Page 21 of Red's Revenge

“Shirley Temple, please, since I’m apparently a petulant child this evening.” I turn a sugar-sweet smile to the waiter as he writes down my order.

I turn my body away from Red since we’re at one of those round booth tables, but he stops me with a hand under my chin. I resist the pull for a second and then sigh, looking at him.

His other arm goes around my shoulders, and he gently slides me as close to his body as he can.

“We keep dancing to separate tunes and stepping on each other’s feet, Darlin’. Can we please call a truce?” His thumb rubs under my chin, and my heart melts.

At the same time, my conscience reminds me that I’m not on a date with this man. This is business only. I push his hand away and slide a foot over.

“Mr. Justice, for the final time. I am in a relationship.” His eyes narrow.

“What’s his name? How long have you been together? Why hasn’t he married you yet? Cause I’m having a hard time not putting a ring on your finger after three fucking days, so what’s his issue?” My head spins.

“What?” He couldn’t have just said that,

“Which do you need clarification on?” Any and all!

“His name is Ryan. We’ve been together for two years. We’re discussing marriage after his promotion.” Red nods his head while sucking his teeth.

“So he can’t afford you?” I take the napkin off my lap and slam it on the table.

“Easy, that’s not how I meant it, Sugar. I’m asking if he feels unworthy of you.” I let out a long breath.

“I’m not sure how things in the South work, but when you live in a city like New York and are in the social circles we belong to, it takes more than love to make a marriage work. Finances are a big issue. So yes, he’d like to be better off before we marry and start a family.” He frowns at me, and something flickers in his eyes.

Was that anger?

“How close to his promotion is he?” Our drinks arrive, and I have to hide my chuckle when Red takes a sip of the same thing I ordered.

“Once we complete this merge, he’ll make partner.” Red stops drinking.

“You work together?” He sneers the words at me.

“Technically, he’s my boss.” The tips of his ears turn red.

“So you’re here trying to buy my ranch for the asshole you’re fucking back home? The one stringing you along for a promotion you are earning, not him. Did I get all that right?” I toss my drink on him and stand up.

“Fuck you, Fredrick Allen Justice. I don’t need shit from you.” I walk out of the restaurant and over to the valet.

“Could you call me a cab, please?” The young man nods as he picks up a phone.

“Camila!” Red shouts at me, and I turn my back on him.

“Christ, Justice, you really do have a way with women. Guess Big Red isn’t worth the ride after all. The color does look good on you, though.” Some guy stepping out of a red sports car laughs at Red, who is dripping red liquid from his nice suit.

“Fuck off, Danders.” I watch as the men get into each other’s faces.

“We aren’t at your brother’s bar. You aren’t getting any cheap shots at me like you did to Cyrus.” It was his brother’s bar then.

“Oh, he just took the ass whooping for you since you were out of town.” Red pushes him back as a security guard rushes over.

“Gentleman, take this elsewhere.” Red grabs my arm, but I pull it away.

“Darlin’, we need to talk this out.” I shake my head in disbelief.

“I have nothing to say to you. Our business is over. Good luck with your ranch, Mr. Justice.” This Danders guy glances at me and smiles.

“You’re Ms. Greystone?” I nod, confused about how he knows me.

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