Read Longing and Lies for Free Online

abandoned and in pretty bad shape from what he told me. And not in the choicest of neighborhoods at the time.”
    â€œThe neighborhood has definitely changed. There was a time when most folks wouldn’t come over here at night.”
    Elliot nodded his agreement. “It’s like that all over the city, Harlem in particular.”
    The waitress returned with their drinks and set them on the table. “Are you ready to order or do you need a few minutes?” She looked from one to the other.
    â€œAny suggestions?” Ashley asked.
    â€œThe seared salmon is excellent,” she said. “Or if you prefer we have stuffed chicken breast, hot wings, crab cakes, salads…”
    Ashley turned her attention to Elliot and lifted her brows in question.
    â€œYou can’t go wrong with the crab cakes,” he said.
    Ashley nodded with a smile. “I’ll have the crab cakes and wild rice with a small side salad.”
    â€œMake that two,” Elliot said.
    â€œGreat.” She collected the menus and walked off.
    Just as they turned their attention toward each other, the contact was broken once again.
    â€œE!”
    A tall, dark and extremely handsome man came up and clapped Elliot on the back. Elliot looked up and his expression beamed with pleasure. He pushed back from his seat and stood and the two Adonises—one more gorgeous than the other—did that hearty man-hug thing.
    â€œWow, my brother, when did you get back in town and why didn’t you call me?”
    Elliot chuckled deep in his gut. “Look, man I just got back day before yesterday. Getting my legs back under me.”
    â€œYeah, yeah,” he teased, throwing his arm around Elliot’s broad shoulder, and turned to Ashley. “And who is this beautiful lady?”
    Elliot extended his hand toward Ashley. “Ashley Temple, this is Nick Hunter, the coowner of this joint."
    Nick cut him a look, then shot Ashley with a smile that could melt a glacier. “My pleasure.” He came around to Ashley’s side of the table and shook her hand. “Welcome to Rhythms.”
    â€œThank you. You have a great place.”
    Nick straightened and tugged in a deep breath. “It took some work,” he said with obvious pleasure, “but we did it.” He turned back to Elliot. “You guys have everything you need?”
    â€œYeah, yeah,” Elliot said.
    â€œTonight is on the house. A welcome-back gift,” he said to Elliot, “and a welcome, too,” he said to Ashley. He started backing up. “Gotta get ready for my set. You know you’re playing tonight so get your lips together.”
    â€œMan, come on,” Elliot said.
    â€œForget it. Not taking no for an answer.” He walked off, grinning.
    Elliot flopped back against the cushion of the chair. Ashley giggled.
    â€œThe only way out is to leave now. And I have no intention on missing out on those crab cakes.” She foldedher arms beneath her breasts and challenged him with her steady gaze.
    A slow smile crept across his mouth. “Must be some kind of conspiracy,” he groused good-naturedly, hiding his soul by lowering his lids over his dark eyes.
    â€œHow long have you been playing trumpet?”
    â€œSince high school. Played in the school band.”
    â€œYou!” she said, delight shining in her eyes and lifting her voice.
    He chuckled. “Yeah, go figure. My folks thought it would keep me out of trouble.”
    â€œDid it?”
    He shrugged. “Not according to them.”
    â€œI can imagine you must have been a handful.”
    His voice lowered, his eyes lifted and settled on her face. “Can you?”
    Something hot and sweet moved around in the center of her chest. Slowly she ran her tongue across her mouth, tried to swallow and couldn’t. She reached for her drink and took a short sip.
    â€œWell?”
    Her brows rose. “Well, what?”
    â€œYou said you can