Page 8 of The Billionaire's Lover (Second Chance Romance 3)

Chapter 8

(Dawson)

I had gone to Selah’s apartment with the sole intention of telling her my plans. Unless she had been there with another man, then I would have waited until the restaurant was ready to open before sharing it with her.

She had lost weight. She hadn’t had any to spare before and it worried me. She had been overworking herself most likely as she tried to make enough money to pay for the cost of construction. The fire in her eyes had not changed a bit, though. Her vibrance and beauty nearly struck me mute when I first laid eyes on her after so long.

Even in the face of her tirade, I wanted to crush her to my chest in an endless embrace and never let her go. I wanted to cover her in kisses from head to toe like I did back when we were together.

Instead of flying back to Chicago, I paid up my hotel room for a month. I was overseeing the construction of the restaurant. I had wanted Selah to be involved, but obviously that was not going to happen any time soon, and the restaurant could not be put on hold. I had to meet with contractors and the architect over the next few days. That would, hopefully, keep me distracted and busy so I wouldn’t have time to think about going back to her apartment.

She needed time to cool down. Maybe she would call when that happened. If that happened.

Over the next four days, I met with the head of the construction company and we walked every inch of the property, twice. When we were both certain he understood my instructions, he brought out the paperwork. Then I met with the architect and his assistants. Again, I walked the property and went over details of how I wanted the restaurant built on the outside and the inside, even pacing out the size of the kitchen and dining areas on the first floor.

Satisfied that all was in order, I waited at the site for the construction crew to show up the next week. I stayed until they had moved all their equipment in. As soon as the ground was broken, I nodded, smiling to the boss, and got into my car.

I drove to Gilly’s Gladhouse and parked in the employee parking lot near the back entrance to the kitchen. Then I watched as business steadily picked up. I walked in, asking if I needed a reservation and the hostess smiled, shook her head, and asked if I was dining alone.

“For the moment, it does seem that way.” I smiled back at her.

“I’ll put you at a table for two.” She winked and whispered, “If your friend shows up, we’ll bring her to your table. How’s that?”

“That would be terrific.” I was mildly surprised to see that the interior of Gilly’s was decorated with the finest décor and expensive fabrics on the sitting furniture. The tables all sported gleaming white table cloths and the employees were neat, well-dressed, and all seemed knowledgeable about their jobs and the restaurant in general.

A pretty blond waitress asked, “And what can I get you to drink, sir?” Her smile revealed cute dimples and her big blue eyes sparkled. She enjoyed her job. It was a rarity to see that in any business, but especially in the world of waiting tables.

“Selah Jones, please.” I spoke before thinking. I had been so used to asking for her to be my server at The White Duck, that it just popped out naturally.

The pretty blond furrowed her brow and chuckled. “I’m sorry. What did you want to drink?” She leaned closer.

“It’s early yet, so sweet tea is fine. And I would like to speak with Selah Jones, if that’s possible.”

Looking uncomfortable, she looked over her shoulder toward the kitchen. “I don’t know. Can I give her your name, sir?”

“Yes, Dawson Bright. Thank you.” I had already planned a big tip for Miss Pretty Eyes.

“All righty but she might be too busy for visitors.” She returned with my tea. “Elvie is taking Miss Jones your message right now. Do you know what you want to eat?” She eyed the menu in front of me.

“Could I have just a minute more please, it’s my first visit.” I liked her but wanted her to go away so I could watch for Selah, prepare to speak to her.

Moments later, Selah appeared from the kitchen looking flustered. Her cheeks flamed as she headed my way.

“What do you want? I told you to go away.”

“I wanted to apologize for the misunderstanding.” I motioned for her to sit but she shook her head.

“Apologize? Fine,” she put her hands on her hips and continued, “apology accepted. Feel better? I hope so because I still feel like shit on a stick.”

“With all my heart, I’m sorry even though I’m still not sure what I’m apologizing for, Selah. Please, just sit with me and have a late lunch. Let’s talk about this. About us. I want us to be together again. It’s all I’ve been able to think about.”

Tears welled in her eyes and I wanted to hug her, wipe them away. She stepped back, shaking her head. “I can’t, Dawson. I have no dreams left, no passion for anything, and certainly no romance in me at the moment. Every time I think someone knows me, they prove me wrong in a hurry. You’re no exception with your last two or three attempts at being romantic.” She turned away and disappeared back through the swinging doors of the kitchen.

Miss Pretty Eyes returned, smiling all the way to her cute little dimples. “Decide yet?”

“I’m not going to be staying. I just remembered a prior engagement that I can’t miss.” I took a fifty from my wallet and laid it on the table. “Keep the change for a tip.” I gave her a quick smile and left.

If Selah thought she was going to get rid of me that easily, she was wrong. Somehow, I had botched her plans. But it was obvious that she still had feelings for me in the way she acted. Otherwise, she would have no reason to avoid talking to me.

That knowledge bolstered me in my resolve to hand over her dream very soon.

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