Page 8 of Three More Shots
His expression remains impassive, but I swear the hint of an approving grin flashes from her interrupting me. My girl’s got balls, even if she’s respectful about it. “Bring a bottle of pinot noir too.”
“Yes, sir.”
Menus sit on the opposite edge of the table, but we don’t need them. I already know what’s good. “The filet is excellent. Or if you like chicken, the cordon bleu is pretty good too.”
“No, thank you. I’m fine. Water is just fine.”
Humor. That’s what we need in this situation. “So I’ve brought you to this amazing restaurant, and you’re going to just sit there and watch me eat?”
“I’m not hungry, but thank you for asking.”
Okay, now I’m getting pissed. No one can be this polite — this perfect all the time — including this fragile little flower blossom. “Tell me the truth, Corinne, and no more of this nice bullshit. Why won’t you fucking eat with me?”
She bristles from my vulgarity, but finally, I get an honest reaction out of her when she sighs. A deep breath full of defeat and regret. “I can’t afford any of this.”
Jesus.What fucking assholes she must have dated in the past. “You think I’d take you out and make you pay for your own meal?”
“I don’t know because I don’t know you.”
“Fair enough.” I guess I did kind of force her into coming with me. I forgot that part since I’ve never had to coerce a woman to go out with me. At least her honesty gives me the opportunity to set her straight. “I’m going to pay for your lunch. I will always pay for your meals or the movies or whatever activity you would like to do. You’ll never have to pay for anything.”
I almost say ‘when you’re with me’, but there’s no point since I’m going to pay for everything for her and Ainsley from now on, whether I’m with her or my guards are.
But I guess I’ve said enough. More than enough from the stunned expression blowing up on her face. Yeah, I guess she didn’t realize this is more than just us being together right now. Hell, maybe I didn’t either, but I know now that it is.
Kyle returns with her water and our wine. After uncorking the bottle, he pours a small amount of burgundy liquid for me to approve. With my curt nod, he fills both of our glasses.
“Would you like the ribeye, sir?”
“Make it two.”
No voice of protest, so I guess she accepts my selection for her. Once he departs, I tap the side of my drink to her flute, forcing her to join me. Maybe the alcohol will make her relax a little since the only other ways I know to calm her are inappropriate in the middle of a room full of people.
She takes a small sip. Her eyebrows lift with approval, and she takes a longer taste. “That’s very good. Thank you.”
“I’m glad you like it.” Her approval releases some of my own tension, and I have to force myself not to pull her against me, relishing the idea of her tucked in the crook of my arm. Instead, I keep working to reassure her. “I’m sorry about what I said in my office. Although I fucked it up, all I was trying to do was compliment you for your work. I didn’t mean to upset you.”
My apology earns me another small grin. Another small nod. Another small step. “I’m sorry I kind of freaked out. I was nervous.”
“I think you still are.”
Uncertain if her swift blush is from my insinuation or the huskiness of my voice from her being so close, but either way, her modesty is adorable.
“A little.”
“Don’t be. You have nothing to fear from me.”
She doesn’t believe me. I don’t blame her. I’m an ass, and I’ve done nothing but prove it to her since I’ve known her. I’ll try harder with her—for her. “How long have you been divorced?”
With her deepening flush, she seems surprised by the sudden jump in conversation, but I need to make sure he’s completely out of the picture. Otherwise, I’d have to make sure he is.
“A little over four years.”
Good. Then he’s not coming back. Not that I’d allow him to anyway. But this way is easier for her. “Is it cordial between the two of you?”
“I’m not sure that’s the best way to describe it.”
Embarrassment seems to steal her voice, and she swallows hard, trying to carefully choose neutral words when all I care about is the truth. “Just tell me. I told you, you don’t have anything to fear with me.”
