He FaceTimed her later that evening, and she moved the call to her laptop in order to see him better.
“Hey, Jas. Missed you. How’d your day go?”
Her response had him staring back in shock. “Were they Vernon’s partner’s hands?”
She paused. “Why would they be Mr. Boyd’s hands?”
“Whoever killed him also cut off his hands.”
“What! Oh Lord. I didn’t know that. Goodness. Then maybe?” She was floored. “The detectives didn’t say. They just took them away, along with the note.” The hands floated across her memory again, and she shuddered.
“Do you want some company?”
“No. I’m glad to hear your voice, though. Been needing it.”
“I can come over.”
She shook her head. “I just want to sit. I’ll see you tomorrow, and I’ll be pretending today never happened, so bring your A game.”
He smiled. “Okay. I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you.”
“No apology needed. How was your day?”
“Way less stressful than yours. I’ll tell you about it when we get together tomorrow.”
“Sounds good. I’m going to lock myself down with dinner and a good book.”
“Okay. I’d much rather you lock down with me, but I’m going to let you handle you.”
“Thanks.”
“If you need anything, you know what to do?”
“I do. I’ll see you at Andre’s.”
“Get some rest, Lady Librarian.”
“I will.”
The call ended, and she sighed with as much contentment as a woman who’d been sent a pair of severed hands could.
Seated on a bench by the restaurant’s front door, Torr saw Jasmine exit her car, and the sight of her stole his breath. The straps on the bronze sundress left her sun-kissed brown shoulders bare, and the heart-shaped bodice offered a sensual glimpse of the smooth tops of her breasts. As she crossed the parking lot, the dress’s midcalf hem caught the breeze and showed off great legs that led to her very arousing red-tipped toes in short-heeled sandals. Peeking out from the soft cloud of natural hair framing her perfectly made-up face was a small white lily placed above her ear. He assumed it was from the ones he’d sent, and the significance of that, intentional or not, left him as hard as the iron bench he was seated on.
As she neared, he stood so she could see him. The smile she directed his way warmed him like sunshine. He remained concerned about yesterday, but since she’d said she planned to act as if the day hadn’t happened, he felt okay thinking about slowly easing one of those straps down and brushing his lips over her gorgeous skin instead.
“Hey there,” she called out. “How are you?”
“Doing well. You?”
“Doing great. It’s a beautiful day.”
“Yes, it is.” Almost as beautiful as you, he wanted to add. Instead, he simply took in the two gold chains delicately circling her throat and the matching hoops in her earlobes. “Shall we go in?”
She nodded. He got the door and followed her inside.
Andre’s was one of the best restaurants on the city’s east side. The food was excellent, as were the ambience and the service. Their early reservation time guaranteed they’d avoid the late-afternoon crush, giving him the opportunity to enjoy her company while the place was still relatively quiet.
The hostess escorted them to a corner of the covered outdoor dining area.
“Is out here okay?” Torr asked.
“This is fine.”
They sat. The hostess promised to send their server over promptly, then left them alone.
Jasmine was admittedly nervous. Other than her disastrous outing with Wayman Childs, she hadn’t been on a date in years, and never with someone as alluring as Torr Noble. “This is a great choice,” she said, hoping small talk would help slow her racing nerves. “The food, the jazz, always on point.”
“I agree.”
“And thank you again for the talk we had about the Vernon mess the other night.”
“Thanks for your grace.”
Moved by all that he was, she replied softly, “You’re welcome.”
“I like that you’re wearing one of the lilies.”
“I thought it would be a nice touch.”
“It is. You look good.”
“You’re looking pretty GQ yourself, Mr. Repo Man.” He was wearing black pants and a summer-weight black sports coat over a silky navy tee.
He leaned back, and the heat in his eyes, though muted, was still so fierce she had to look away.
A young man with freckles, brown skin, and short twists arrived. “I’m Brian, your server.” He handed them menus. “Can I start you off with drinks?”
“I’ll have the sweet tea,” Jas replied.
Torr ordered the same.
“Thanks. Be right back.”
Jasmine glanced up from her menu. Torr’s intense gaze was questioning. “Yes?”
“Just wondering how to convince you to spend the rest of the day with me.”
He was not helping her rattling nerves. “Nothing shy about you, is there?”
“Not with something I want.”
“And what is it that you want?”
“To keep this you-and-me thing going so I can know as much about you as you’re willing to reveal.”
“And?”
“To hear you laugh. Find out why your sisters are named after countries and cities. Hear your sighs when I make love to you.”
Heat pierced her, and she swayed in her chair. “Nope. Not shy at all.”
He gave her a smile.
“How about we have lunch first before we talk about me and my sighs.”
“I’m okay with that.”
Brian returned with their teas and set them down. “Are you ready to order?”
She requested the Asian salad with grilled shrimp. He chose a steak, fries, and a house salad. As Brian departed, the sight of Charles Taylor and the two minions walking in their direction made Jasmine freeze.
“What’s wrong?” Torr turned and took in the approaching Taylor. “What the hell is he doing here?”
His hard, angry tone shocked her. “You know him?”
“Yes. You?”
“Met him a few days ago. Not a highlight, believe me.”
Taylor reached their table. The sight of Torr widened his eyes before he narrowed them ominously. “Well, if it isn’t one of the Butchers of Benin.”
Jasmine stared.
Torr glared at him. “What do you want?”
“For you to be dead and the children you and your forces slaughtered to be alive, but sadly, that can never be. Ms. Ware. How are you? You haven’t called me.”
“I’ve had nothing to call you about.” She was still stuck on him describing Torr as a butcher. Had he really killed children?
Taylor continued, “I hope you won’t forget about our conversation. And you might want to keep better company. This man has powerful enemies. It would be a shame if they strike back at him through you or your family.”
“Are you threatening me?”
“No, just making an observation. I wouldn’t want you to be harmed.”