Teaser
Ziya and Tanner sat across from each other in the cozy little bistro, their eyes locked in a dance of nostalgia and uncertainty. They had been best friends in elementary school, and now, years later, their mothers had orchestrated this reunion before dinner. Tanner couldn’t help but admire Ziya, and he made it clear.
He looked at her as if she were all the sustenance he needed. Mocha brown skin, natural curly hair that brushed her shoulders. Amber eyes, luscious lips and a curvy body. She was everything and he wanted her now.
Ziya spoke first, her tone half-teasing and half-nervous. “Omg, can you stop staring at me?”
Tanner smirked, his eyes twinkling mischievously. “Why can’t I? That’s why we’re on a date, right? I can at least look at you.”
Ziya raised an eyebrow, a hint of skepticism in her voice. “Well, you look like you wanna eat me.”
Tanner’s grin widened. “Maybe I do.”
Ziya sighed, her tone turning more serious. “Tanner, look. I get that you’re back in town or whatever, but things are different. You and I are different.”
Tanner nodded, leaning in slightly. “Of course, we are. Man and woman. We grew up.”
Ziya hesitated, her fingers toying with her silverware. “Yeah, you’re all hot and everything, and I’m the nerdy black girl.”
He leaned back, a playful glint in his eye. “Did you just admit you think I’m hot?”
Ziya shook her head, trying to regain her focus. “Stay focused here. That’s not the point.”
Tanner leaned forward again, his expression earnest. “Okay. Let me get this straight. You think that you’re not on my level?”
Ziya nodded, a hint of vulnerability in her eyes. “Yep. Look, I don’t go out. I’m a homebody. I game and read all day outside of work – you’re not like that.”
Tanner chuckled, his gaze softening. “Really?”
Ziya couldn’t help but smile at his response. “Come on, corporate guy. Tats everywhere. I’m sure you party and date hot models – Instagram and real-life ones, right? See, I’m not in the same league. As far as I’m concerned, I’m a step down from what you’re used to. Practically the girl next door.”
Tanner reached across the table, gently taking her hand in his. “And that’s what I want.”
Ziya looked at him in surprise. “Seriously?”
Tanner nodded; his eyes locked onto hers. “Yep. Positive. I want something simple. We don’t have to go out that much if you don’t want to, but I know I want you. So thanks for the speech, but you’re exactly what I’m looking for.”
Ziya blinked, her heart racing as she processed his words. “But this is not a date.”
Tanner smiled, his thumb caressing her hand. “Well, to me, it is.”
Ziya’s skin felt like it was on fire. She couldn’t stop looking at his thumb. The sensation was soothing and hypnotic. Looking up at him she sighed inwardly. “This is all moving way too fast.”
Tanner nodded, keeping his eyes locked on her. “Okay. How would you prefer us to do this?”
A blush spread across her face, and he smiled, “Do what? Tanner, we barely know each other. We’re not the same little kids anymore.”
“So, let’s change that,” Tanner’s hands moved further down her arms. She realized he was being gentle, but he was pulling her closer to him as he caressed her.
Before Ziya could respond, her phone buzzed on the table, breaking the intense atmosphere between them. She looked at the caller ID and let out a soft groan. “It’s my mom,” she muttered, reluctantly answering the call.
“Ziya, hon, dinner is ready, and we’re waiting for you and Tanner to get back,” Ziya’s mother spoke on the other end of the line with a hint of mischievousness.
Ziya sighed, glancing at Tanner apologetically. “Looks like we have to cut this short. Sorry, mama’s orders. Dinner awaits.”
Tanner chuckled, his deep voice vibrating with amusement. “No problem, babe. I guess this means we’ll have to continue this conversation another time.”
Ziya nodded, feeling a mixture of relief and disappointment. “Definitely. I think we have a lot more to talk about.”
Tanner stood up from his seat and leaned in to give Ziya a quick peck on the cheek, but he didn’t instead he took in her scent, his lips brushed across her cheek as he spoke. “I’ll hold you to that,” he said, a hint of a promise in his voice.
Ziya blushed, feeling a pleasant warmth spread through her cheeks and other places. “I’ll be looking forward to it. Thanks for understanding.”
As they made their way out of the bistro, hand in hand, Ziya couldn’t help but feel a glimmer of hope. Maybe, just maybe, this unexpected reunion had the potential to turn into something more than just a dinner with an old friend. She squeezed Tanner’s hand gently, her heart fluttering with anticipation of what the future might hold.
“Um Ziya,” Tanner laughed as she turned to him. He held up their hands. She blushed, realizing she hadn’t let go. She giggled and let go of his hand, feeling a delightful sense of shyness take over. “Sorry, I didn’t realize...”
Tanner chuckled, his eyes twinkling with mischief. “No apologies needed. I quite enjoyed holding your hand, actually. But don’t worry, we have plenty of time for more hand-holding and other delightful activities.”
Ziya blushed even deeper, her heart racing at the implication. “Oh, really? And what other activities might those be?”
Tanner leaned in, his voice a low whisper. “Well, I think we should start with dinner at your place and see where the night takes us... maybe some wine, some laughter, and who knows, maybe a little bit of romance?”
Ziya’s eyes widened, her face turning crimson as she stuttered, “Tanner, I’m glad you think that you can charm me.”
He grinned, mischief dancing in his eyes. “Well, then I’ll take that as a good sign. I’ll bring the wine, you provide the laughter, and together we’ll create the perfect recipe for something deeper.”
Ziya couldn’t help but laugh, her nervousness melting away. “Maybe. But no promises on the romance part.”
Tanner winked, his grin widening. “Oh, I think I can be quite persuasive when I want to be. Just you wait and see.”
Together they stepped out of the restaurant. The night air was colder than when they arrived, pulling her sweater closer she stepped behind Tanner as they walked back to his car. He opened the door for her, and she went in. Once he got in the driver’s seat, he let the car warm up and turned on the heat. They sat in silence. Ziya was visibly cold, so Tanner reached over and placed his hand on hers. “Thanks,” she mumbled as she turned to look at him.
He looked at her and bit his lip, “Fuck.”
“Huh?” Ziya blinked. “Ok, you like me or whatever, but I am not that hot so chill.”
Tanner laughed as he cranked up the car. “Maybe you think you look average, but to me, your fucking beautiful, Zy.”
Ziya turned away from him and watched the road. She didn’t say anything when he turned on the radio and the speakers vibrated with the base line of the Box. Tanner began humming to himself as he took the highway back to her mother’s.
