Chapter 2
Chapter Two
Jenna
I was sitting at my desk when my phone chimed with a text message from an unfamiliar number.
“Hi, Jenna. I’m the guy you spilled your drink all over at the club. You gave me your number and told me to tell you how much the dry-cleaning bill was.”
“Um, hi. I remember. Did you get it cleaned?”
“I did. In fact, I just picked it up. Instead of paying for the dry cleaning, have dinner with me tonight to make up for it.”
I furrowed my brows as I read his message.
I remembered the jerk and the attitude he gave me even though he was the one who invaded my personal space.
But I also remembered other qualities about him.
The sexy as sin physical qualities. Six foot two, great build, dark brown hair that was short and slicked back on the sides with a medium-length textured top, penetrating brown eyes, and a strong chiseled jawline with a clean five o’clock shadow.
What was the harm in having dinner with a sexy and handsome man?
It was a Friday night, and I was available.
My only plans consisted of pajamas, Thai food, and binge-watching Netflix.
I enjoyed meeting new people. Maybe this time, he wouldn’t be such a jerk.
“Okay. I’ll have dinner with you. What time and where?”
“Tavern on the Green at seven o’clock. I can pick you up if you’d like.”
“That’s okay. I’ll meet you there.”
“Excellent. I’ll see you at seven.”
When I arrived home, I threw my hair up in a messy bun and quickly showered before I had to get ready to leave for dinner.
While I was washing the dirt and grime off from the day, it suddenly hit me that I didn’t know this guy’s name.
Ugh. How could I have been so stupid not to ask him?
I grabbed my phone and texted him as soon as I finished my shower.
“Hi there, guy from the club! It’s the girl who spilled her drink all over you because you have no respect for personal boundaries. You didn’t offer your name, and I totally forgot to ask you. So…”
A few moments later, he replied.
“We’ll discuss more about personal boundaries at dinner, and I’ll tell you my name when you arrive.”
I stared at his message in disbelief. He was definitely a jerk, and I couldn’t believe I had agreed to meet him for dinner.
Maybe I should cancel. But I was hungry, and I loved Tavern on the Green.
I’d just leave right after dinner. An hour tops with him.
I could deal with his jerkiness for an hour.
After putting on an “evening” look on my face and throwing a few curls in my long brown hair, I slipped into a short black dress with three-quarter-length flared sleeves.
After zipping up my tall black boots, I grabbed my small black evening bag and headed to the restaurant.
I arrived five minutes after seven, and when I stepped inside the restaurant, a perky blonde hostess greeted me.
“Welcome to Tavern on the Green. Dining for one?”
“No.” My brows furrowed at her. “I’m meeting someone.”
“Name for the reservation?” she asked.
“See, here’s the thing. I don’t know his name. He said he’d tell me when I arrived. He’s incredibly handsome and lacks respect for people’s personal boundaries.”
“You’re in luck. A handsome man just walked in about ten minutes ago.”
“Did you get his name?” I smirked at her.
“Only his last.”
“And?” I raised my brow.
“Thorne. Mr. Thorne. I’ll take you to his table.”
As she led me through the restaurant, I saw Mr. Thorne staring at me in a corner booth.
Damn, he was sexy.
“Good evening.” He smiled as he stood up. “You’re late.”
“I was here. The hostess was trying to figure out whom I was meeting since I wasn’t given a name.”
“And she figured it out?”
“She did. I told her I was meeting a man who had little respect for people’s personal boundaries. She knew instantly I was here to meet you, Mr. Thorne.” I arched my brow as a small smile crossed my lips.
“You’re cute.” He smirked. “I’m Lucas Thorne, Jenna—?” I would shake your hand, but I don’t want to get in the way of your personal boundaries.”
“Larson. Jenna Larson.” I extended my hand to him. “It’s nice to meet you, Lucas.”
“And you as well.” He placed his hand in mine. “Thank you for agreeing to join me for dinner.”
“Well, it’s the least I could do since I did spill scotch all over your expensive suit.”
“Good evening, Mr. Thorne. Madame.” The waiter gave me a nod. “May I grab you a drink from the bar?”
“Good evening, Lorenzo. Scotch?” Lucas glanced at me.
“Of course.” I smiled. “One ice cube.”
“Two scotches. One ice cube for the lady and no ice for me.”
“Very good, sir. I’ll be back to take your order.”
“I have to admit, I don’t think I’ve ever met a woman who drinks scotch.”
“What do you think that says about me?” I reached into the basket that sat in the middle of the table and pulled out a breadstick.
“I think it says you’re very smart and not afraid to be different. I also think you’re very independent.”
“You’re a smart man.” The corners of my mouth curved upward.
The waiter delivered our drinks and took our dinner order.
Picking up my glass, I gave it a little swirl and took a sip as he intently watched me.
I felt as if he was turned on just as much as I was.
He may have been a jerk, but all that quickly fell by the wayside.
He was gorgeous. More so than I remembered at the club.
If he were to ask me to return to his place, I probably wouldn’t hesitate.
“I saw what you did to that guy at the club.” A smirk formed on his lips.
“You saw that?”
“I think everyone saw that.” He chuckled.
“Well, he deserved it for the things he said. I’m all for some dirty talk when it’s warranted, but he took it upon himself to grind up against me without my permission, therefore disrespecting my personal space. Plus, his line was lame.”
“What did he say to you?”
“He said he wanted to take me out of the club and invade more of my personal space.” I rolled my eyes, and Lucas let out a laugh.
“You’re right. That is lame. I guess he deserved what you gave him.”
The waiter brought our food and set our plates down in front of us. As Lucas picked up his fork, his stare never left me.
“What?” I bashfully smiled.
“You’re a beautiful woman, Jenna Larson.
That’s why I bought you that drink at the club.
The one you so gracefully spilled all over my suit.
And before you go on a tangent about how I have little respect for people’s boundaries, the club was crowded, and there were people all around that bar.
I just squeezed into the closest space I could get because I wanted to meet you. ”
Maybe he wasn’t a jerk after all. Maybe I had pegged him all wrong.
“Okay. Thank you for that.” My lips formed a smile.
“You’re welcome.” He gave me a sexy wink.