Page 16 of One of Six

Knowing Judge is watching, I force a smile to my lips and flutter my eyelashes. Jason grins and thanks the waiter as the food is placed in front of us.

I sigh with relief that Jason ordered something I like. Steak with mushroom sauce. "Doesn't it bother you that I don’t have a college education?" I ask between bites. "I'd like to, but I don't think it's in the cards for me."

He shakes his head. "Commonsense is more important to me. You have been brought up well, which means you will be able to take care of your own home."

"Like a housekeeper?" I mutter.

He pauses for a moment, then laughs. "I like you." He points in my direction. "I meant as a wife."

I knew that you idiot!

He chuckles as he eats more of his food. I notice that he also has a wandering eye. I try to steer the conversation away from his outdated views on women's roles. I make a mental note to avoid discussing such topics with him in the future. Although there will be no future if I can help it. I clear my throat and ask, "What kind of law do you practice?"

"Family."

I let out a sigh, thinking that if this is dating, I don't want to do it again because it's so boring. My eyes wander outside to the boats on the water. One has come closer, and I wonder if it's the one Atilio Redd is on with his brothers. They're probably having a much better time than I am.

Staring at Jason, I suggest, "Why don't you go over and talk to them?" His eyes are on a group of girls who came in ten minutes ago.

"With Judge watching? Are you crazy?"

I shrug. "I'm sure dating etiquette means paying attention to your actual date. You know, me!”

He winces. "You're right. I'm an ass and I owe you an apology." He grabs my hands across the table, and my cutlery clatters onto the plate. "I'm sorry. Forgive me." He winks.

I roll my eyes and pull my hands free. "Whatever. Do you know whose boat that is?" I point out the window.

"I have no idea. Sailing makes me sick, so I don't pay too much attention." He pauses. "Hey, you want to take dessert outside?"

Relief rushes through me. "Yes, please." Hopefully Judge won't follow us.

Jason calls a waitress over, orders dessert, and tells her to bring it outside. He helps me out of the chair, keeping a hand on my lower back. I want to slap it off, but that won't go over well with the judge when his beady eyes follow us.

The air outside is still muggy, but there is a warm breeze coming in from the ocean, caressing my skin.

"Dessert has arrived." Jason helps me sit down, and it's on the tip of my tongue to tell him that I've been sitting myself for years. I know he is only being polite, but I find him irritating at this point. He doesn't want to be here with me any more than I want to be here with him. The difference is that I don't focus on others the way he does.

The first spoonful of chocolate mousse explodes on my tongue. "It's laced with bourbon," I say in surprise. "Quite a lot, too."

Jason's eyes light up and horror hits me. "Did you ask them to do that?"

"Don't be silly. Your father would kill me."

I look down at the small bowl. I've eaten all the dessert. This isn't good. "Is there bourbon in your dessert?

"Beatrice, nothing is spiked. This is a respectable club," he hisses. "Let's walk it off if you're feeling dizzy."

"That's a good idea." I get up and walk down the steps to the jetty. It is long and stretches out into the ocean. I usually avoid it because being surrounded by so much water unsettles me. Probably because I can't swim.

"Slow down." Jason takes my hand, which I try in vain to pull free. "I don't want you to fall in." That stops me from fidgeting. "This date didn't turn out the way I expected." He sighs.

"For me either," I mutter, feeling strange. "Are you sure you didn't drug me?"

His eyebrows knit together. "I only go for willing women, Beatrice. I won't drug you for sex." He smirks. Just as I start to believe him, he adds, "Your mom told me all about how you plan on getting on your knees for me."

"What?" Shock runs through me as I back away.

He grabs me. "Careful, we're at the end of the jetty. The water is deep here."

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