Page 50 of Never Fake Date the Financier
I’d have preferred another kiss, but this is almost as good.
“Thought you might like a slider as well.”
Okay, even better. I set our champagne down on the ledge as I spin around. “Say that again.”
“I thought you might like a slider as well.”
“You have no idea how sexy that sounds.”
“I’d have snatched that tray if I knew burgers were your love language.”
I swallow. “They are when the only thing I’ve eaten all day is that breakfast sandwich and chocolate croissant.”
“Crazy, when you had a perfectly good salad for—kidding.” Adrian raises his arms in defense as I glare at him with the heat of a million suns. “I’m. Kidding.”
“You might be, but trying to eat that salad was no joke. Would it kill anyone to put more than a teaspoon of salad dressing on the plate?”
I shiver. But then I remember the food stashed away for me, and my mood shifts. Adrian is proving to be quite thoughtful.
He holds out the slider and a small plate with bacon-wrapped scallops. “My peace offering. Do you accept?”
“I do,” I say, sighing as I take the goods in my hand, popping one of the scallops in my mouth and then immediately turning around to chew.
Adrian laughs. “Good?”
My response contained approximately zero discernible words, but I’m certain it expressed my feelings perfectly. Nothing has tasted so good…
Well, except for Adrian’s lips. And he was right earlier. I’ve been thinking about that kiss for a while. About our next one. And more importantly, about what he wanted to tell me before Max interrupted us.
I swallow, nearly choking on the food, but recovering with a sip from my champagne.
“Remember to chew.”
“Mhm,” I mutter, finally finishing off the first scallop. “And thanks. I needed this, especially after our dancing. You continuously surprise me, Adrian Thorne.”
Adrian slides closer to me. “How so?”
I shake my head. “I don’t know. When we first met,” I begin slowly, “I thought you were...” I trail off, trying to choose my words carefully. But do I have to? I’m sure Adrian would agree with what I’m about to say. Hell, I’ve said it to his face before, and it didn’t faze him. But it feels weird to say it, now that I know about the real Adrian.
“Intimidating? Aloof? An out-of-touch, asshole billionaire?” he supplies helpfully.
I smile. “Mmm… close enough.”
Adrian laughs. “Well, I’ve built a certain reputation in my business. I know how I can come across. And sometimes it’s hard to dial that side of me down.”
“But it’s not the real you.”
He looks out at the horizon, considering it. “Parts of it are.”
“You’re kind. Caring. And definitely not aloof. You understand what I need without me telling you.”
“That’s easy.” He nudges a slice of tiramisu toward me.
“Okay, what the hell?” I glance at the small plate and then back at Adrian. I grab his jacket, flipping it up. “What else do you have in there, Mary Poppins?”
He retrieves a plastic fork and spears the tiramisu. “Tapped out, I’m afraid. I’ll be sure to restock later if you’re still hungry.”
“See? Full of surprises.”
