Page 87 of The Situation
I cross my arms over my chest. “It doesn’t bother you that I’m on a date with someone else.”
“Make no mistake—I hate it.” He lifts a brow. “But your body and I seem to have a good rapport. I don’t think I have anything to worry about.”
“You’re terrible.”
“Me? You’re the one who just got off in a public bathroom while on a date with someone else.”
“Don’t try to shame me!”
He laughs, pulling me into his chest once again. It’s my new favorite place to be. “Shame you? For what? Doing what you should’ve been doing all along?” He kisses me sweetly. “Let this dinner remind you that no one can take care of you like I can.”
I already know.
Tate yanks the door open and pats me on the ass. “Have fun at dinner.” Then he strolls out casually, leaving me alone.
That fucker.
I straighten my dress and fix my hair, taking in my reflection in the mirror.Rosy cheeks. Glassy eyes. Swollen lips.There’s no fixing this.
A few more people are in the dining area as I make my way back to Curtis.
“Sorry about that,” I say, taking my seat.
I glance down at the table, and his plate is empty.
“Was I gone that long?” I ask, my cheeks heating.
“Nah, I’m a fast eater. And Cathy needs me to come by and check her pipes.”
Cathy, you’re a lifesaver.
“Don’t let me keep you,” I say a little too happily. “Clogged pipes can be a disaster.”
“It’s always something with that woman.”
He looks away, but I can see the corner of his dimples shine in his cheeks.
“Curtis?” I ask.
“Yeah?”
“It might not be about the thermostat or the clogged pipes, you know.”
The semi-scowl on his face all evening begins to fade.
“Maybe listen to her a little bit,” I say gently. “She wouldn’t be calling you if she didn’t still love you.”
His eyes brighten almost immediately. “You think so?”
“Yeah. I think so.”
He scoots to the edge of the booth. “I’ve already paid the bill, so as soon as you’re done …”
I consider mentioning that he shouldn’t be a chauvinist pig, but decide I’ve fought enough battles for one day.
My phone lights up with a text from a number I don’t recognize. My heart skips a beat.
Unknown: By the way, you look beautiful tonight.
