The Flaked Life Of Lotanna

4

══✿══╡°˖✧LOTANNA✧˖°╞══✿══

"Lotanna?" a deep, male voice said on the other end of the phone. I pulled the phone away from my ear to look at the number. I didn't recognize it, but I would know that voice from anywhere.

"Hi! Yes, this is Lotanna, but can I ask who's calling?" I asked, trying to sound like I didn't know who it was.

"Please tell me you haven't forgotten about me already?" he teased.

"Davis?" I asked, sounding surprised, the right side of my lips lifting in a smirk.

Yes, it is me."

"Honestly? I didn't know it was you," I lied.

He sighed in disbelief. "I see. It may have been a while since we last spoke, but I haven't forgotten your voice."

Hearing that confession and how his voice sounded deep and masculine with a hint of desire and longing made my heart feel things it shouldn't have been feeling. I paused for a few seconds before I responded, "Mmm... so what's up?"

"Don't act cold now," he uttered. "I'd like for you to meet up with me so we can chit chat."

Chit chat? He talked like a teenage boy. "Davis, I don't know what your intentions are, but I'm not sure if we should move faster than our shadows. I hope you understand." He had to know that I wasn't really interested in him, but at the same time, I needed to see him and try to convince him to leave the contract for me.

"Lotanna," he whispered. "I understand. Just meet me up. I'll send you the address." And he hung up.

Immediately, a text came in. I let out a sigh and glanced at my phone's screen — it was almost dinnertime. It was ironic that he had picked a Nigerian restaurant as the meeting place for our first date. One that he was obviously going to use for the project we were both gunning for. Rena told me he was obviously going to show off, but I was determined not to be swayed by his charm.

I applied the last touches to my lipstick and puckered my lips. I took one last look at my Ankara sleeveless wrap dress, complemented with my box braids and a set of studded earrings. Although my motive wasn't clear, my goal was to please Davis so much with my beauty and charm that he would do anything for me... including giving up the contract.

But a part of me couldn't help but feel terrible, embarrassed by my covert plan to sway his lifetime ambition so that I might have mine. I felt a connection to him deep down, a subtle tug on the strings of my heart, inviting me to give him a chance. I couldn't put my finger on it yet, but I had the impression there was more to him than his charisma. He seemed too good to be true.

In my thoughts, I muttered a brief prayer. Lord, you know my heart's wishes and how important this contract is to me. If it is your will, please assist Davis in finding a more attractive project to work on.

➽───────────────❥

He stood up, reached out with an arm, and gave me a friendly hug upon seeing me. "You look so beautiful."

I could feel the warmth of his body pressed against mine. For a split second, I leaned into him, finding comfort in the embrace. This feels natural! So right! Is he the one? But I silenced the voice in my head and straightened my body. "Thanks. It's just something I threw together at the last minute," I half-lied.

"Thanks for meeting me tonight. I apologize if it felt awkward asking you out on a date so quickly."

I smiled at him. "That's alright."