Twisted by Imari Jade Page B

cell phone rang just as she was about to go out the door. “Hello?”
    It was Alexis. “What are you doing?”
    “Getting ready to go out,” Tina replied.
    “Where and with whom?” her nosey best friend asked.
    “Sight-seeing with Kevin,” Tina answered. “How are things back home?”
    “Runny smoothly,” Alexis answered. “No fires to stomp out, no feelings to soothe. Everything is great.”
    “How’s Erik?” Tina asked. She still never had a chance to talk to him about the panties or him being out on a date with that blonde.
    “He’s okay. I guess. I see him every now and then, moping around. I guess he’s figured out that you’re not buying him his dream store.”
    “He’ll get over it,” Tina replied, still pissed at him.
    “So how did the meeting go?”
    “The toy manufacturer just loved our designs. They started production before we left the office.”
    “And is Kevin enjoying San Francisco?”
    “I think so. He really was pleased by the way the meeting went, and everyone congratulated us on our partnership. So to celebrate, he’s taking me out to see the town.”
    “You two do make a good team,” Alexis told her. “So, where is he taking you?”
    “I have no idea, but I’ve got to go. I’m supposed to meet him in the lobby in five minutes.”
    “Have fun, Tina,” Alexis told her. “You deserve to let your hair down a little. The company will still be here when you get back.”
    “I know,” Tina said. “And thinks for being there for me.”
    “Any time,” Alexis said. “I have to go too. Jerome is off tonight and he went out to get some champagne.”
    “Ooh,” Tina said. “Don’t get pregnant.”
    “You either,” Alexis said, and then she hung up.
    “Well, I don’t have to worry about that,” Tina said, shoving her phone into her pocket. She grabbed her purse and hurried out of the door. She found Kevin in the lobby waiting, dressed in a pair of blue jeans and a pull over shirt. “I hope I didn’t keep you waiting. Alexis called just as I was going out the door.”
    “Is anything wrong?” Kevin asked as he held the hotel door open for her.
    “No, she just wanted to know how we did in the meeting. But she had to get off the phone because she and Jerome had this romantic night planned since he has the night off.”
    “Sounds exciting,” Kevin said. “But we’ll have fun too.” He messed with her hair. “I like the ponytail. Now everyone in San Francisco can see your beautiful face.”
    Tina punched him playfully on the shoulder. “Thanks,” she said. “And we’re wearing matching outfits.” She had on a pair of jeans and a light blue pull over sweater.
    “I’m serious about your face.”
    “Thanks,” she said again. “You always know the right thing to say.”
    “I’m only speaking the truth,” he said. He hailed a taxi and they climbed inside when it arrived.
    “Where to?” The taxi driver asked.
    “Fisherman’s Warf,” Kevin said.
    Tina’s eyes widened. She’d always wanted to go there.
     
    ****
     
    “Thanks for a lovely evening,” Tina said as they walked around outside the hotel after getting out of a taxi. The night was a bit chilly, but pretty. “I don’t remember the last time I’ve had so much fun.”
    “You’re quite welcome,” Kevin said. “We’ll have to do it again sometime.”
    Tina nodded. It had been a successful day and Kevin had been very attentive and quite knowledgeable about San Francisco.
    “So, what are your plans for later?”
    “Resting,” Tina said. “I brought along my electronic book reader.”
    “Me too,” Kevin admitted. “I’m hooked on this paranormal series called Blinders .”
    “I’m reading that too,” Tina replied.
    They both laughed.
    “My library is filled with romance and paranormal,” Tina told him.
    “I’m reading interracial romance too,” Kevin replied.
    “Are they any good?” Tina asked.
    Kevin nodded. “You get to learn about two different and unique cultures, and see