because every guy I dated was a friend first. I never had to worry about the awkward conversational pauses because we were already comfortable with each other.
    Diego must have sensed my trepidation, because he broke the ice. “Gabrielle is a beautiful name. A beautiful name for a beautiful woman.”
    â€œThank you,” I replied, again hoping I wasn’t blushing.
    â€œTell me, how does your boyfriend feel about you coming out here without him?”
    Nice segue , I thought to myself. “I don’t have a boyfriend.”
    â€œI’m guessing you don’t have a husband either.”
    â€œNow why would you think that?” I questioned.
    Diego pointed to my left hand. “Unlike your friend over there,” he responded, nodding his head in Shell’s direction, “you’re not wearing a ring. Please correct me if I’m wrong.”
    I smiled at him, liking his candor. “Very observant,” I uttered. “By the way, don’t think I didn’t notice the ring on Carl’s finger,” I countered, looking in Shell and Carl’s direction. They appeared to be having a good time.
    â€œBut to answer your question, I am not, nor have I ever been, married. You?” I figured since he was all in my business, I was going to get into his.
    Flashing me a grin, he answered, “I’ve never been married, and I don’t have a girlfriend.”
    That was good to know, I thought.
    â€œIf you don’t mind