Page 14 of Pursued By My Grumpy Fiancé
“Uh, laptop died,” I say, my cheeks heating up.
They turn around and I put my head in my hands. What am I going to do? I have the reimbursement check from the hospital treatment, but I need that to cover my bills that are coming up.
It’s been impossible for me to find work ever since Landon announced our engagement at his launch event. Apparently, most men don’t want to be seen on a date with the fiancée of an extremely rich and powerful billionaire. Imagine that. Not for the first time, I wonder if his plan was exactly that.
I can’t even focus on my classes anymore. I’ll have to re-watch the lecture later tonight in hopes that I will actually be able to absorb anything.
“Okay,makesureyoustudy for the exam on Tuesday, folks! There will be an exam prep tomorrow evening at seven in the Werner Auditorium, if you think you’ll need it.”
I get up and walk out the door past the line of students waiting to talk to the professor. There’s always a group of them, the ones who haven’t figured out that emailing is the way to go yet.
I make my way down the hall and park myself on a bench near the bus stop. I lean back and let my head tip back against the back of the bench. I can’t keep letting my bills pile up, but I’m out of ideas. Despite the fact that I don’t have to pay my mother’s hospital bills anymore, it’s safe to say that I’ve still been living beyond my means. I’ll have to get a roommate to help me with rent. I pay twenty-five hundred a month for a two bedroom, and with being a date for hire, I was able to afford it easily. Actually, I might have to get two roommates and have one of us sleep on the couch. Yikes.
“Penny for your thoughts?” My eyes snap open as a familiar voice gets nearer. I turn towards the sound. Landon.
“Are you stalking me?” I ask.
He chuckles, and I hate to admit that I actually like his laugh. It’s deep and melodious.
“No. I was just in the neighborhood when I saw you looking miserable on this bench. Want to get some lunch?”
“Um, no offense, but why would I want to get lunch with you?” I ask.
He opens his mouth to answer when my stomach growls loudly. Traitor.
“Well, I was going to say because I’m extremely handsome and charming. But, now I’m going to say because you’re hungry?” He raises an eyebrow and lifts one corner of his mouth. Damn his roguish good looks.
“I do have food at home,” I lie.
I haven’t had time to grocery shop. I have a package of lunch meat and an expired bottle of mustard at home.
“Okay, well, how about because I’d like to get to know you a little better?”
I stare at him for a moment before sighing.
“Fine, whatever. Let’s go.” I say, getting up. At least I won’t starve to death.
TherestaurantthatLandonhas brought me to is beautiful beyond words. It’s a scenic rooftop garden, complete with twinkling fairy lights and a live band playing soft jazz in the corner.
Who cares if I can’t pronounce most of the things on the menu? This place is gorgeous.
“Bonjour Monsieur et Mademoiselle. My name is Bastien, and I will be serving you today. Can I interest you in one of our bottles of aged wine today?”
“What is your featured wine this month?” Gabriel asks.
“Excellent question, monsieur. Our specially selected wine this month is a robust 2009 Petrus Merlot with notes of black currant and truffle.”
“Hailey? What do you think?”
I’m frozen as Bastien turns to me. I know absolutely nothing about wine. For all I know, it could be a fancy way of saying ‘we bought this for six bucks at the Booze Barrel.’
“Mademoiselle?” Bastien asks, and I realize that I’ve been quiet for a moment too long.
“Oh, yes, sorry. That sounds quite lovely.”
“Perfect. We will also take some tomatoes a la Provençale, please.”
Bastien nods and walks off.
