Page 71 of On the Rocks

Because unlike Levi, Cora wasn’t the type of person to ditch her partner on a whim. He needed to back off.

“You okay?” Cora asked as she unlocked her door.

“What? Oh, yeah.”

“You kind of spaced out there for a second. I was just saying mission accomplished. You delivered me safe and sound to my door.” She smiled softly. “You should probably get back down there before you do get a ticket. Your good luck’s only going to last so long.”

“You’re right.” I leaned in, pecking her on the lips. “What time should I pick you up for our date? Seven?”

“Make it seven thirty,” she said, winking at me in a way that got my heart racing.

“I’ll be here.”

“No chariot. Remember, you promised.”

“No chariot.” I hummed. “Maybe I’ll bring the McLaren, though.”

Cora’s eyes widened. “How many cars do you…” She stopped herself mid-question. “You know what. I don’t even want to know the answer.”

“Probably for the best,” I said, backing toward the elevator. “See you tonight.”

“See you.” She waved, slipping inside.

I headed back downstairs, strutting out of the elevator, phone to my ear. “Anthony,” I said as the call connected. Anthony was the general manager of Velour & Vine. It had exquisite seafood, boasted three Michelin stars, and was consistently ranked one of the best restaurants in the world. Cora may have loved her pancakes this morning, but this place was going to give her a real dining experience. I would make sure of it. “It’s Mr. Callihan. I need a table for tonight.”

“Of course, Mr. Callihan. We’d be happy to accommodate you. What time were you thinking?”

The drive from here to La Bernardin would be about thirty minutes. “Let’s make it eight?”

“I have you in the books. Will you be wanting your usual table?”

“Yes, please.” It was located in a semi-private area, offering the intimate, exclusive dining experience I was after. I wanted this dinner to be perfect.

“And will you have any guests joining you?”

“Just the one,” I said. “And Anthony?”

“Yes?”

“Let’s pull out all the stops.” He told me not to worry about a thing, then I hung up, heading for the door of the building.

I paused before I could leave, something bothering me. I turned back to Carlos.

“All good, Boss?”

“You know that Levi guy?” I asked.

Carlos nodded.

“He was harassing Cora last night. We had our high school reunion back in New Jersey, and he just wouldn’t leave her alone.”

“The piece of scum, hassling a sweet kid like Cora. Never appreciated her when he had her, and he sure doesn’t deserve another chance now—not after what he did,” Carlos spat out.

“I know, I totally agree. That’s why I was actually hoping you’d do me a favor.”

“What is it?”

I slipped my business card from my wallet and a hundred-dollar bill, placing both on the desk. “I tried to tell Levi to take a hike last night, but I don’t think he’s gotten the message yet. If he comes by here in person to bother Cora again or if he sends her any more unwanted gifts, give me a call, will you?”

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