Page 41 of Inked Obsession

We made our way inside the nice restaurant and saw people wearing clothing similar to ours. I was grateful that I had looked it up. If we had dressed down any more than we were, we wouldn’t have fit in, but this worked.

Not that I truly cared what people thought of me. Still, I was nervous enough; I didn’t need to add to it.

“Montgomery, party of two,” the host said, and I nearly snorted. Beckett winked at me, and I knew it was just for the ease of the reservation. Montgomery, Wilder-Strong reservation for two was a bit ridiculous. And everybody already assumed we were Montgomery party of two. We might as well keep it going.

“Right this way,” the host said as he led us to a corner table. The sun was just setting, though the dark clouds looked a little ominous. The waves crashed against the beach a little harder than they had before, but it was still beautiful.

“Will this be to your liking?”

“It’s gorgeous,” I said quickly.

“Seriously,” Beckett added. “Thank you.”

“It’s our pleasure. Your waiter will be here soon to talk about the specials. Enjoy your evening.”

“Thank you,” I said as he pushed me into my seat. I looked over the wine list and shook my head. “Okay, when I looked up the menu, I think I was looking at weeknight prices.”

Beckett raised a brow. “Really? It’s not that bad, is it?”

His brows winged up more after he peeked. “Okay, so it’s not great. Don’t worry, tonight is on me.”

“Beckett,” I snapped quietly. Indignation filled me, and I tried to push it away. “I don’t need charity.”

His other brow rose. “Excuse me? You have a fantastic job, and I know you do well. However, I do pretty good myself. So, just let me take care of this. You can buy breakfast tomorrow.”

“Beckett.”

“Or we can split the bill. It’s your prerogative. However, I’m going to order this bottle of wine that I know Annabelle likes when she can drink. It’s one Jacob bought for her for their six-month anniversary, of all things.”

My eyes widened. “Wow, being a lawyer must pay well.”

“Apparently, it does. And I can afford it, don’t worry. So, either we split the check, or you let me pay for it all. Either way, we’re enjoying ourselves tonight.”

I knew I was being touchy and needed to stop. I was going to ruin a perfectly nice night if I didn’t get over myself and my issues. “Okay, fine, but I’m getting the grouper.”

He laughed, and I blushed. It felt weird not to worry about money because I always did. I saved, scrimped, and my art paid well, but what if it didn’t in the future? I needed to save. I didn’t indulge in things. I rarely could when Marshall was around because he didn’t like spending money at all. And I hadn’t been the one to encourage it.

I didn’t need to compare Beckett to Marshall. That was wrong.

The waiter came and mentioned the specials. There was indeed a grouper dish, and swordfish that sounded fantastic. We each ordered one, as well as the bottle of wine and some sparkling water.

“We’re going to split our meals, right?” Beckett asked as we sipped our wine and ate bread.

“Of course. You didn’t think I was going to let you walk out of here without me eating off your plate, did you?”

“I just wanted to make sure,” he said, shaking his head.

“Do you feel more relaxed?” I asked softly.

He looked at me then, studying my face. I tried not to duck, attempted not to blush. “You know what? I probably could have relaxed at home if I had stayed once everybody knew my secret. Then again, maybe I did need a vacation.” He paused and looked down at the wine in his glass. “Maybe I just needed the beach and the company of a friend I really like.”

I blinked and looked up at him. “That’s…that’s nice.”

“I enjoy spending time with you, Eliza. I always have.”

“We rarely spend time alone, though,” I countered. “We’re usually surrounded by Montgomerys and Brenna. And Lee. And Jacob. And all the other boyfriends.”

“True. Brenna’s my best friend. I think I sometimes spend more time alone with her or Lee than I do Benjamin, and Benjamin’s my twin.”

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