Craving Temptation Read Online Free

wear the hijab.”
    â€œHijab? That’s just the head wrap?”
    Amina nodded. “I’m wearing the niqab,” she said, explaining the difference. “It includes the veil to cover a woman’s face.”
    â€œI’ve heard of the term hijab before. I don’t think I’ve ever heard the other word.”
    â€œUnless you’re wearing it you might not know the difference. Most people just lump it all under the hijab label. It’s just easier that way.” She shrugged her shoulders slightly.
    â€œDid you just come back from mosque,” Harper said, leaning against the counter. “It’s mosque, right?”
    Amina nodded. “Yes, it’s mosque. But no. I had to attend a program at the Memphis Islamic Center on Humphreys Road. My father insisted I participate,” Amina said, her eyes rolling skyward.
    Harper smiled. “Sounds like a story there.”
    â€œI’ll share it with you one day,” Amina responded.
    â€œHow about Tuesday?” Harper questioned. “We can do lunch?”
    Amina nodded. “I would really like that,” she answered.
    Troy looked from one to the other, his head shifting from side to side as if he were watching a tennis match. He was surprised with the level of comfort the two women shared; the duo engaged as if they were age-old friends. Harper shot him a quick look.
    â€œThe chocolate cookies are back in the kitchen, Troy,” she said, a wry smile pulling at her mouth.
    He shot both women a quick look and nodded. “I’ll go get those,” he said, an index finger pointing toward the back as he disappeared through the swinging doors.
    Harper and Amina burst out laughing.
    â€œHe’s so cute!” Amina exclaimed, her voice dropping to a low whisper.
    Harper nodded, whispering back. “He’s a great guy. You’re the first woman I know who’s ever had him tongue-tied,” she said with a low giggle.
    Amina’s eyes widened with joy. “I hope that’s a good thing,” she said softly.
    The two women fell silent as Troy suddenly made his way back, an empty confection box in his hand. “I didn’t ask how many you wanted,” he said, looking from Amina to Harper and back.
    Both women laughed again, the lilt of it warming the room.
    Troy rolled his eyes skyward, his own grin blooming full and wide. “Okay, I am officially embarrassed. I’m not usually this awkward,” he said, his eyes meeting Amina’s stare.
    â€œYes, he is,” Harper said as she pulled the cardboard box from his hands. “How many cookies would you like, Amina?”
    â€œI’ll actually take two dozen if you have them,” she answered.
    Harper nodded her head as she pushed past Troy into the back kitchen area.
    Troy could feel his anxiety level rising. He took a deep breath and held it. “So how long have you known Harper?” he asked, reaching for conversation.
    â€œWe just met the other day, remember?” Amina answered. Amusement shimmered in her light eyes.
    The man’s head bobbed against his broad shoulders, his eyes skating back and forth. From the corner table Quentin and Michael were each giving him a thumbs-up. He felt a rush of heat pierce his cheeks, color flooding his caramel complexion. He was grateful Amina had her back to them, his embarrassment already acute.
    Harper suddenly returned with Amina’s box of cookies, the white box sealed with the Just Desserts sticker. She and Troy were still staring at each other as Harper rang up the transaction and passed Amina her change.
    â€œIt was very nice to meet you, Troy,” Amina said sweetly. “Harper, I’ll see you on Tuesday.”
    â€œGreat,” Harper responded. “Let’s meet here at eleven-thirty.”
    â€œCan we do one o’clock instead?” Amina questioned. “I have an appointment that might run over and I wouldn’t want to rush or be