Page 42 of Liberating Mia
“Can I settle the bill with you, please, Nadja? I don’t want to argue with Mia over who gets to pay for dinner, so I thought this would be the simplest way to do it.”
Nadja gave him another one of her penetrating once-overs. “I’m glad to see she’s finally found a man worthy of her. That other snake she brought in here once isn’t. She deserves the best. Make sure you take care of my friend, okay?”
He handed her his credit card, nodded, but said nothing.
“What are you doing?”
Busted. The outrage in her voice was priceless.
“Settling the bill. Are you ready to go?”
“Yes, I am. And we’ll talk about this in the car.” Mia hugged the two women goodbye before leaving him to follow in her wake for the umpteenth time that day. It was still the best view he’d seen all day. Smiling to himself, he, too, bid their hosts goodbye and followed close behind.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Mia reached her car – she still couldn’t believe the hotel hadn’t had the thing towed from where she’d left it in the parking garage - ahead of Finn and stood tapping her foot while she waited for him. She couldn’t believe he’d done that after she’d spent the evening telling him what a domineering ass Dylan had been. And then he went and pulled that stunt.
The irony of treating another man on Dylan’s dime was not lost on her. In fact, it felt good to give him the mental finger each time she’d paid for something as she and Finn had toured the peninsula. And then he’d gone and ruined it by doing this.
As he came up to her, he held out placating hands. “Before you get all mad at me, give me a chance to explain.”
Her foot tapped a little faster. Crossing her arms, she tipped her chin at him. “So explain.”
She stiffened as he cupped her cheeks in his hands. “I didn’t do that to upset you, but rather to say thank you for the incredible day. Considering all the amazing places you’ve taken me and the wonderful time I’ve had sharing today with you, it is such a small thing.” He rested his forehead against hers. “I had no idea how else to thank you. Please don’t spoil the entire day because I wanted to do this for you?”
“Dammit. I wanted to be mad at you for not listening, but you did, didn’t you? Otherwise, you wouldn’t be apologizing for being nice to me.” She blew out a harsh breath. “Thank you. I appreciate the gesture. Although not necessary, it’s appreciated, nonetheless.”
“Great. Now that you’re no longer mad at me, I have an important question to ask.”
“Oh. Um – sure.”
“I know we’re both involved in Larry and Ms. O’Connor’s wedding, but would you still be my date?”
“I … yes. I’d love to be your date.”
That heart-stopping, dimpled grin of his appeared moments before he kissed her. Mia’s heart beat a little faster, and just as things started to heat up, he broke the kiss. Dropping a smooch on her forehead, he stepped back.
“Time for home, methinks. I had such a great time, I didn’t even realize it was after midnight.”
Hiding her disappointment, she climbed into the car.
On the drive back to the hotel, Mia couldn’t hide a yawn. She’d lied to Tahlia about getting a good night’s rest. The little sleep she’d managed had been restless and plagued with nasty dreams. Thankfully, they weren’t far from the hotel.
By the time they’d parked and made their way to the room, she was seriously dragging.
“Is it okay if I hop in the shower first?” Mia asked.
“Yeah, sure. I’m going to check email and messages, so you go ahead.”
She found Finn seated on the sofa, feet up on the coffee table with his laptop in his lap when she came out of the bathroom.
“Shouldn’t you be resting?”
“I am resting. It’s personal emails, not work.” Mia arched a brow. “Scout’s honor. In fact, I’m busy answering an email from my mom. Wanna see?”
“No. I believe you. Will it bother you if I watch a bit of TV while you’re busy?”
“Nope, not a bit.”
