My Heart Lingers (A Hearts of Misty Mesa Story): BWWM Interracial Romance by Brandi Boddie Page B

and left her a little intimidated. “Things are different, Cole,” she reminded him softly. “They have been for a while.” She took a deep breath. “I believe you could’ve also kissed me because you remembered something from the past and thought it was still there.”
    “Things are different, but I’m not living in the past. What we did was right in the moment. You can’t tell me you didn’t feel it.”
    “I’d be lying if I said I didn’t, but I’m not a teenager anymore. I can’t always go by what I feel. I have to take care of myself. I learned that lesson the hard way a long time ago.” Kyra heard her phone beep in her purse, reminding her to meet Mike in fifteen minutes. She was going to be late. “Listen, Cole, I have to leave. Let’s not make this messy, okay? Thanks for fixing the kitchen faucet.”
    He picked up his toolbox and left the house without a word. The door shut quietly but firmly behind him.
    Kyra exhaled. She put her hand to her forehead and gripped her temples. No matter the distance or years apart, it seemed like time did nothing to repair her old wounds. She thought she was a new woman, but one kiss from Cole and the scars she thought were healed opened up again.
    She heard his truck start. She went to the window to see him drive away. The rain had stopped, leaving the outside world gloomy and dim. Kyra caught her reflection in the glass. She looked about as miserable as the outdoors. Her eyes were tired, but her lips were pink and swollen from Cole’s kiss. The wounds were still raw. This time, she wondered if they would ever mend.

 
     
     
Chapter 6
     
     
    Rico’s Tapas &Wine Bar brought a modern Latin edge to the usual Tex-Mex joints on downtown Main Street. Once Kyra entered the restaurant, she was greeted by the sounds of a live band performing salsa music and patrons giving each other a turn on the dance floor. She hoped Mike wouldn’t ask her to dance. After her encounter with Cole, the hot brand of his kiss on her lips remained. Dancing with another man was the last thing she was in the mood for. At least she could use the excuse that she injured her ankle and it was in the process of healing.
    The restaurant host showed her to the table Mike reserved for them. He was already seated with two empty wine glasses and a half-eaten tray of tapas. He pressed a cell phone to his ear and talked loudly over the music. Kyra gave him a nod after the host departed for the front of the restaurant.
    He waved to her with his free hand. “Hey, John, I gotta call you later.” He put the phone on the table. “Hey, girl. Glad you made it.” He got up and gave her a one-arm hug. It was subtle this time. Whether it was because they were in a crowded restaurant or Cole wasn’t there to frown on him, Kyra couldn’t tell why.
    She returned his hug with a friendly pat on the shoulder. “I’m not too late, am I? I see you already ordered.”
    “No, I was just hungry. I didn’t eat a big lunch. So what are you having?” He flagged down a server. “My treat.”
    “You don’t have to do that, Mike.” She ordered a glass of red wine and informed the server to put her order on a separate tab.
    “It’s not a problem, Kyra. Waiter, you can put it all on my tab.”
    “Yes, sir.” The server nodded efficiently, not wanting to wait around while they fought over who was taking care of the check. “Anything else for the lady to start with?”
    Mike interjected before Kyra could answer. “Bring her out some of those ahi tuna tostadas. Those are really good.”
    “Right away.” The server hurried off to fill Kyra’s drink order and bring the tapas.
    “So what do you think?” Mike asked Kyra’s opinion as she settled into her surroundings.
    “I don’t know. I haven’t tried anything yet.”
    “I know that.” He laughed loud enough for people at the next table to turn around and glance at him. “I meant, what do you think of the restaurant? Really hip and modern,