Page 41 of Mine

Annabel said nothing but only stared at him.

“Forgive me,” Mario said realizing he handled the situation wrong.

“Fetch the Marcassin Estate 2010,” Annabel said.

“If you insist,” Mario rolled his eyes and turned away from the table.

“He’s a snob,” Ryan muttered as he watched the man walk away.

“He’s an alphahole and a snob,” Annabel sighed. “I hate dealing with alphaholes.”

“Alphahole,” Andrew frowned.

“Men who think when a woman disagrees with them if they explain it slowly or loudly enough, they will convince the woman he’s correct,” Annabel said. “They are the take charge must do things their way no matter whether someone has a different or better idea.”

“I’m a take charge guy,” Andrew scowled.

“Yes, but you’re definitely not an asshole about it,” Ryan said. “I’ve seen you listen to our guys and consider their suggestions even when it takes time and their suggestions won’t work.”

“Which makes you an alpha male in your work,” Annabel said. “It doesn’t make you an alphahole.”

“I’m not sure I see the difference,” Andrew frowned.

“The distinction being you’re considerate and open to others’ thoughts and opinions and don’t spend a lot of time explaining to women how you know better,” Annabel said.

“You don’t mind strong men,” Andrew murmured as Mario returned. She took his hand and squeezed before putting her hands back in her lap.

Mario returned, “Here’s the wine you requested.” He poured it for a taste and handed it to Andrew.

Andrew raised his eyebrows and handed it to Annabel without saying anything.

Annabel sipped, hummed her pleasure. She turned to Andrew and offered him a sip, “What do you think?”

He took the glass and sipped. “You’ve selected an excellent wine.” He handed the glass to Ryan.

“Delicious,” Ryan sipped and grinned.

“Well now,” Mario’s eyes went wide but he poured three glasses of the wine.

“Thank you,” Annabel said with a tone of impatience.

Eleanor served their meal and came to check on them. The conversation turned general. Halfway through their main course, Annabel stiffened and paused as she took a bite.

“What’s wrong,” Ryan put a hand on her thigh.

“Gerald Montgomery just walked in,” Andrew noted the gossip blogger.

“He’s a bastard,” Annabel muttered. She toyed with her food and sat back.

“His blog is full of venom,” Andrew met eyes with Ryan.

“He’ll have nasty things to say about the three of us,” Annabel continued eating though she wanted to get out of there.

“He’s been on a tear about one judge,” Ryan said. “I don’t read him regularly but his column shows up in my feed. Some judge is getting great coverage by him.”

“Hmmm, my ex. Gerald doesn’t like me so will do almost anything to put me down and show me up.” Annabel sipped her wine.

“Do you want to go,” Ryan asked.

---