BACK TO LOVE.

54

' I'm glad you finally accepted my dinner invitation, even though it's lunch.'

Nathaniel smiled as they sat in a cafe in town. He was the gentleman who had bidded for a lunch date with her at the last auction she attended with her husband. He had asked to take her out again after their charity lunch date but she refused stating that she was only doing it for charity. Due to the need for air and relaxation after her ordeal with Axel and Summer, she decided to take him up on his offer.

' I told you I'm married and don't do dinner dates with other men.'

' You only do lunch dates. Isn't it the same thing though, we are on a date.'

' Well for me a dinner date is more intimate and secretive. I do not want to make it seem like I'm hiding something from my husband. A lunch date is more friendly.'

' Does your husband know you're having lunch with me?'

' Not with you he just knows I'm having lunch with a friend.'

' You did not specify if the friend was male or female. Look who's keeping secrets now.'

' It's not a secret and he knows I'm with a male friend. Just doesn't know that it's a new male friend.'

The waiter brought over their meals and refilled their drinks. Nathaniel ordered wine for but Ayanda declined.

' I don't drink alcohol during the week day and especially at this time but thanks.'

' So you have male friends?'

' I have one who I see occasionally when he's in town. We grew up in the same neighborhood and they know each other well.'

' He's a bigger man than me. I would never allow you to be around any men without me.'

The word allow did not sit right with her but she ignored it. He was not her man.

' My husband trusts that I would never do anything to disrespect him or our marriage and family.'

' Would he do the same for you though?'

' Well we've had our share of problems and he has learnt from his mistakes but that's marriage. Stuff happens and if you love each other and both want it to work, you forgive and work through it or work it through.'

She realized she had said more than she should have.

' Well it sounds like he has not really kept his vows to you.'

' We've just been through a lot.'

' Okay, you both went through a lot and it both affected you badly, I'm guessing but did you go out and seek comfort in another man like him?'

' No bu-'

' So there's no excuse for him to cheat is there?'

' I did not say he cheated. '

' You implied it though. Ayanda I am a very good listener who knows how to attentively listen to his partner and understand what she needs. Like I told you on our charity date, I'm a different breed.'

Ayanda made a note never to accept this man's invitation again. He was too full of himself.