16. Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Sixteen
ANGIE
I stepped back and surveyed the staff lounge that was set up for the catered lunch. Not that I could really appreciate my efforts, because my mind was elsewhere. Specifically, stuck on Wyatt Reed and how amazing last night had been. Getting involved with my boss had never been on my bingo card. Except now it was, and I should be freaking out, but I wasn’t.
Instead, I had our date on repeat in my head. Thinking about how when we got back to the suite, he kissed me until we were both breathless. And then pressed his lips tenderly against my forehead, sending me off to bed with promises that he intended to show me all the things I deserved.
My phone vibrated in my back pocket, and I pulled it out.
Izzy: Why didn’t you tell me you were dating Wyatt Reed?
Me: What? How do you even know that??
Although we didn’t have that exact conversation, I didn’t have any doubts that was exactly what we were doing.
Izzy: Because he’s hot and famous and you guys are but just don’t read the comments. The trolls are just jealous.
Me: What. Are. You. Talking about?
Izzy: The picture of you two at dinner.
Izzy: Crap. I forgot you don’t do social media.
Izzy: Here… *Picture of Wyatt sitting next to me whispering in my ear*
What the picture didn’t show was his hand between my legs.
Izzy: You guys are adorable. How’d you meet and why didn’t you tell me?
Me: He’s my boss
I sighed when her name flashed across my screen, swiping to answer and bringing the phone to my ear.
“What the hell, Angie? Wyatt Reed is your boss? The owner of that hotel?”
“Yes. Now explain why someone took a picture of us and why you think he’s famous.”
I mean yeah, he was rich, but as far as my Google search went, he didn’t seem famous for anything.
“He dated that blond actress you like. What was her name… Kelly? Kylie? Kennedy? Anyway, after that, he became super popular on social media. And when they broke up, he became Instagram famous as Boston’s most eligible bachelor.”
My head whipped up as Wyatt stepped into the doorway, his gaze immediately seeking me out.
“Izzy, gotta go. Call you later.”
I hung up and stared at Wyatt.
“What’s wrong?” He closed the distance, and I continued to stare up at him.
“Nothing.” My voice squeaked, and I cleared my throat, refusing to glance down at my phone. But I lost that battle.
His gaze followed mine, landing on the picture of us.
“Oh.” He looked up with raised brows. “Please tell me you didn’t read the comments.”
“No.” I narrowed my eyes. “But since you’re the second person who’s said that, I think I should.”
He shook his head. “I wouldn’t. Some people have nothing better to do than dump on other people’s lives.”
“They’re all probably wondering why you’re out to dinner with someone like me when you could be dating a model or actress or something.”
He stepped forward and grabbed my waist, pulling me toward him. “I don’t care what they think. I don’t want anyone but you. But a lot of the comments are attacking the playboy lifestyle they’re used to seeing. Just so you’re prepared.”
I sagged against him, letting him wrap his arms around me and bring me flush against him.
“This looks great.”
“Huh?”
“The lunch spread.” He examined the room. “It looks good, and the flowers are a nice touch.”
“Oh.” I stepped back, pride rising in my chest as I surveyed the space. It really had come together nicely. “I didn’t really have anything to go off. Hope it’s close to what your grandmother has done in years past.”
He wrapped his arm around my shoulders and pressed his lips to my temple. “I think she’d be proud, and everyone will love it.”
My stomach flipped. No one would believe Wyatt Reed was capable of this type of tenderness.
“Dinner tonight? Like in the suite. I want to cook for you.”
I peered up at him. “You cook?”
He shrugged. “My grandmother taught me how to make a few simple things. Nothing that special.” His hand ran up and down my arm, the simple touch doing crazy things to my body. “Unless you want to go out to dinner again.”
I assumed going out again meant more prying eyes. Was he trying to avoid that?
“If we go out again, more pictures of us could be posted on social media.”
“I don’t care what pictures they take or post of us. But I understand if it bothers you. You should know, though…” He trailed off before looking down at me with caution. “It has become more of a constant thing in my life over the years. But most of the time, I ignore it. It’s not usually a big deal here, but it is when I’m in Boston.”
Voices close by had me stepping away from him and straightening my sweater. I held back the eye roll as his lips turned down into a frown. Was he intending to make it obvious in front of all the staff today? We’d eventually need to deal with that, but I didn’t think right now was the time.
I busied myself with talking to the employees and thanking them. During a lull in the action, I looked around and noticed Wyatt was gone.
My phone vibrated on one of the tables where I’d set it down, and I picked it up. Wyatt’s name in the notifications sent excitement coursing through me as I opened our text thread.
Wyatt: Dinner? 7p.m.?
My fingers flew across the screen without a second thought.
Me: Definitely. Looking forward to tasting your masterpiece.
Wyatt: Don’t get too excited. But are you sure? I don’t mind going out again if you’d prefer.
Upstairs alone in the suite with him? That idea alone was causing my core to throb with anticipation. I wanted this. Him. More than I’d ever wanted anything. And that made the answer to his question easy.
Me: I’m more than sure.