Page 7 of Love’s Decree

I gave her a wave. After all these years, she still irked my nerves. It was bad enough I never knew my father. A mother who came in and out of my life was ten times worse.

5

RORY

Aquarter after eight, my cab pulled in front of the address Aasim sent me earlier. I decided not to drive because I didn’t want to worry about parking the car. A cab ride allowed me to settle my nerves and not stress about my car. The spot was a cigar lounge that took up half the block. There were motorcycles lined up in front of the lounge. I tried not to let my nerves deter me from going back home. Regardless of what happened tonight, I knew I looked and smelled good.

My black, satin, wrap-around dress hugged me in all the right places. It gave just enough cleavage and showed off plenty of leg. I paired black strappy sandals on my feet with a black clutch. My earrings were gold and dangling. I paired them with a stack of gold bracelets on my wrist.

I stepped out of the cab and walked toward the large, gray, smoked-glass doors. Empire Lounge was written in script across the doors. As I entered the space, cigar smoke hit my nose, but so did the smell of vanilla and amber. The bar was so large that it covered an entire wall. Wooden floors in a chevron design covered the entire space. Several chandeliers were suspended throughout the space and were slightly dimmed. I felt the chill vibe of the spot from the moment I stepped inside. While I continued to check out my surroundings, I looked around to see if I could spot Aasim. When I didn’t see him, I walked over to the bar.

“Hey. What can I get you?” The bartender greeted me.

“I’m actually looking for Aasim. Do you know him?”

“He’s in his office in the back. Go straight and make a left. You can’t miss it.”

“Thank you.” I followed her directions and made my way toward the office. As I got closer to the office, anticipation of seeing Aasim filled me. Once outside the door, I gently knocked.

“Come in,” he said through the door.

I turned the doorknob as Aasim looked up at me from behind the desk. His expression was a mixture of surprise and lust. I knew I looked good, but the way he looked at me made me feel like he was undressing me with his eyes.

“The bartender told me I could find you back here.” I took in his handsome face as he took me in. A wave of heat went over my body as he continued to stare.

“You look beautiful tonight, sweetheart,” he said as he stood up from behind the desk. The moment he was in proximity, he pulled me in for a hug. “And you smell delicious.”

The giggle that escaped my lips was a surprise as he complimented me. I typically would return the compliment, but under Aasim’s gaze, I folded like a teenage girl.

“I knew you would show up,” he said.

“Cocky much?”

“Not cocky. Just confident that you felt the same spark I did last night.”

“I plead the fifth,” I replied.

“Real cute, counselor. Come on.”

Aasim took my hand and led me to a secluded area in the lounge. The dim lighting was reminiscent of the front area of the lounge. There was a beige-colored loveseat with small end tables on either side of the seat. One table had a few finger foods like fried shrimp with what looked like a chili sauce, chicken sliders, and french fries. The other table had a couple of slices of strawberry cheesecake and a box of Cuban cigars. I had my eye on the strawberry cheesecake.

“I hope the spread is okay. If you want something else, I can have a server bring it out,” Aasim said.

“I’m good. What are we drinking? I’m an amaretto sour kind of girl.”

“That’s a little soft for my liking. I’ll get a shot of whiskey for myself,” he said.

Aasim took out his phone and sent a text message. I took a seat on the sofa, and he sat down next to me. He stared at me as I felt myself melt under his gaze.

“I’m happy you came,” he admitted.

“I am too. I really like the vibe here. How did you find this spot?”

“I own it. This is one of many businesses.”

“Impressive. What made you open a cigar lounge?”

“Every business I have is something that interests me. My love for cigars started in my early twenties. The lounge was perfect because it’s a cool place for people looking for a chill spot. I also own a supermarket because I wanted to bring healthy food options to the neighborhood I grew up in. The gambling spot is a place for men to be men.”