Page 42 of Paint Me Love
I turn around once I’ve checked that it’s actually locked, catching his gaze observing me with intent. “What?”
He motions with his chin to get going. “You didn’t sound so sure. I rather not risk it, so I think I’ll have to fulfill her request.”
“It won’t go to waste if you did, that much I can guarantee.”
“It’s decided then. Your friend gets to reap the benefits of you having dinner with Derek Salinger.”
He’s so casual about it, like it’s no big deal. It almost sounds like he’s proud or happy even, which warms my heart. Maybe he and Molly could get along, down the line. If things between us worked out.
“Let’s go,” I prompt him, leading the way.
He drives his black SUV in quiet focus to a famous sushi restaurant in town. Even I know it. The prices are way out of my range, but since it’s his treat, instead of apprehension, I feel excited to be here and try the amazing food that they offer. The place is gorgeous with its bamboo-decorated walls, flower pots and koi fish aquariums. Laid out like a Japanese pub, it offers private small rooms with low tables and floor seating. I’ve only ever seen this in anime or TV shows, and the thought of experiencing it myself before I embark on my dream world tour at some point in the far future has never even crossed my mind.
“You like it?” Derek asks behind me, knocking me back to reality.
I whip my head at him, realizing I’m standing at the door to our room and thus blocking his way. “Oh. Sorry.” I enter and sit on one of the cushions, tucking my feet in the space under the table. It’s warm, which is nice since today is colder than usual.
Derek leaves the sliding door open and joins me. I expect him to sit across from me, but he plops on the pillow to my left and props his elbow on the table, resting his head in his palm. His proximity has my heart rate skyrocket. Prickles crawl down my neck, then across the rest of me.
This is so different from our usual time together. We’d be fucking by now, chasing after pleasure instead of getting to know each other. I like this change of pace.
“So, how was your week? Anything nice happen besides the deal?” I say, wanting to warm him up before I inquire about Adam.
He drums his fingers against his cheek, still watching me. “It was okay. A bit busier than usual, though.”
Something’s changed about him, I can feel it more so than see it. His vibe is not exactly the one I captured in the painting I did based on him and Adam. I don’t know when it happened, and it must have been very gradual, because I somehow missed it.
“Can you pose for me? I want to draw you,” I blurt out, detracted from my objective by his intense eyes. Against the backdrop of bamboo and amidst the interior, he looks otherworldly.
“Right now? And didn’t you draw me already? Without asking for permission,” he points out, not hiding his amusement.
“No. Yes. And I didn’t drawyou, it’s more that I used you and your boyfriend strictly as references.”
He hums. A waiter comes in, giving us two menus. “Order whatever you like.”
“I’ll seriously go for the whole menu…”
He laughs. “Sure. Go for it.”
I wouldn’t. Even if he’s paying, I couldn’t eat that much food even if they packed it for home. It would be a waste.
I settle on a couple of starters and a delicious-looking sushi set, then order one for Molly. “So, that deal you made. Who was it with? If it’s not a secret.”
The waiter brings our starters and refills Derek’s sake. Once he’s left, Derek takes a sip and aims his gaze my way. “It’s not a secret, but the details aren’t available to the public yet. I’dappreciate it if you kept what I’m about to tell you to yourself for the time being.”
“Of course! I promise.”
He smiles. “Salinger Tech has partnered up with JE Pharma.”
JE Pharma… “Oh! They are researching paralysis treatments, aren’t they? It was in the news recently. They have some kind of an experimental program.”
“Yes.” He laces his fingers together. “Unfortunately, they’ve hit a bit of a dead end with that. Which is where Salinger Tech comes in.”
He runs me through an explanation of how and what they will be doing, keeping it simple and easy to follow. Still, it sounds like something straight out of a sci-fi. Also, it doesn’t seem very profitable, but I’m sure he knows what he is doing. It’s no secret once you google it that Derek built Salinger Tech mostly from the ground up. His parents did help, but he’s the one that turned their business and moderate savings into a billion-dollar empire.
“I hope it works out. Just imagine if so many people could walk again.”
“That would be nice, I suppose,” he agrees.
