Page 47 of Wild Thing
Marie’s energy radiated off her, turning heads as we entered through the front doors. She looked incredible, dressed in a red power suit, with lips to match and her short blonde hair clipped into a straight bob.
The restaurant manager greeted us warmly. “Welcome, do you have a reservation?”
“Yes, reservation under Omega, or Greg Fowler?”
“Certainly, follow me please.”
We were ushered into a private dining room, obscured from the view of regular diners.
Inside was a large round table, a lazy susan in the center, with seven chairs and a show-stopping chandelier. Dark, moody lighting highlighted an incredible wine cellar wall.
But the striking centerpiece of the room wasn't the chandelier; it was my six-foot-three ex-boyfriend.
Steven was also already there, as was Greg, who immediately stood to welcome us.
“Marie, it’s wonderful to see you again,” said Greg, greeting her with a short hug and kiss on the cheek. “This is my wife Laura, my CFO Michael and lead builder, Brax."
“Pleasure to meet you all,” Marie replied, before making reference to Steven and I. “I believe you’re already acquainted with Dylan and Steven from our team.”
I turned my attention to Brax and gave him a small hug as a way of greeting. He smelt like a winter's night, like sandalwood and flame.I thought about what it would be like to nestle my face into the crook of his neck.
“Hi,” he said, leaning into me, returning the hug. His lips grazed my earlobe as he said quietly enough that no one else could hear, “You look stunning.”
His hands lingered at my waist and his gaze dropped to my body.
I was wearing a skin tight, long sleeved leopard print dress that sat at my mid-thigh, with white pumps. My long black hair was braided, with the plait resting over my right shoulder.
Smiling, I shrugged like it was no big deal.
Except it definitely was a big deal.
I dressed for him.
I sure as shit didn’t dress like that for Steven, the creep. As if on cue, Steven said, “Looking wild as ever tonight, Dylan.”
Marie and Brax both gave Steven a frosty stare at his ballsy comment. I looked over at Steven as well. All eyes were on this motherfucker.
“Steven, your puns are getting worse the older you get,” Marie snapped, embarrassing Steven with her quip and making the entire table laugh at Steven's expense.
Brax pulled out a chair for me and gestured for me to sit down in between him and Marie. Seated next to Brax was Steven, then Michael, Laura and Greg, who was seated on Marie’s other side.
I prayed Steven wouldn't pepper Brax with questions about our past. I didn't want Brax to feel like he had to lie for me; but I also didn't want him to tell Steven the truth either.
Our waiter arrived. “Can I take drink orders to start with?”
“Is everybody happy if I order a couple bottles of wine for the table?” asked Greg. Everyone agreed that was the best way to go considering there were seven of us.
Marie, Greg and Laura instantly locked into a discussion amongst themselves, while Steven spoke with Michael about wine preferences.
Brax took the opportunity to have me to himself.
“How was your afternoon at the conference?”
“Fine,” I replied, neglecting to tell him that I spent the majority of that time imagining him between my legs. “What did you do this afternoon?”
“I got a workout in, then did some admin," he said. "I only found out about this dinner a few hours ago.”
The thought of Brax lifting weights and sweating did something unspeakable to me. I cleared my throat, attempting to recalibrate my brain from going there—again.
