Just One Look (Women of Substance) by Marilyn Lee Read Free Book Online

“You’re angry with me because I was honest about why I’m not married. What the fuck is wrong with that picture, Rena?”
    I hated his ability to make me feel like an idiot.
    “I hope you know that I didn’t mean to offend you.”
    What was it about him that made me want to believe everything he said? “I think I do.”
    “Then why are you going out with another man?”
    “If you’re still interested after tonight, call me and we’ll talk.”
    “I’m here now.”
    “But I’m not interested in talking now.”
    “You know what? Neither am I. Have a good damn time with your other man.” He compressed his lips and stormed off.
    I watched him walk towards the elevator before I went back inside. If he called me, fine. If he didn’t, oh well. I got my shoulder bag, key fob, and left my apartment. I drove to my favorite lounge, found an empty booth, and ordered a drink and a steak.
    I went there often as did most of the people present that night so I didn’t feel alone. But I had no appetite. While I sipped my drink, the proverbial, tall dark, and handsome man slipped into the booth across from me. “Hey gorgeous.”
    Rick Davis, one of my friends—with benefits. I wasn’t in the mood to sleep with him but we’d agreed that the benefits would work both ways. I smiled. “Hi.”
    “How are you feeling?”
    “Fine.”
    “You’re looking better than fine. You look good enough to eat—all night long.”
    Great. He wanted sex. He’d never turned me down. I couldn’t say no to him. I kept my smile in place with difficulty.
    He reached across the table to place a hand over mine. “Are you alone?”
    “No. She’s not so keep your hands to yourself!”
    My heart raced and I looked over my shoulder.
    Anderson stood behind me, glaring at Rick. I blinked. Where the hell had he come from?
    Rick narrowed his gaze. “Excuse me?”
    “I think you heard me the first time,” Anderson said.
    Rick looked at me. “Do you know this guy, Rena?”
    “Damn right she does.” Anderson placed a hand on my shoulder. “And she’s with me.”
    Rick kept his dark gaze on my face. “You know him?” he asked again.
    I could imagine what he really wanted to ask: So you’re dating white guys now? The tension between the two of them was intense. Neither one of them would back down until I’d chosen between them. The choice was really a no brainer. Rick was a good lover who I could depend on when I needed a warm body and a big hard cock inside me. He had never made me feel easy by talking about cows and free milk.
    I turned to glare at Anderson, only just resisting the urge to shake his hand on my shoulder. Where the hell do you get off doing this?
    He locked his gaze with mine.
    Keep it real, Rena. Choose the one who’s always been there for you . I shook my head and turned back to face Rick. “Yes. I know him,” I told Rick.
    “And he’s your date? You’re seeing him, Rena?”
    If you’re not careful, you’ll ruin things beyond repair with Rick.
    Anderson’s hand tightened on my shoulder.
    “Rena?”
    I sighed. “He asked me out,” I heard myself say.
    Rick sat staring at me for what felt like forever before he abruptly rose and walked away without another word.
    Great. He’ll never darken your door again.
    Anderson moved forward to slip onto the seat opposite me. He placed a hand over mine.
    I jerked my hand away. “You followed me?”
    “Obviously.”
    “Well, you wasted both of our time,” I rose, put some money on the table for my drink, the dinner I wouldn’t be eating, and a tip. Then I walked away.
    He followed me outside and caught my hand before I could reach my SUV. When I stopped, he turned me to face him. “Have dinner with me.”
    “You just ruined my relationship with Rick.”
    He shrugged. “You ruined mine with Caren so I figure we’re even.”
    “I didn’t follow you around and intrude when you were with her to make sure she knew about me.”
    “It doesn’t matter. The moment you