Page 98 of Scandalous

“I’m not a dog,” she mutters under her breath as we head inside.

I don’t say anything until we’re seated at our table.

“I know you’re not a dog. I don’t know how they do things over there in America, but I will tell you one thing.” I look her in the eye, making sure she knows I’m serious. “I’ll be damned if you ever open your own door when I’m with you. While I know you’re a fully capable woman, and I adore that about you, there’re just some things I think a man should do for his woman.”

Aurora opens her mouth to respond, but we’re interrupted by the server. With our orders placed, she speaks.

“I love that you want to be a gentleman, but honestly, I’m not used to it.” I watch as she runs her pointer finger over the table, not making eye contact. “I mean, sure, I know guys back home who do it for their wives and I’ve always thought it was so sweet, but I’ve never experienced it.”

“Until now.” I can’t help but point out.

“Until now.” She nods. “All that means is it’s going to take some time for me to get used to it. I’ll need you to give me a little grace as well. I can’t break lifelong habits overnight, especially when we spend so much time apart.”

I think over what she said. “I’m willing to give you some time to adjust, but…” I reach across the table and take her hand in mine. “There’s something I want you to think about.”

“What’s that?”

“First off, I should ask, do you have plans this summer?”

“I usually head home for about a week, but outside of that and working, no. Why?”

“Do you need to work at the restaurant this summer, or would you be fine off just your brand deals?”

Aurora frowns, looking over my shoulder. “I mean, yeah, I could make do with just the deals. Especially if I picked up a few more. I like paying for my semester’s tuition up front, so as long as I have enough for that and to pay my half of the bills back home, I’ll be okay.”

“Then how about you spend the summer with us?” I say slowly.

I watch what looks like a thousand emotions cross her face. “Are you sure?”

The server drops off our food. “Can I get our bill now, please? We’re on a tight schedule.”

“Of course, sir,” the server says before taking off.

Turning back to Aurora, I give her my complete attention. “I’m sure, but only as long as it doesn’t put you in a bind. We want you with us. This little bit without you has been torture. We would rather you be with us.”

“You speak for all the guys?” she questions.

I snort. “The guys told me to fix what I broke with us. I’m working on it. I think that if we have more time to spend together getting to know each other, that will make it easier.”

“Can I think about it?”

“Of course. Now let’s eat. I don’t want to be late.”

The rest of breakfast is lighter, with us sharing childhood stories. Mine aren’t that great, but I love making her smile with the antics we guys got up to.

When we finish, I escort her back to the car, opening her door. She blushes as I help her inside.

Once we are on the road, I turn to her, smirking.

“Want to see where we hold our party?”

Her eyes brighten. “Yes please.”

Pulling her hand to my mouth, I kiss the back of it.

“Hang on, Princess.”

Twenty-Two

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