Free Secret Liaisons by Shelia M. Goss Page B

choice but to deliver on what he promised. He called his friend Chef Gavin. “Man, I need a huge favor. Can you come over and cook a meal for me? I need you to use my pots and pans so it’ll look like I cooked.”
    â€œOh, so which woman are you trying to impress? Is it the model Moet? Or is it the actress I saw in your last movie, Paulette?”
    â€œGavin, I think I’ve found the one. But I just have to convince her she’s the one.”
    â€œWell, you don’t want to start off under false pretenses. Why don’t I come over? I’ll tell you what to do and if I see you need my help, I’ll step in.”
    Gavin had a point. He was already being deceitful by not telling Mona he was Falcon. “Sounds good. Can you be over in about an hour?”
    â€œLucky for you, my schedule’s wide open. But this will cost you. I’ll stop by the market and you can pay me back later.”
    â€œI got you,” Terrance said.
    Later on that afternoon, Chef Gavin coached Terrance in making a meal for two that he hoped Mona would enjoy.

Chapter Nineteen
    Charlotte and Kem sat across from Mona at the table in the coffee shop down the street from the gym they frequented.
    â€œDoesn’t sound like you need the 2-Of-A-Kind dating service anymore. Things between you and Terrance seem to be heated,” Kem said.
    â€œThat’s just it. Is it about sex or more?” Mona asked. It was a question she’d wanted to ask Terrance but was afraid to know the answer.
    Charlotte sipped on her cafe au lait. “Didn’t you say he wanted to pursue more with you? You’re the one who’s been hesitant.”
    â€œHa. You’re one to talk. Do I need to remind you how much grief you caused Sean before you finally gave him a chance,” Mona said.
    â€œThis is not about me. This conversation is about you, so let’s not change the subject,” Charlotte said with a smile.
    â€œPeople don’t ever like talking about their own drama but want to be all in my business.”
    Kem laughed. “You’re just as dramatic as some of my characters. I say give Terrance a chance. Forget the other dude.”
    â€œI’ll think about it. For now, I’ll enjoy our sexual escapades, but I want a man who is not afraid of commitment. If either one of you can tell me the last time you’ve seen Terrance with the same woman twice, I will wash your car for the next three months.”
    Kem and Charlotte looked as if they were thinking. Neither said anything.
    â€œMy point exactly. I got other things to do. I’ll see you ladies later,” Mona said.
    They hugged each other and they all went to their separate destinations.
    Mona went home and took a long shower. After getting dressed, she decided to check in on the dating site one last time. There was still no message from Falcon on it.
    She shrugged her shoulders. Guess he really was too good to be true.
    She put on her pair of black and pink sneakers that matched her pink and black jogging suit. She pulled her hair back into a ponytail and headed to Terrance’s.
    Terrance greeted her with a hug and a kiss on the cheek when he opened the door. “Something sure does smell good,” she said, as she took in the aroma coming from the kitchen.
    Terrance was dressed in a pair of jeans and a polo shirt. “I guess I could have worn something else.” Mona began to feel self-conscious.
    â€œNonsense. It’s just the two of us. I thought we would eat and talk about the pitch afterwards,” Terrance said.
    Terrance led her to the dining room. He held out a chair. “Have a seat.”
    Before she sat down, she asked, “Do you need me to help you with anything?”
    â€œNo. I will bring your plate out to you.”
    â€œI can get used to being served,” Mona said, as she took a seat. She sat near the end of the long oval dining room table that could sit ten people.
    It didn’t