Page 144 of Indecent Obsession
“A very good choice, sir.” The waiter nods while he pours some into a glass for me.
I take a sip and give him my approval. He pours both of us a glass and then takes our selections before returning to the kitchen.
“You know, I would’ve been happy with a burger.” She smirks and unfolds her napkin into her lap.
“If you want, I can ask them to make you one.” I take a sip of my wine and cock an eyebrow.
Her laugh is light and delightful. “You would too, wouldn’t you?”
“Of course.” I don’t think she really believes I’m all in on this, but I’d be a fool not to be. I may have been a player, but I’m not a fool.
She shakes her head and her green eyes dance. “Is this the publicly staking your claim dinner?”
“If the previous one didn’t make the gossiping mamas spin, this one will.” I shrug. It’s part of the game of this world. My parents struggle still, but they made sure I was raised as one of these people. Went to the right schools, played the right sports, had the right connections. I never wanted for anything.
“My mom asked about you after our last dinner.” She crosses her legs and toys with the napkin in her lap.
“What did you tell her?” I’m curious because Sara doesn’t strike me as the type to brag about a man she caught.
“Not much honestly. I was still too freaked out about Tom being gone.” Her smile looks a little forced. “I’m still freaked out. He hasn’t ever been gone this long without making contact.”
I slide my hand into hers and weave our fingers together. Every time I do, it feels right.
“He may be worried that you’re being watched.” It’s what the guys and I think. Things settled down with her in their apartment, but that doesn’t mean someone isn’t waiting for us to slip up. “Did your tech guy find anything?”
She shakes her head and squeezes my hand. “He’s still looking, but it might mean that Tom has help or that Tom may need help. It’s just frustrating because I can’t do anything when I don’t have all the information. We don’t even know who he’s running from.”
“We know whoever it is, they’re powerful. And we’ll do everything to keep you safe.” I lift her hand to my lips and kiss the back.
She releases a breath. “I’m sorry. I’m a bad date. You’ve brought me to this fancy restaurant and I’m going on about my brother.”
“We can talk about whatever you want to talk about, princess. If you want to go over data processing techniques, I’ll be all ears. But I get it. A lot has happened and you’re still dealing with some pretty crappy shit.”
Her smile is shy. “Not everything has been crappy.”
I smirk and rub my thumb over her smooth skin. “No, not everything.”
“Okay, so how do you know the chef?” She puts everything to the side and pulls that I’m a good society girl face out of her pocket.
I’ll let her because I know it’s hiding her real feelings about Tom. She needs me to fill the silence. To pretend with her this once. So I tell her all about my friend Owen Matthews and how Owen and I spent summer vacations until her laughter fills the air.
“So you’ve known him since you two were kids?” She takes one of the appetizers and pops it into her mouth.
“He’s always been my ride or die.” I smirk and glance toward the kitchen. “Can you keep a secret?”
Her eyes sparkle in the dim light as she leans in close. “Always.”
“I’m a silent investor.” I cup her jaw and slide my hand along the nape of her neck. She shivers and her eyes darken. It’s so easy to forget we’re on stage here. It’s easy because it’s Sara. “He didn’t want me going to bat for him though.”
“I don’t think he needs you.” She smiles. “What I’ve tasted so far has been decadent.”
“He would have gone far without me. I was expanding my holdings, and when he told me his idea, I wanted to help.” I lean in and whisper, “I’m not a good cook.”
“The lasagna?—”
“Was made for me.” I shrug. “I wanted to impress you, not give you salmonella.”
She chuckles and reaches for the last appetizer. Her eyes widen before she pops it in her mouth. Not bothering to offer me the last one.
