Jayde searched her thoughts for a compelling reason why she should not join him for lunch, but could not find one. He was her brother’s friend and he had already made it clear that his only interest in her was to relay a message to her father. “I can spare a few minutes,” she said loud enough for him to hear. “I know a great spot where they serve the best food.” “What if your appointment shows up?” She asked when she caught up to him. “He’ll have to wait.” Rain clouds lingered in the sky, but there were too few of them to hide the sun’s rays. Jayde was grateful that the humidity had dissipated and the smog was not as stifling as it was before it rained. They walked toward the harbor, and though Michael was only about six inches taller than she was, Jayde had to double her strides to keep up with him. “Where are you taking me?” “We’re almost there.” After a couple of minutes, they stopped at a takeout booth, and ordered two Jumbo hotdogs with sodas. “This is lunch?” “Were you expecting something else?” He smiled, and handed her one of the hotdogs. “These are the best in the whole state, believe me, I know.” She followed him, and they sat on a bench facing a small parkette. “I’ll be the judge of that,” she said and took a generous bite.” He waited expectantly for her critique. “It’s okay,” she admitted, “but I have nothing to compare it to; I don’t usually eat hotdogs.” She took a couple more bites and realized she wouldn’t be able to finish it. He took it from her and ate it with the same vigor with which he ate his own. Jayde listened as he talked passionately about his love for boating, which he did almost every weekend. She casually mentioned that she had one more year of med school and he told her about his three wasted years in college before deciding to study commerce for the next four. Somehow, he’d managed to disarm her and she felt at ease in his company, she even laughed at his jokes. “Did you forget about your appointment?” She asked when she realized they had been talking for forty-five minutes. “I’d rather be here with you.” She smiled and stood up. “Thank you for lunch, it was delicious.” “You’re a cheap date.” “Thank you, I think, and this was not a date.” He raised his hand toward her face and she shifted her head slightly, surprised by the gesture. He pointed to something at the corner of her mouth and she cautiously allowed him to remove it. His touch was gentle and it sent a warm feeling throughout her whole body. He traced her lips with his finger and when he lowered his head, she held her breath, but didn’t turn away. Soft lips brushed against hers lightly, teasing them. She closed her eyes and parted her lips when he pulled her against his rock hard chest and deepened the kiss. She moaned when he tightened his embrace and used his lips to open her mouth. The sound of horns blowing and a pedestrian’s raised voice drew her from her daze; she opened her eyes and pulled away abruptly. “Oh my god, what am I doing? I’m sorry.” “I’m not,” he smiled. “I have to go.” She turned and started walking toward the bank. Her heart was racing and her whole body was tingling from his kiss. She tried to tune it out, but couldn’t and guilt was beginning to set in. She betrayed Kevin by kissing another man. “Jayde,” she kept moving, even when he called her name again. He caught up to her and touched her arm, stopping her. She turned to face him but kept her distance. “It was just a kiss,” his voice was gentle. “That should not have happened. I’m in a relationship and I’m sure you are too.” She felt vulnerable, and was certain that he knew that. Having just lost her brother, she was in a highly emotional state and maybe he was taking advantage of that. “Please leave me alone.” Jayde glanced over her shoulders when she heard her name from behind, and was relieved to see her father walking toward them. When he was close enough, she hugged him. “Hey daddy, where have you been?” he seemed anxious, not relaxed as he did at breakfast. “I’m sorry, honey, the meeting with my lawyer ran longer than I planned.” Jayde turned to Michael and was about to introduce the men. “Mr. Sinclaire, it’s good to see you sir.” Michael held out his hand, and her father shook it reluctantly. “Sorry to keep you waiting; let’s just get this over with.” Preston was impatient. Jayde made the connection; her father was his one o’clock appointment. “I see you’ve met my daughter.” “Yes, I’ve had the pleasure.” His lips curled slightly as he stared into her eyes. She linked her arm through her father and walked with him toward the bank. “Daddy, we can get together later if this is a bad time.” He looked at her but his mind was not present. “Is everything okay?” “I’ll wait for you in my office.” He turned to Jayde, “thank you for lunch.” He smiled, went through the door and disappeared inside the building. “What was that about?” “Nothing daddy,” she assured her father. “I’ll drop by your place on my way home, I love you.” “Me too,” she said, and waited until he was inside before she walked to her car. She closed her eyes and touched her lips, still feeling Michael’s lips pressed against hers. She shrugged off the memory and drove to Kevin’s office. She had not seen him for almost a month, and she needed to clarify where their relationship was going. Not only because she had kissed another man, but she did not want to return to school with unanswered questions plaguing her thoughts.
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