“It won’t change anything except maybe the owner. And like I said, it’s to lean on you.”
Frowning, I looked up at Ezra. “He won’t be the owner?”
Ezra sighed. “He has no use for a bakery in Moulton, Alabama. But he does have a use for you. Giving your mother a bakery is his way of controlling the variables. Of buying you indirectly.”
Oh.
I sat there torn between relief and fear. Mother wouldn’t lose her job, but she might own the place because of him. If I made him happy by staying. If I became the ‘Samantha’ he desired.
“What have I done?” I whispered.
He didn’t have a response. “For now, just continue as you are. Let him decide his next move. I’ll know before you and I’ll find you. We can then prepare your reaction.”
This wasn’t how I expected our night to go. But knowing I had Ezra on my side did help ease the fear. He seemed strong enough to help me. Ezra wasn’t scared of Hale’s power. I doubted he was scared of anyone. He had his own secrets I could never know, which should terrify and consume my interest, though they didn’t, not in the least.
“Now you know the worst. Let’s forget it and enjoy our night.”
That couldn’t be the worst. What I didn’t know had to be worse than that. I knew that and he knew that I knew.
The cab stopped and Ezra handed him a twenty. “Keep the change,” he said. He then opened his door to climb out. I took his hand and followed to the curb.
We were headed for the restaurant before I realized I hadn’t even looked around, inside the cab or into the city. There was no memory to tuck away. The interior of the car or its details. My mind had been somewhere else. I didn’t want my entire night to not be recalled in the future, because of what Ezra had told me. I wanted to enjoy his company. When would I see him again?
“I’ve never had Thai food, like I said.”
“You like spicy food?” he asked.
I nodded and then I said “yessir.”
“Then you’ll love it. It can be the hottest.”
I was sure Ezra was right. In Moulton the most exotic restaurant was an Italian place that served pizza. They had red-checkered table clothes and a limited pasta selection. There were candles on the tables with Italian music playing on the speakers, which set the mood. It was owned by a guy named Willy. Willy Joe who also worked as a welder. His wife Fanny ran the place.
The Thai restaurant was like an underground bar with colorful people and intriguing decorations and I forgot about my current predicament. I let myself soak it all in. Filed it away in my memory. It was another dream come true.
“I think you’re right. I’m going to like this.”
He squeezed my hand. “Love. You’ll love it.”
Chapter Thirteen
Thai food was different, but delicious. Ezra ordered a la carte and we shared five dishes because I couldn’t make up my mind. The bottle of Pinot Gris that Ezra had ordered was good and worked well with the hotness. And once again I drank too much, though it was due to the spicy food.
I was giggling when we stepped from the cab to the street. Ezra had his arm around my waist. My hands and head didn’t feel very steady and I couldn’t walk without weaving. The whole shebang was hilarious to me.
“You’re a light weight,” he teasingly said.
“No, I’m just not a big drinker.” I then stopped, hiccupped and laughed. “Normally I have moonshine punch at the barn dance once a year.”
“Moonshine, huh? That’s impressive.”
I leaned into him as we walked off the elevator and approached Hale’s front door. “It’s not as yummy as the wine… moonshine isn’t… actually it’s not yummy at all. It tastes like burnt stream water, if that were even possible.”
I laughed and he laughed too. “No, I guess it isn’t yummy. What moonshine I’ve tasted was sour and harsh. But after a glass it got better. After two I forgot where I was.”
I started to punch in the code. Ezra did it instead. How did he know the code? He’d never walked in before. Hale must trust him to give him those numbers with a kabillion expensive things waiting inside for the taking.
“You need a shower. I’ll make a pot of coffee.” He led me inside without mauling me. I’d heard stories but with him I felt safe.
I agreed a shower would feel wonderful. “Okay,” I replied. “Good suggestion.”
I started to walk away and then I changed my mind. I wanted a kiss again. The kind he’d given me before. If he was leaving I wanted something to remember. Was I the one mauling him?
Tripping to Ezra I grabbed both of his arms and stood on the tips of my toes, pressing my mouth to his own. He quickly wrapped his arms around me and I was glad for the support and embrace, otherwise I would’ve sprawled on the floor.
He didn’t stop me, but instead, returned the kiss and let me taste the exotic food and wine still lingering on his tongue and in his mouth. I moaned, at least I thought I moaned, because Ezra didn’t strike me as a moaner.
His hands scaled my spine in creeps until his thumbs were inches from my breasts. I wanted to arch my back so he could cover them both with his hands. Before I invited Ezra to continue he set me back away from his reach. I was cold and wanted his warmth.
When I opened my mouth to protest he raised an eyebrow and showed who he was. “You’re drunk Sammy Jo and might regret it. As good as you feel and taste, I won’t take advantage where I shouldn’t. Your offer is sweet and sexy. And yes, I’d love to paw you, but I think I will pass till you’re sober.