Chapter 5 #2
“Driving you wild and crazy.” He winks, and I can tell from the expression on his face that his intention was to make me blush. “Or maybe just wild.” He holds his hands up. “I was feeling hot, so I just wanted to let some air in.”
“I was thinking that your personality sucked, and I guess I was right,” I blurt out.
I’m thrown when he laughs, like it’s the funniest thing he’s ever heard in his life. Which it probably is, seeing as his humor isn’t much better than his personality.
“You’re very mouthy for someone who just got a job in my restaurant.” He crosses his arms over his chest and raises an eyebrow. “I think I like it.”
“I don’t care what you think or like.”
“Oh, so we’re going back to bedroom talk again?” he growls, and the sound almost makes me jump.
The deepness of his voice is unexpected, and I feel a sudden thrill. It’s been a long time since I’ve been this intimidated and attracted at the same time. My inner voice reminds me that Dalton is not the reason I moved to Billionaires’ Valley.
“I don’t think so.” My eyes catch sight of a yacht as it goes sailing past the restaurant, and I watch a young blond couple talking on board.
The side of the boat reads Sarah Marie, and I wonder if it’s named after the lady on board.
Now that’s romantic and a money move. They will spend the day on the water, then go back home and relax.
I bet they don’t have to worry about cockroaches and rats, like Rosie and me.
Not that we’ve spent any nights there yet.
We spent the night at the motel, so that we could deep-clean the place before we moved in officially.
“You like sailing?”
“I like boats, yes. I’ve always thought it would be cool to sail around the world.”
“Ambitious. By yourself?”
“Oh, no, with my husband.” I laugh and look over at him. “I’m getting married soon.” I don’t know why I told him that. Maybe because I think or hope that it will ensure he leaves me alone and stops flirting. Only a dog would flirt with someone else’s woman.
“You’re getting married?” He sounds shocked.
His eyes fall to my ring finger. I wish I had a giant diamond to shove in his face, but I don’t. At least not yet, I don’t. Maybe if all my plans come to fruition, I will have that ring soon.
“Not yet.”
“You’re engaged?”
“Not technically?”
“Your boyfriend told you he’s going to propose?”
“I mean, not in so many words.”
“Help me here, Sage.” He looks like he’s absolutely bewildered by the conversation.
I kinda want to laugh out loud, but I don’t, because I don’t really want to go into a deep conversation about what I mean.
“Help you with what? How to carry a conversation?”
“How do you know your boyfriend is going to propose?” He frowns, and his lips twitch. “Wait, does your boyfriend even know he’s going to propose?”
“I mean, duh.” I lower my voice. “If I had one, he would,” I mumble under my breath.
His eyes narrow and he takes a step toward me. “What did you just whisper?”
“I was wondering how often we get paid. I was …” I pause and take in the fact that he’s grinning like the Cheshire cat. The man is infuriating, but I can’t help but be warmed by his smile. “Why do you look like that?”
“I’m just curious why you changed the subject. Most newly engaged women or soon-to-be engaged women love to talk about their partners.”
“Fine, I am not soon-to-be engaged in the technical sense of the word. I do not have a boyfriend yet, but I know when I get one, the proposal will be swift.”
“Oh, so you’re delusional.” He shakes his head and then reaches forward and presses his hand to my forehead. “Unless, of course, you’re sick and in a fugue state and you have no sense as to the words coming out of your mouth.”
“I’m fine. I’m sane.” I roll my eyes. “I have no temperature, thank you very much.”
“Just checking. Though I have to say, I’m intrigued.” He pauses, then recoils suddenly. “Oh no, this isn’t because of me, is it?”
“Huh?” I have no idea what he’s talking about or why he’s now looking at me like he’s scared of me. Like he really does think I’m sort of a psychopath. “What are you going on about? Is what because of you?”
“Did you get a job here because you’re hoping I’m going to marry you? You saw me the other night, and now you want me?”
It’s my turn to laugh hysterically because I have never heard such a ridiculous thing in my life.
Is Dalton for real? Does he think I’m that crazy?
Based on the expression on his face, he does.
He genuinely looks nervous. Or maybe I’m mistaking nervousness for disdain.
Whatever it is, he very much wants nothing to do with me in that regard.
I’m offended at his reaction, even though I have zero desire to make him my man, let alone my husband.
“Get a life. I have absolutely no interest in you. Not to be rude, but I’m looking for a rich, handsome man with muscles and intellect.
Someone who makes me laugh, with an amazing sense of humor.
Someone who can satisfy my mind and my body.
Someone I can’t resist.” I sniff and look him up and down.
“And you don’t fit the bill, I’m afraid. No offense or anything.”
“No offense taken.” He stares at me without saying anything else, but his eyes are light, and his lips are twitching, and I think he wants to laugh again. “I mean, who would be offended when a weird, crazy woman says she thinks you’re ugly and dumb, and you don’t know how to please a woman?”
“Weird and crazy? How did you guess my best attributes so quickly?” I smile widely at him and run my fingers through my hair.
I then reach into my handbag, grab my red lipstick, and reapply it.
I press my lips together and then pout them.
“How ever will I find a man who appreciates my other qualities?”
His eyes are on my lips now, and I want to high-five myself.
I knew I had gotten to him. Most men can’t resist a woman licking her lips or reapplying lipstick.
I know if I pushed a finger in my mouth, I’d drive him over the edge, but I’m not interested in that.
I don’t want to get him into my bed. I just want him to realize that I am a woman he wishes he could be with.
“I guess I’m smarter than I look.” He grunts. “So, you’re looking for a husband—is that what you’re saying? A rich husband? Like a gold digger?”
“Maybe.” I shrug, trying to dismiss his words.
They hurt more than they should. Even though I know his words are based on what he thinks is the reality of the situation. Not that I can blame him. If a random woman told me she was looking for a rich husband and she’d just moved to town, I would think the same.
“Or maybe I moved here to find my dad. That would be a good reason, right?” I don’t know why I shared that information with him. Maybe because, as much as I hate to admit it, I don’t want him thinking I’m a gold digger.
“I didn’t know your and Rosie’s dad lived here.”
“He doesn’t.” I pause and let out a long sigh, rubbing my forehead and brushing my hair up into a ponytail. “At least, not Rosie’s.” I lower my voice. “Look, I know we don’t know each other well, and you have no reason to keep this quiet, but can we keep this between us? Rosie doesn’t know yet.”
“She doesn’t know you have different dads?” he asks softly. He nods slowly. “That’s why you moved here?”
“Along with searching for a husband …” I smile ruefully. “That part is true. But I’m not a gold digger. I’m just … well, I’m not going to explain myself.”
“You don’t have to.” He nods abruptly. “Just so you know, I’m not rich, I have no intentions of getting married, and I have secrets far bigger than yours.” He winks. “So, please don’t make me your target.”
“Just so you know, Dalton, I have zero interest in pursuing you or having you pursue me.”
“Doesn’t mean we can’t have a little fun though, right?” He runs his fingers across my shoulders and then smiles. “Just wiping off a stray piece of hair.” He grins as I shiver slightly. “Let’s go back inside so Lucia can finish your training.”
He strides past me and back to the French doors that lead into the restaurant. I follow behind him slowly, my heart racing. What did he mean by his last comment, and do I even want to know? I don’t really want to know.
He stops abruptly before we head inside and lowers his voice. “I don’t want to overstep, but if you need any help or want to talk about your dad, I’m here.” He clears his throat. “I know a bit about complicated families.”