Chapter Eleven – Verity #2
He pulls out my chair, and I smile at the simple gesture. “Thanks.”
“You look gorgeous.” He takes his seat opposite me.
“Really? In my work clothes?” I give him a sarcastic brow raise.
“Especially in your work clothes.”
“Wow, I didn’t realize office attire was such a turn on.”
“Oh, yeah. Haven’t you heard? Professionalism is every man’s secret kink.”
I let out a snort at his ridiculousness, but he keeps a straight face.
“I’m serious, Verity. Those pants with that top, instant hard-on.”
It’s at that exact moment our server walks over, and I have no doubt he overheard us with the way he gives Cullen a questioning stare before not so subtly analyzing my outfit. Lovely.
“I’m Peter and I’ll be your server tonight. Have you had a chance to look at the menu, ma’am?”
“Oh, sorry, no.” I quickly pick up the menu and begin scanning it.
“No worries. Take your time. Can I get you something to drink?”
“Just water, please.”
He nods and then turns to Cullen. “Would you like another Negroni, sir?”
“I’m good, thanks.”
“All right, I’ll be back.”
My eyes widen as I take in the obscene prices of the food. My God. I knew the Scarmont Rooftop was fancy, but I didn’t realize it was this fancy. I sneak a peek at Cullen over the menu.
He must make good commissions—or at least that’s how the people in those reality shows make all their money, selling expensive homes to rich people and getting a cut of the cost. Hannah and I love watching those while wearing sheet masks and eating pizza from the place next door.
“Anything catch your eye?” Cullen’s gaze connects with mine, turning my subtle peek into a full-blown ogle.
“The lobster roll sounds good.”
“Oh, that’s delicious.”
“Have you eaten here before?”
“Yeah, I do lot of business meetings here.” He nods to the outdoor area. “I was here earlier for some drinks with a client, actually.”
“I was wondering how you managed to snag us a table on a Friday.”
I’ve never tried to get a reservation here before, but most places in the city require a reservation, especially Thursday through Sunday, so there is no way the Scarmont would be an exception.
I would even bet it is one of those places that only opens reservations two weeks out right at midnight and books up within the first ten minutes.
I am feeling a little out of my element.
I’d gathered during our conversations that Cullen makes decent money—the man has an apartment with a balcony right above Surfside Beach, for God’s sake—but as each day passes, I’ve started to wonder if maybe there is more than what he is letting on.
I’m not used to this level of glamour and spend, and I’m a little worried that I will somehow mess it up.
“Are you good?”
Cullen reaches across the table to squeeze my hand, making me realize that I’ve just been staring at him in silence.
“Totally fine.”
The server comes back and saves me from potentially spiraling. We place our orders, with Cullen adding on some fancy, artisanal prosciutto plate for us to share as a starter. I shake off my worries and try to stay in the moment.
“Is that why you’re back in town? You had a meeting?”
“No, my big meeting is still on Monday. I flew in early because one of my buddies was in Miami and he had a spare seat on his jet.”
“Your friend has his own jet?”
Yup. I am totally out of my element.
“Yeah.”
“It’s not his family’s or something?”
“Nope, it’s his.”
“What on earth does your friend do?” I clamp my mouth shut as soon as the words leave my lips. “Sorry, that might be a bit personal.”
“Stop, you’re fine. He owns resorts.”
“Seriously? Wow, that’s impressive.”
“I mean, he’s not that impressive. He’s an asshole.”
The corner of my lip twitches up. “Are you jealous?”
“I’m not jealous about you mooning over my friend.”
I stifle a laugh. “I wouldn’t call it mooning. I was simply asking.”
“You got this whole sparkle in your eye.”
“That’s just the reflection from the city lights, Mr. Jealous.”
“I’m not jealous.”
“Sure, sure.” I try to hide my smile by taking a sip of water.
“Seriously. I’m just trying to tell you that, while Rafe might bleed money, he’s also a complete workaholic recluse. While I, on the other hand, have devilish good looks and the charming personality to match.”
I choke on the water, a laugh escaping me.
His reaction right now is priceless. It sounds silly, but seeing him get all worked up over it makes me happy, makes me feel important. He cares enough about me that something as small as this bothers him.
The server drops the prosciutto plate down, and Cullen gives him a grunted “thanks” before stabbing a slice of meat with his fork.
His jealousy makes him look more boyish and softens his usual polished exterior.
“You have nothing to be worried about; it’s you I’m on a date with,” I reassure him. “Not your friend whom I’ve never even met.”
“A fourth date. Don’t think I’ve forgotten our little deal.”
I shrug nonchalantly. “I have no clue what you’re talking about.”
“Really?”
“Really.” I try to hide my smile by shoving a slice of prosciutto in my mouth and staring out the window.
Cullen nudges my foot with his own before grazing his ankle up my calf. The contact is distracting, threatening to break my already fragile resolve.
“You’ll be mine by the end of the night, Verity. You’ll find I can be very convincing.”