Free Driving Heat by Zuri Day

people.”
    “Well, I want to know about you.”
    “I’m an open book, so that’s no problem. I’ve got women coming at me all day long, could have been some of everybody’s husband right now.” When she huffed, he hurriedly added, “I’m not saying that to be arrogant. I’m just keeping it real. Women are lonely, looking for love, attention, protection, security, fathers . . . and some are willing to do just about anything you ask to make that happen. I got caught up in that madness once and lost a lot. Not more than I gained, though, which is my daughter. So instead of multitasking several different women, I have a friend with benefits.”
    “You actually shared that without embarrassment or guilt.” Cynthia couldn’t believe what he’d said.
    “Why would I be either?” Byron couldn’t understand the problem.
    “Does she know that’s her status?”
    “Absolutely, otherwise it wouldn’t work. She and I used to work together, and became good friends. One time when we were both in between relationships . . . we added benefits. Lately, there hasn’t been anything physical going on. I think both of us are ready for something more meaningful.”
    From the way he looked at her, Cynthia was definitely that.
    The meal arrived and the topic shifted to the distinctive spices that made the food so tasty. Byron learned more of Cynthia’s journey from Minneapolis to LA by way of Chicago and a couple other places. Cynthia was impressed with Byron’s knowledge of LA. Still, a part of her mind stayed on the comments he made before their food arrived, about being ready for a more meaningful relationship. Her, too.
    Cynthia was only able to eat half of her food. When Byron pushed back his plate, it was almost clean.
    “You’ll have to thank your friend who recommended this place. Can’t believe it, but I really enjoyed a meal without meat.”
    Cynthia nodded toward his plate. “I can tell.”
    The waitress removed their plates and laid down a dessert menu. “Any recommendations for dessert?”
    Cynthia set down her menu. “No, and for me it doesn’t matter.”
    “Are you doing that bird act again? You didn’t eat dessert last time either.”
    “No bird act this time. I don’t care much for sweets.”
    “I probably should pass as well.” Byron patted his stomach. “Watching my figure and all, you know how that goes.”
    After a bit of wrangling over who would pay for dinner, Cynthia pocketed the receipt and met Byron outside.
    “Where are you parked?”
    “Just down the street.”
    She began walking toward her car. He fell in step beside her, switching their positions so that she was on the inside, away from the street. Once again, conversation stilled, as unspoken thoughts consumed their attention.
    Her car was parked close by. “You drive a nice car,” he said, as he opened her door. “I meant to ask you last time how you liked it.”
    “This is the type of car both my father and brother drive. They suggested it. I bought it.” She shrugged. “Haven’t much thought about it more than that.”
    Byron heard her, and was actually interested in what she was saying. But her lips—plump, slightly parted, and bearing traces of dark red lipstick—were making it hard for him to concentrate on mere words.
    “I enjoy you,” he whispered, as his head lowered to align with hers. “Thanks for your company.”
    Their lips met, and it felt like clouds bumping into each other in a rainbow sky. His tongue slipped into her parted lips, even as he took a step closer, pinning her between his body and the side of the car he’d just admired. Their bodies touched. Somewhere in Cynthia’s mind there was a caution sign blinking. But she couldn’t slow down. His touch was more like a promise, an introduction, an invitation of what might be in store.
    He felt himself harden and put space between them. In his mind, he ended the kiss. But his tongue had other plans. It obviously wanted to make acquaintance with her