Page 36 of The CEO's Revenge

The next week ran off and I kept silent about the state of the finances of the project. I hung my hopes on Robert, hoping that he would give me the balance needed. Last night he had sent me the name of the restaurant where we would meet at twelve-thirty. Trust Robert to choose one of the most expensive and exclusive places in the city that went by reservations only. I arrived early and was pleased to find that just using Robert’s name saw me being ushered to a table set on a dais in a corner. I had not relished the thought of waiting in my car and having to run the air conditioner unnecessarily. Ten minutes later as I continued to sip my water, Robert arrived.

He looked as he always did. Not a blond hair was out of place, not even when he slid his sunglasses off and the rim caught in his temple. Today he wore dark slacks and a crisp white shirt tucked inside. The neck of the shirt was open and I could see faint tufts of light curls. He smiled as he approached, his even teeth gleaming. I was overcome by a wave of cologne as he leaned down to brush his lips against my cheek before taking his seat across from me.

“Savvie! Sweetheart!” he exclaimed as he slid a bag across to me.

I raised my eyebrows.

“I know you said no, but I did it anyway.”

“What’s this?” I murmured as I peered inside the bag.

“Whiteandred since you could not decide. It’s from their rare collection. Maybe one day you’ll invite me to dinner and we can share a bottle.” He smiled once more and I felt as though the small smile I had pasted on my lips was frozen there.

“We’ll see,” I murmured as I slid the bag to the seat beside me. I felt as though neon signs were pointing at my mouth, flashing the words ‘FAKE!’.

He laughed. “Well, you didn’t say no, so that’s a step in the right direction.”

He raised his hand and a waiter appeared almost immediately. To my surprise he rattled off an order for both of us. I pushed down the annoyance at his presumptuous behavior and waited until the waiter left before saying anything.

“I could have ordered for myself,” I said as lightly as I could.

“I know that, but I also know you would have tried to be polite since I’m paying and order something that’s not too pricey. I wanted you to have the best today. They make an amazing steak and I promise you, you’re going to love it.”

He leaned across and took my hand in his. It felt uncomfortable and discreetly I slipped my hand from his under the pretense of reaching for my phone and putting it into my purse before looking up at him.

“I’m in a bit of a bind, Robert, and I really wouldn’t be asking you if it wasn’t necessary. I can’t think of anyone else who can help.”

“What is it, hon?”

“We might be a little short on funds to complete the renovation project.”

He leaned forward, his eyes glittering. “I thought Max was going to make up the slack?”

“Well, he gave us the bulk, but I have a feeling some of those costs in the budget are underestimated.”

“And he won’t cover it?”

“Um?”

“He’s not going to cover the entire shortfall,” he pounced victoriously. “I knew you couldn’t trust him. What did I tell you? He’s all mouth. I told you, Savannah. He’s not a man of his word. To be honest I don’t think he even has that kind of money. It’s all smoke and mirrors… unless, of course, he’s stealing it from hard working folks like me.”

“It’s not exactly the case. He will cover the costs, but… er… he has some conditions to which I’d rather not agree.”

A strange look crossed his eyes. “Conditions? Such as?”

I shifted uncomfortably. Perhaps this was a bad idea, after all. “He… uh… wants us to be in a relationship again.”

“Over my dead body,” he exploded suddenly.

I looked around to see if other diners were looking our way at Robert’s strange outburst.

“You didn’t agree, did you?” he asked harshly.

“I wouldn’t be here asking for your help if I did, Robert.”

“Good. Good. Yes, you did the right thing coming to me. Of course, I’ll help. The nerve of him! After what he did to you, did he really think he could pick up where things had left off?”

Further conversation was interrupted as the waiter came with our first course.

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