Chapter 21 Honey
HONEY
It feels wrong to be here.
As I wait for Ian, I stare at the photo Beau sent me of him and his friends at the car wash.
Me: Did y’all raise a lot of money today?
Beau: The chief says it’s a record. Should be able to get the new turnout gear we need.
Me: So happy to hear that! Congrats!
The message bar cycles like he’s typing for a while. When his message comes through, my heart drops.
Beau: Are you really on a date with that guy?
Me: Unfortunately, but he’s late.
Beau: How ’bout you ditch him and let me take you to dinner? We could do burgers, beer, and country dancing.
I smile at the screen. That sounds like the perfect date.
Me: Do you two-step?
Beau: Darling, every rancher in Texas knows how to two-step. That’s nothing special. It’s a prerequisite to being a cowboy.
The thought of dancing close to Beau sends goosebumps across my skin.
Glancing up, I spot Ian coming through the main entrance.
Me: I have to go. I’m enjoying talking to you, friend.
Beau: Whatever happens with this guy, just remember you deserve the best. So don’t settle. Night, princess.
I tuck my phone away as I mull over his words. Am I settling with Ian? He’ll make my family happy. But what do I want? What will make me happy?
After a brief greeting, Ian sits across the table and texts someone while I ponder how this became my life.
We’re at the Pearl Steakhouse, which is the most expensive place in town.
The lights are low, romantic music plays in the background, and candles burn at every table.
It’s a whole vibe. One that makes me uncomfortable.
When the waitress brings the wine, Ian pauses texting long enough to approve it, but then he’s immediately focused on his messages again.
I’m almost done with my glass by the time he finally sets his phone down. “Sorry about that. Work.”
I don’t bother to engage with him since he’s barely bothered to say two words to me tonight. Instead, I watch other couples enjoy their dinner, wishing I had cancelled this date.
Fortunately, the waitress brings our steaks, and I dig in. I’m daydreaming about a shirtless firefighter when Ian stops eating to stare at me. “What?” I ask.
“You look beautiful tonight.”
I shove another bite of food in my mouth so I don’t have to respond.
He clears his throat. “I appreciate a woman who enjoys a good steak.”
This is painfully awkward, but the buzz from the wine has loosened me up.
“Why are we doing this? You obviously don’t want to be here, and we have nothing to talk about.
You don’t give a rat’s ass about my teaching job, and frankly, I don’t care that you’re wheeling and dealing.
Plus, your manners are atrocious. If we get married, I might smother you with a pillow. Is that a risk you want to take?”
He wipes his mouth with a napkin as he chuckles. “We might need some time to get to know each other. That’s okay. And it’s not true that I don’t care about your job. I just heard your school had a fire. Were you there?”
I almost ask which one, but then think better of it. I don’t know if he’ll report back to my father. “It wasn’t a big deal.”
Ian’s wearing another designer suit. He keeps glancing at his watch.
“Are you late for another date?” I ask, curious.
He freezes with his arm in the air, and no matter how hard he tries to school his expression, I know in my gut I’m right. But he tries to play dumb because he clearly thinks I’m stupid. “Is it a crime to check the time?”
Do I have a sign on my forehead that says “moron?” “Look, you don’t have to play games with me. You were glued to your phone when we got here. Either you’re working on the deal of the century, or you’re talking to another woman. Which is it?”
Laughing uncomfortably, he reaches for his wine, likely to buy himself some time. “It’s just work stuff.”
Sure. “So you’re planning to date other women until, what, we get married?”
He sputters. “I wouldn’t say that exactly.”
“Or will you keep your sidepieces once we tie the knot?” He just stares at me, so I keep going.
“Because if you’re running around with women, I’m not going to give up the guy I was seeing before my father demanded I had to go out with you.
” I suppose, technically, I wasn’t dating Beau, but Ian doesn’t know that.
His eyes go glacial. “My wife will not fuck around behind my back. Do you hear me?”
Now we’re getting to the real man behind the suit.
Leaning back, I swirl my wine. “Number one, it’s funny that you think you can tell me what to do.
Two, you’re assuming you can get me to walk down the aisle, the chances of which are getting slimmer by the minute.
And three, if you fuck around behind my back, all bets are off here. ”
His fist clenches as he stares at me. “No one told me you were so mouthy.”
“No one told me you were a rude asshole, but here we are.” I motion for the waitress, and when she stops by, I ask for the check. When she puts it on the table, I snatch it up before Ian can.
“What are you doing?” he asks, annoyed, as he gets out his credit card.
After I check what the bill is, I throw down some money and slide my chair back. “Paying my half. Thank you for an illuminating meal.”
Thank God I drove here.
But when I try to walk away, Ian stands suddenly and grips my arm. Hard. “Has anyone ever told you that you’re a spoiled brat?” he grits out.
I look him in his angry eyes, grateful we’re in public. “A time or two, yes. But I know what I’m worth. And I’ll never put up with someone who manhandles me.” I pointedly look at his death grip on my arm.
He finally lets go and shakes his head. “I’m sorry. Please forgive me.” He adjusts his tie. “Let’s try dinner again on Wednesday.”
This man is straight-up crazy if he thinks I’m going out with him again. “I’ll let my father know we aren’t a good match.”
He calls my name as I walk away, but I can’t do this anymore. I won’t date someone with that kind of temper.
Because I’m worth more.
And I know just the man who deserves me.