Twelve
Careena
Alice and I settle around the table, and Duke joins us. He’s staring, dazed, at the door. I’m curious to know why, but I don’t want to ask. I’m still a little uncomfortable around him. Sharing my story with the self-defense class is not the same as sharing it with a man I’m attracted to.
“What are you looking at, Duke?” Alice says the words I can’t. I sip my drink and act uninterested as Duke’s eyes snap back to our table.
“Nothing.” He shakes his nearly empty cup. “Is yours good?”
Alice nods and chatters about her favorite flavors. The bell above the door jingles, and I glance casually at the newcomer. Recognition zips through me. It’s Shaquille. He sees me looking and walks over, a bright smile on his face.
“Shaquille!” I wave, beaming when he takes the seat beside m
