Read Online Doin' Me by Wanda B. Campbell - Free Book Online Page B

genuine.
    â€œThank you for sharing this meal with me,” Peyton said once he had fitted his long frame in the chair.
    â€œYou’re welcome,” Reyna said while twirling a noodle around her fork. “I am curious, though. Why do you want to know me?”
    Peyton poked a broccoli spear, then looked up. “Do you want the truth or some corny line?”
    â€œThe truth,” Reyna answered before biting into a chicken wing. “The truth is always best.”
    â€œOkay, but don’t say I didn’t warn you,” he said after swallowing. “I saw you walk in, and I liked what I saw. You look like a woman who could stimulate my mind.”
    Reyna smirked. “That last part was corny. But thanks for the compliment.” She looked down at his left hand again. Reyna was determined not to make the same mistake twice. “Are you married?”
    â€œNo,” he answered without hesitation.
    â€œGay? Bisexual? In a relationship of any kind?” Reyna rattled off the questions, then held her breath for the answers.
    Peyton chuckled. “No. No. No. And no, I don’t have any children running around. What about you?”
    Reyna finally exhaled. Peyton had potential. “No to all of the above.”
    â€œNow that that’s out of the way, tell me about yourself.” Peyton appeared visibly relaxed as he listened to Reyna talk about working in real estate.
    â€œWhat about you?” she asked.
    â€œI’m an investment banker in the city.” That was how local residents referred to San Francisco. He went on to share some experiences related to his position at one of the top firms in San Francisco.
    As she ate, Reyna observed his mannerisms and listened to his speech. Peyton appeared confident in his ability at work but said nothing about family and God. That scored well with Reyna.
    â€œDo you live near here?” Peyton asked as Reyna finished the last chicken wing.
    She washed down the garlic delight with a drink of water before answering, “I’m about ten minutes away, in Broadway Terrace.” A smile creased his face, and Reyna felt proud to say she lived among the Bay Area elite, even if she was renting from a friend. “What about you? Do you stay in the city?”
    â€œMost of the time.” He paused and leaned in so close, Reyna felt his breath against her skin. “But for the right person I’d be willing to commute.”
    Reyna pushed back from the table. Peyton was handsome and employed, but she still didn’t know him. “I have to get back to work,” she announced as she stood.
    Peyton stood and gently grabbed her arm. “Please, may I have your number before you go? I’d love to see you again.”
    Reyna looked down at the light manicured hand touching her and was amazed she felt the heat of his touch through the fabric of her jacket. For a brief moment she entertained the truth: dating someone outside of her race fascinated her.
    â€œSorry, Peyton, but I don’t think that’s a good idea. Lunch was good, but it didn’t earn my phone number. After all, I don’t even know your last name.” She reclaimed her arm and made a dash for the exit.
    â€œCovington. My full name is Peyton Ryan Covington.”
    Reyna stopped dead in her tracks. By stating his full name, this stranger had given her more than the man she’d naively shared her body with. She ignored the intuitive warning and retraced her steps.

Chapter 10
    â€œDo you want to talk about it, or what?” Kevin asked after Tyson threw his racket on the wood-paneled floor after missing the ball for the third time.
    Tyson usually excelled in racquetball, but today his game was way off. His whole day had been off-kilter. He’d overslept and almost missed a preliminary hearing. In the rush to make it to the courtroom on time, he’d parked in a handicapped space and received a four-hundred-dollar parking violation ticket.