Page 11 of Stalker's Pet

Yeah, that makes two of us.

“She’s not a Moore,” my father snaps back at Anne. She seals her lips but glares a hole into me. "He's a perfect match for Tinsley. Isn't that right?"

I know the question is for me, so I merely nod my head, unable to say the words. Not when all I can think about is Callum. It’s so wrong because he’s my boss and nothing more.

A knock on the door has the ball of anxiety in my stomach growing. It's only a dinner. It’s only dinner. Maybe it won’t be so bad. I can suck it up for one meal, and then I can talk to my father about this arrangement. I’ll tell him that I don’t think this is going to work and that I don't want to date Carl.

"Go on." My father nudges me to go and answer the door.

When I pull it open, Carl is standing there in a suit. A slow smile creeps onto his face as his eyes roam up and down my body. How badly had I wanted Callum to do that when I was in front of him? He never did, though, not even when I removed pieces of my clothes. Carl is openly doing it, and it makes my skin itch. It makes me want to grab a blanket and cover myself.

"Tinsley, you are breathtaking." He holds his hand out to me, so I have no choice but to give him mine. When Carl brings it to his mouth and kisses it, I have to fight not to cringe.

"Thanks," I mutter, feeling awkward.

He says hello to my father and Anne before he's leading me toward his car. I wipe the back of my hand where he kissed it on my dress before I get into the passenger seat.

“I got a reservation at The Gilded Lily.” He says it with a touch of smugness. I’m still new in town, so I have no clue what restaurants there are here or the scale of them.

“I’ve never been before.”

“You’ll love it,” he tells me, and I simply nod.

When we arrive at the restaurant, I can tell immediately that it’s very upscale. The host leads us right in, and we go directly to our table. Maybe if I eat fast, we can be out of here in an hour. Callum will be expecting me to set up my laptop soon.

If I don’t, I’ll likely be in trouble, which I normally wouldn’t mind. At least not the kind of trouble I could get into with Callum. What I’m worried about is if he asks me why I was late. It’s silly because he hasn’t before, but I feel guilty being on a date with Carl.

I sit there as Carl orders a bottle of wine even though he knows I’m only eighteen. The server doesn’t bat an eye before pouring me a glass. I don’t want it, but I can’t be rude, so I pick it up and pretend to take a sip. I merely let it touch my lips as Carl swirls his wine glass before taking a sip himself.

"Perfection, don't you think?" He’s waiting for a response, so I nod. "You're quiet. I was told you're more bubbly and outgoing. Is that not the case?"

I’m about to answer him when a familiar figure catches my eye. My head snaps in that direction, and I think my heart stops. Callum’s eyes lock with mine as he passes by before taking a seat at the next table over. Is he on a date?

"Tinsley?" Carl says my name, and I blink, trying to remember what he was saying.

"I guess I'm shy," I blurt out in response.

"There’s no need to be shy." Carl rests his hand on top of mine, but the contact makes me recoil. I quickly pick up my wine glass to cover the action and take another fake sip.

"I’ve never really dated before. This is all new to me," I say as a way of explanation.

"I know." I hate the smirk Carl gives me. It makes me feel like prey and not in the fun, tantalizing way Callum can.

Right now I can feel Callum’s eyes on me, and I am very much his naughty prey. I'm not sure if it's because of the date or the wine. Either way, I know I'm in trouble.

Thankfully, the server comes back to take our order. While Carl is distracted talking to her, I peek over at Callum. He’s still alone at his table, but his eyes are down on his phone. Disappointment fills me, and I hate that it’s because he’s not staring at me. Of course I want him to give me his signature glare that makes me wiggle in my seat.

“And she’ll have the same,” I hear Carl say, jerking my attention back to him. “Now why don’t you tell me more about yourself?”

I try to think about what might be a safe topic and go with something generic. “I’ve been applying to colleges.” Of course I’m right, and Carl takes over the conversation. He tells me about the college he attended and all the reasons it’s the best.

“But you’ll need to stay local,” he informs me. “We won’t be doing long distance.”

What I’d like to tell him is that we won’t be doing anything, but I keep my mouth shut.

I’m relieved when Carl's phone goes off and he pulls it out. "I need to take this. I'll be right back." He doesn't wait for me to respond before he gets up from the table.

Naturally, as soon as he leaves, my gaze automatically shifts to Callum's table. When I see his seat is empty, my shoulders sag with disappointment.

---