Page 98 of Sparks Fly
“Well, whatever it was.” She flaps her hand in front of her as if that is a minor detail that isn’t a big deal. “Anyway, he was talking and he said he felt bad and that he wanted to make it up to you. He said you’ve been avoiding his calls, so I suggested a dinner.”
“Gee, thanks.” Sarcasm drips from my tone.
“Look, it’s one dinner. We can go for drinks after because once the weekend kicks in, we won’t get a chance.” She sounds almost pleading.
“Fine.” I smirk, clutching a dress in my hand. “I’m going to get changed. Are you going dressed in your uniform?” I furrow my brows, twisting my lips as I flick my eyes up and down her body.
“No, I will change, obvs.” She half laughs as she takes her bag off and dumps it on the bed before rooting through her own suitcase.
Walking down to the lobby,I am dressed in a nude, strapless, bodycon dress and black sandals with a heel. I have no idea where we were going but I want to make sure I was dressed appropriately. My auburn hair is half-up half-down and sitting in waves. I finish it off with make-up and my favourite red lipstick.
Nora is dressed in a two-piece waistcoat and high-waisted trousers with heels. Classic and sleek. She always looks nice.
Our heels click against the tiles, and I see Royce and Kai standing there. Royce hasn’t changed from earlier, not that he needed to.
His eyes widen when he sees us walk towards him and Kai has a stupid grin on his face.
“You look…” He pauses, stepping forward and placing a kiss on my cheek.
“Thank you,” I mutter, walking towards the exit.
I feel his hand brush against my lower back. The car is waiting, and Kai gets the door. Nora gets in first, then me. Royce slips in beside me and Kai goes around the front.
I side eye Nora and her lips twist as she gives me a shrug. Royce’s arm stretches behind me, his fingers dancing on my shoulder and I freeze.
What the hell is going on?
We pull up outsideRistorante Derby Grilland Royce opens the door for us to exit the car.
I walk alongside Nora, with Kai and Royce hanging back as we’re greeted by the maître d’. He looks over me and locks eyes with Royce, giving a solid nod before we’re led to a small private area. My skin prickles.
“Is it just me or is this weird?”
“A little,” she whispers.
We take our seats, Nora to my left, Royce to my right, Kai slightly opposite. The menus are placed in front of us and Royce orders water for him and Kai and a bottle of champagne for me and Nora.
I wouldn’t have chosen champagne, but I suppose I can’t be fussy when he has invited us out.
“Are we celebrating?” A nervous laugh bubbles out of me.
“Not celebrating, no.” Royce shakes his head, a smile plastered on his face.
“Oh,” I say as the waiter turns up with the champagne, showing Royce the bottle before popping it and filling mine and Nora’s glass.
“I just wanted a nice dinner with you.” He looks dead at me. “And Nora and Kai, of course.”
“Of course.” I purse my lips as I take a mouthful, the bubbles dissolving on my tongue.
Royce leans into me, his voice quiet so only I can hear. “I do want to speak to you after dinner though… just me and you.”
I swallow. “Okay,” I say, rolling my lips.
He sits back up then focuses his attention on the menu. I side eye Nora and she excuses us from the table and to the restroom.
Panic claws at my throat as I pace the floor.
“What?” She glances at me, eyes bouncing between mine.
