Sapphire Attraction (The Drakes of California) by Zuri Day

Author:Zuri Day
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2016-06-01T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter 15

“Are the two of you dating? It’s none of my business, but you knew I’d ask.”

“No, we’re not dating.”

It was a little after eleven o’clock. Against his better judgment, Ike had given in to Audrey’s plea to stop by after leaving the Drake Community Center for coffee and a chat. She’d pointed out that they hadn’t seen much of each other lately because of the Ten Drake Plaza deal, which was true. But he also knew that Quinn would be the topic of conversation. He’d agreed, figuring that tonight was as good a time as any to have the discussion and be done with it. Now that it was actually happening, though, he realized he’d much rather be in bed. Or with Quinn. Or both.

“Do you want to date her? It would be easy to see why if you did. She’s a beautiful woman.”

“Yes, she’s gorgeous. No doubt about that.”

“But she’s so young—what, twenty-two or -three?”

“Twenty-five.”

“She doesn’t seem like your type. But then again, women like her have a way with anyone possessing a penis.”

“What does that mean?”

“No need to jump to her defense. That wasn’t meant to be derisive.”

“It sounded rather derisive, Audrey.”

“I think I need something stronger than coffee.” She walked over to her bar. “Care for some liqueur in your cup?”

“No, I’m good. Thanks.”

“I watched her interact with your mom and dad. She’s bubbly and flirty, knows what to say to make a man feel good. People period, probably.”

“Is that a bad thing?”

Audrey finished mixing her drink and instead of sitting in the chair she’d left, joined Ike on the couch. “No, it’s a definite asset. One that has obviously worked on you.”

Ike couldn’t think of any response to that bomb of a sentence that wouldn’t cause it to explode, so he remained quiet.

“No denial?”

“Audrey...”

“No, Ike. Don’t feel uncomfortable. I’m not asking this as the jealous ex, but as your friend. That’s what we were before we started dating, and that’s what we agreed to be now. If you’d rather not discuss her, fine. I’ll understand. It’s just that I saw how you looked at her when she wasn’t watching. Afterward, I tried to remember a time when you looked at me that way. And I couldn’t.”

“I don’t know what you want me to say.”

“You don’t have to say anything. But as your friend, and someone who still loves you probably more than I should, I want to say this to you. Be careful.”

“Audrey, I’m not dating the girl, all right?”

“I know. I hear you. Even so, I still want to say it. I don’t have anything against her. I don’t know her personally. But I know women like her. And even more, I know you. I know how you love. I don’t want to see you hurt. And a woman like her...will crush you.”

Ike nodded, finished his coffee and stood.

She did, too. “Now I’ve run you off. I’m sorry.”

“Not at all. If you’ll remember, part of my argument in not stopping by was the work I have waiting for me at home.

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