Page 133 of His Secret Gift

“Really?” I would’ve thought a man who was capable of writing such sensual and captivating love scenes would be more charming than that.

“I mean, he thinks I’m just after his money… of which he doesn’t have much. Not yet, at least. He also thinks I want to change his books.”

“No!” I detest in horror. They’re perfect, as is.

“Of course, I have no intention of that either. It’s never my aim to change or alter an author’s vision. I mean, they’re the writers not me.”

That’s good to hear.

“What do you want? I want to practice my Greek.”

I look at the menu and tell him.

“You don’t mind me ordering for you?”

I shake my head. I get how it can be seen as pretentious to do so for a woman, but in my opinion, that’s only gross and pompous when he chooses what to order for you.

I listen diligently as he orders for both of us. And by the unchanging face of the server, it seems he did a pretty decent job.

“Very impressive!”

“Ah, thanks. Hey, listen. Thank you for agreeing to come out with me on such short notice.”

“No problem.” I mean, it’s not like it was much of a sacrifice for me. I got to be in his presence and enjoy a nice meal with a gorgeous view. As long as it involved being with him, I would agree to do a lot less than that.

“So, are you excited for your friend to get in?”

“I am! Very. I’m actually anxious to get her and Callie together.”

He takes a sip of the water before him. “Are you afraid they won’t like each other?”

My tongue presses against my cheek. “Well, they’re very similar. Like it’s almost scary.”

He bobs his head.

“So, I think it’s either going to be that they love each other or hate the other for being too alike.” I squint my eyes. “Does that make sense? Or is that just a girl thing?”

“No, I get what you’re saying.”

“Okay.” I was worried I sounded like a crazy person. “Good.”

“But let’s hope it goes the other way, and they get along great.”

“As long as they don’t leave me out.”

He chuckles. “No, maybe you were right. Women are very complicated beings, aren’t you?”

“… I’m afraid so.”

Chapter 41

Chocolate-Covered Strawberries – Jack

After our meal, I have one more surprise up my sleeve, and I bring her into a little a hut along a nearby beach.

“What is all of this?” she asks.

“For tonight, it’s ours.” It’s adorned with fairy lights and plenty of pillows and blankets. Before our earlier romp on the beach, I didn’t want to be presumptuous, but she’s since made it very clear of her intentions… and luckily for me, they perfectly aligned with mine for her.

---