worries, you’re right on time. We haven’t even started yet.” Then, “Is this everything?”
Ebony nodded.
The aroma seeping out of the pots was tormenting Xavier’s empty stomach. Closing his eyes, he inhaled deeply. “Something sure smells good.” He motioned with his head to the pots. “What do you have in here?”
Ebony pointed to the pot in his right hand. “Sweet and sour meatballs. The other one has fried chicken. The vegetable casserole, coconut rice and cream and mushroom soup are in these grocery bags.” She trailed him downstairs, appreciating the view of his tight butt and muscular legs. Does the man ever have a body on him!
Xavier ducked into the kitchen, leaving Ebony in the banquet hall with the others. She blinked rapidly, as her eyes took in their surroundings. Was this the same room she had been in four days ago? The dim lights and oversize paintings had concealed flaky paint, crumbling borders and a stained and tattered carpet. The once elegantly dressed tables were now bare, revealing food stains, pen markings and chipped wood.
A fair-skinned woman, wearing an auburn wig, which looked like it was clinging to her head for dear life, waved her over. “Hello there,” she greeted, with a full smile on her plump, collagen-enhanced lips. “I’m Sister Bertha and the man over there in the beige fedora is my husband. Say hello to the pretty lady, Willy.”
When the man did as he was told, Ebony said, “It’s nice meeting you both.”
“Wow! Your hair is just too cute.” Sister Bertha touched her nape with clawlike fingernails. “All the big celebrities are wearing their hair like you. I just love the cut. Do you think I should do my hair like that?”
Sister Bertha fluffed her hair and Ebony just about fell out laughing. The sixty-something woman evidently thought she had it going on in her chartreuse A-line dress, multicolored sandals and heavy makeup. The ensemble was hideous, but Ebony couldn’t help admiring the old lady’s spunk. She didn’t know about the others, but she was going to get along just fine with Sister Bertha. “I think it would look great,” she lied, averting her gaze. God, forgive me for lying in church.
Sister Bertha introduced her to the others. Mr. and Mrs. Hawthorne were the oldest couple, and the introductions seemed to interrupt a heated argument; Maria and Jules Hernandez were a nice-looking Mexican couple, who confessed that they had celebrated their thirtieth wedding anniversary yesterday. After offering her congratulations, Ebony excused herself and set out to find the unbelievably handsome program coordinator. She didn’t have to look very far. Xavier stood at the back of the kitchen, with a plate of food in his hand and a fork in his mouth.
“What are you doing?”
The sound of Ebony’s voice startled Xavier.
She pointed a finger at the stove, which was topped with plastic bags, casserole dishes and various sizes of pots and containers. Fixing a hand on her lap, she said, “The food you’re eating is supposed to be for the homeless.”
“I know, but—”
“But nothing. Put down that plate and step away from the stove before I call Sister Bertha in here.” The tone of her voice was harsh, but Xavier could tell by the way her mouth was twitching that she was trying hard not to laugh.
Xavier did what he was told, but not before he ate the last three meatballs on his plate. Shamefaced, he threw his hands up in surrender. “Guilty as charged. I was in here tasting the food. But I was starving and the food smelled so good!” He grabbed a napkin from the counter and cleaned his mouth. “You sure can cook! Those are the best sweet and sour meatballs I’ve ever had.” He walked toward her, a smile playing on his lips. “It’s true what they say, you know. The fastest way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.”
That’s not the only way, Ebony thought, returning his smile.
He pointed at the stainless steel pot he had carried into the kitchen. “You’re going to have to teach me how to make those.”
What’s the harm in letting him think I cooked the food? It might help him see me in a better light. Deciding she wasn’t breaking any of the Ten Commandments by not correcting him, she said, “I’m glad the food is to your liking, Xavier, but keep in mind it’s for the less fortunate. I didn’t slave over a hot stove for three hours so you can eat it all up before the guests arrive.” Ebony ignored the guilt pricking her heart. She waved a hand toward the stove. “It’s hard work cooking all that food.” Now you’re overdoing it, said a voice. Remember, less is always more.
Xavier cocked his head to the right. He crossed his arms over his chest as he locked eyes with the woman sharing his personal space. Oval-shaped face. Accentuated cheekbones. Small, even teeth flanked by an inviting mouth. A black calf-length body-hugging dress masked her full chest, curvaceous hips and thick thighs.
Black…Black…Black…Ebony! Her name is Ebony! Xavier couldn’t hold back his smile. Remembering her name saved him the embarrassment of having to ask. His eyes returned to her face. She was without a doubt his sexiest volunteer to date. He would have to be careful. Very careful. Caution had to be the order of the day whenever she was around. Ebony was a clear and present danger to his emotional and physical well-being, and if he wasn’t vigilant he just might yield to her seductive charms. Strikingly beautiful women had the power to turn even the most moral and upright man out, and Xavier didn’t want to be the newest member inducted into the Sucker Hall of Fame.
Ebony was just another woman. Albeit, a provocative and amorous one, but a woman nonetheless. He had mixed feelings about her, but decided to reserve judgment until he got to know her better. Xavier plucked at his shirt. Is it just me or is it hot in here? he thought, feeling like the walls of the kitchen were shrinking. Is it her come-hither stare that’s got me hot under the collar or did someone turn up the thermostat?
He watched Ebony walk over to the fridge and pour herself a glass of juice. When she raised the glass to her lips, he wondered what it would be like to kiss her. Sucking her bottom lip. Licking the—Xavier gave his head a good shake. Clearing his throat, he dragged his eyes away from her face. You’re in church for God’s sake! Stop lusting after that woman! She’s bad news. But soon, his eyes were back on her. Ebony gave new credence to what made a woman sexy. She definitely had a penchant for fine clothes, but it wasn’t her outfit or makeup or diamond rings that made her desirable. It was the way she carried herself. Her lithe movements and sensual grace. She walked like the ground was her runway. Shoulders squared. Chin up. Arms hung loosely at her side. Elegance was integrated in every move. And every step she took was flawless. It was these formidable characteristics that left Xavier wondering why she was here. Volunteers didn’t look or act or sound like her.
“Don’t take offense to what I’m about to say, but you’re the last person I would’ve expected to volunteer,” he said, voicing his thoughts.
“Oh, really? Why’s that?”
“Well, with your twelve-hour days and all, I didn’t think someone in such high demand would have the time.”
Now I have to stay. Ebony stepped toward him, took off her cream-colored trench coat, and flung it over a chair. Xavier had pegged her all wrong, and there was nothing she enjoyed more than proving people wrong. How hard could it be serving the homeless? Ebony was a little bummed about missing the season finale of her favorite show but this was more important. Xavier-the-know-it-all Reed would see just how charitable and generous she could be. She would have to catch the season finale of CSI Miami some other time, because tonight there was nothing more important than teaching
