Free Black: Part 3 (Black Series) by Kelly Harper Page B

we’re finally moving past it.”
    “Me too,” I say, weakly.
    His radiant blue eyes are like an ocean that I want to fall into. He fixes me with a look that makes me feel naked and vulnerable. There’s no hiding from that look. And when I’m almost at the point that I can’t take it anymore, he falls forward just far enough to press his lips into mine.
    The kiss starts soft and tender, but quickly intensifies. My heart races faster and faster. Our tongues slide along each other, and then he suckles on my bottom lip. My lips are buzzing so much that I barely even notice when he finally pulls away.
    The world gets all fuzzy and out of focus. Can this really be my life? Can this really be happening?
    But the bliss doesn’t last for long. The world seems intent on trying to ruin anything good that happens to me…
    I’m still reeling from one of the best kisses of my life when a familiar voice crashes through the love-drunk fog and snaps me back to reality.
    “Well, if it isn’t two of my favorite people…”

Chapter 20

    Sofie

    Calvin and I both turn our heads sharply to none other than Wade Foster, standing only a few feet away. I’m so startled by his sudden appearance that it takes me a moment to notice the girl attached to his arm. She looks familiar, but it takes me a moment to place her.
    Rebecca.
    She’s the European girl I first saw with Wade at the conference we went to when I first met him. He’d said that she was just a friend, but the comfortable way she’s clinging to his arm right now tells me that something has changed.
    She studies me for a second, and then her stare turns ice cold as she finally recognizes me. A shiver runs down my spine.
    What the hell is her problem?
    If Calvin is as surprised by the sudden interruption as I am, he doesn’t show it.
    “Wade Foster,” he says, confidently. He rises out of his chair and extends his hand even as he turns his charming smile to Rebecca. “And a lovely date, too…”
    Wade grips his hand and flashes him an equally confident smile.
    “I guess the city really is as small as everyone says,” he returns. Wade introduces Calvin to Rebecca and they exchange pleasantries. Wade flashes me a quick glance, and then to Calvin says, “But, hey, since I’ve got you here… there’s something I’ve been meaning to talk to you about.”
    Calvin’s face darkens.
    “We’re kind of in the middle of something here,” he says, gesturing to me.
    Wade’s sinister smile widens.
    “It’s important… It will only take a minute.”
    Calvin’s face remains calm and passive, but I know him well enough to see the anger building just beneath the surface. He doesn’t respond for a long moment, but then he jerks his head in a quick nod.
    “Fine,” he says. “But it will have to be quick.”
    He flashes me an apologetic glance. I’m too panicked to manage anything more than a blank stare.  
    “The quickest,” Wade assures him. He pats Rebecca on the hand. “Perhaps you ladies would enjoy a drink? Have the waiter put it on my tab…”
    They head off toward the bar at the front of the restaurant. My stomach does flips on itself as every muscle in my body tenses.
    Rebecca gives me a hard stare before she finally takes Calvin’s seat. She leans into the table and fixes me with a look. I’m not sure what I’ve done that has her so pissed off, but I have a feeling I’m about to find out…
    “You’re surprised to see us here together, aren’t you?” she says.
    Her European accent is thicker than I remember, and there’s a threatening edge in her voice.
    “What are you talking about?”
    Her expression darkens.
    “Don’t play stupid with me, you’re not as dumb as you look.”
    My eyebrows rise in shocked surprise.
    “Excuse me ? ” I say, disbelievingly.
    What is this bitch’s problem?
    “Don’t act all innocent, you’re not fooling anyone…”
    Anger flares inside of me.
    “You obviously have something you want to say, why don’t you