Free Her First by Diamond Mckenzie Page B

what was known as restaurant row.
    “So many choices. How about Outback Steakhouse?”
    “Steak it is.”
    After pulling into the parking lot, he found a spot near the door. Before getting out the vehicle, Madison commented, “I love this song. Is this his latest?”
    “Yes, I picked it up last week.”
    Ethan walked around and opened her door. “And you’re just now letting me know about it. Tsk. Tsk.”
    As they walked towards the restaurant, he said, “I’ll make you a copy.”
    “I want the original.” Madison batted her eyes at him as he opened the door.
    “I’ll think about it.”
    Before she could respond, a hostess spoke, “How many in your party?”
    “Two,” Ethan answered.
    They followed one of the waiters to a table. As they sat, Madison commented, “This place is still crowded. I thought by going to lunch at one, it wouldn’t be.”
    “Seems like everybody else had the same idea.”
    They enjoyed the rest of their lunch, taking time to flirt in between bites. On the ride back to Madison’s job, Ethan turned up the music.  As he drove, he watched Madison sway to the smooth sound of the music.
    When he dropped her off, it was hard saying good-bye. They stood outside the passenger door. He cornered her in. “I wish you could play hooky for the rest of the day.”
    Glazing into his eyes, Madison didn’t say anything, instead she took her hand and put it on the back of his neck and pulled his mouth onto hers. “That should hold you until tonight.”
    Ethan was left standing, watching her sashay into her office building. He re-adjusted his pants and got in his SUV.
     

Chapter 16
     
    Madison glanced at the clock. It was after six and she had been trying to decide on an outfit for at least an hour. She finally decided on a pair of red slacks, a white satin blouse, and a matching red jacket. She threw on her red pumps and made sure her Mac make-up was intact.
    She was putting on her lip gloss when the doorbell rang.
    “I’m coming,” she yelled.
    Ethan stood with a bouquet of red roses when she opened the door. “These are for you,” he said.
    “Thanks. How lovely,” she said while taking them and smelling the fragrance.
    “Red is your color,” Ethan said as they walked to the living room.
    Madison placed the roses in the center of her coffee table.  “These roses are perfect.”
    “Just like you.”
    She nervously laughed. “I wish.”
    “Come here.” Ethan wrapped his arms around her waist. “To me, you are.”
    Madison was nervous. She could feel the sweat under her armpits. “Hey, we better get going. My stomach’s been growling for the last hour.”
    He hesitated before releasing his embrace. “I’m hungry too, but not for food.”
    She picked up her keys and her mini-loop bag. “You can stand in that one spot if you want to, but food is calling my name.”
    Ethan followed her out the front door.
     
    ***
     
    On the ride to the restaurant there was light conversation as The Oasis, a Dallas radio station, played in the background.  About fifteen minutes later they arrived at their destination.  For a weekday, the popular seafood restaurant was packed.  They were immediately seated, but had to wait a few minutes before a waitress came to their table to take their orders.
    “Have you decided on what you want to order?” Ethan asked.
    Without looking up, she replied, “I should know what I want, since me and my friends come here all of the time.”
    “I know. Frederick and I used to hang out here every Sunday after church.”
    Madison lowered her menu. “I bet y’all did.”
    “What do you mean by that?” Ethan asked trying to sound innocent.
    “Everybody knows that Friday nights and Sunday evenings, men and women come to scout out the opposite sex.”
    “Is that why you and your friends hung out here?”
    “Of course.” Madison grinned and lifted the menu to hide her face.
    Before Ethan could retort, a waitress stopped at the table. “Would you like to order