Page 51 of Ghosted in Arkadia
“Have you decided what you want for dinner yet, princess?”
I’m smiling when I look back down at my menu, and let out an excited squeak when I notice a certain item that was missing from our practice ones. “Blackened chicken Alfredo! That’s what I’m having.”
“I think the last time I saw you this excited was when you got your white-chocolate coffee drink,” Killian points out.
“Food makes me happy,” I say with a shrug.
“Don’t I know it.” Killian gives me a little crooked smirk before turning his attention to the menu.
When the server comes back with our drinks, we are both set to order. Killian decides on a steak of some kind.
I take a quick glance in Roman’s direction and find his eyes directly on me, as he takes a slow sip from his wineglass. All the hairs on the back of my neck stand at attention and I movemy gaze slowly around the room as if I were merely taking in the décor. When I look back at the table, I notice Killian’s hand sitting on top, open and inviting. It feels weird to place my hand in his. Too intimate. But that’s the name of the game tonight. His fingers curl slightly over mine and one moves almost rhythmically over my knuckles.
It calms me.
I let my fingers rest in Killian’s, my eyes trained on the sight while my ears strain to listen for Roman to speak.
Killian shifts slightly, leans closer, and I adjust my gaze. “Smile,” he mutters. “You’re the most beautiful woman in the room.”
It’s said with just enough warmth to melt the edge of pretense, but Killian is too smooth. Too convincing. I force a smile. For the sake of the game we agreed to play for the evening.
His thumb strokes over the inside of my wrist, a place where soulmates often touch because that is where messages between them are often sent and received from. While Killian is operating under memories of the past, all I can think about is my Ghost.
I laugh, too loud. “You’re such a flirt, even after all these years.” I pull my hand out of his embrace.
I hear a chair move across the floor and my eyes flick in Roman’s direction. He’s standing, his eyes locked with mine. He’s coming this way, and he’s smiling. It’s the smile of a man who’s already peeled back your skin and is deciding what to keep.
Killian notices Roman’s approach, and his posture tightens. His hand reaches out to capture mine, firmer this time. Possessive.
Roman’s steps are soundless. When he reaches the table, he doesn’t look at Killian. His eyes are fixed on me.
“You’re not drinking,” he says.
It’s not a question. It’s an accusation.
“I have my reasons,” I say, straightening my back.
A sharp edge shines in Roman’s eyes before he nods. “You don’t look like the kind of woman who does anything without a reason.” His voice is like silk draped over a dagger.
“Bill Roman of Roman’s Holdings, correct?” Killian says, and Roman finally turns his gaze toward Killian.
“I am, and I’m afraid you have me at a disadvantage. It’s not often I see a face I don’t recognize. I’ll admit it’s made me quite curious.” Roman offers his hand for Killian to shake.
“Thomas Wayne,” Killian says with a forced smile, placing his hand in Roman’s overly tight grip. “We’ve never been to a place this fancy before, but since it’s our anniversary…”
“Oh!” Roman’s face flashes with too much animation. “An anniversary. Congratulations. And how long has the happy couple been together?”
“Ten years,” Killian says with a smile and a nod before pulling his hand free from Roman’s.
“Ten?” Roman says it like a question, but Killian doesn’t speak. Roman’s eyes shift in my direction again. “Well, aren’t you going to introduce me to your mate?”
“Jessica,” I say with a curt smile.
Roman’s eyes narrow, like he’s cataloging something. “It’s been a pleasure meeting you both. Be sure to try the tiramisu. It’s todiefor.” Roman turns and heads back to his seat, and it’s only once he’s there feels like I have the space to breathe again.
“You did good, princess.”
I let out a small bubble of laughter before grabbing my glass of iced tea and taking a large swig, wishing it was anything stronger.
