Chapter 9 #2
“They don’t sell it by the glass. I think you’ll enjoy it. It’s Italian and pairs well with the food here.”
“But this is a business dinner. That’s an expensive write-off.” She thinks I’m using this as a business expense.
“It’s perfectly fine.”
“Lachlan pulled out the big guns,” she says, scanning the menu again.
“Yes, well, I suppose we should buy whatever we want.” The waiter returns with the wine. “Thank you,” I say as he pours our glasses.
“Are you ready, sir?” He looks expectantly at me.
“Reese?”
“Do you have any suggestions?” She raises her brows in question.
“May I?” She nods, giving me my opening. “We’ll have the polenta in roasted pepper sauce and the shrimp san Marzano. Thank you.” I take Reese’s menu, handing it over with mine.
“Thank you. I had no clue what to order,” she says as the waiter walks away.
“Well, you should thank my mother.” Her eyes snap to mine. “She taught me well.”
“I suppose that’s what you do when you have boys.” She smiles at me until she reads the frown on my face. Always there the minute I think of her. “Did I say something to upset you?”
“No, I’m okay,” I mutter. Her eyes search mine and before I realize it, I’m telling her everything. “I have a sister, Sallie.”
“Oh, I didn’t know. Is she older? Younger?” Reese smiles at me, ready to hear anything I’ll share. Except this. No one likes to hear this story, so I’ll keep it light.
“Sallie’s the oldest… was the oldest. Then me, and Riley’s the baby, and he damn well rides it.” Her brow furrows and I know what’s coming, so I answer without hesitation. “We lost Sallie years ago.”
Reese lays her hand on mine, slightly squeezing it. “I’m so sorry, Walker.”
I brush my thumb over her fingers, enjoying the warmth of her touch.
My eyes flicker to hers, brimming with tears.
“Thank you.” I hold her hand tightly before letting it go, silently admonishing myself for holding hope, even if for a moment.
“So have you had a chance to read through our offer?” I change the subject so fast, I think her head spins.
When she narrows her eyes, I know I’ve hurt her feelings, but Sallie doesn’t get shared.
“I have a few questions.” She pulls the file from her chair where it’s been tucked.
“I thought you might.” I see the waiter coming our way and hold my hand up to her. “Let’s eat first.” I incline my head to our appetizer.
“Of course.” She lays the file to the side as she stretches her neck to examine the polenta. “I’ve never eaten this before. Is it good?”
“It’s wonderful. The roasted peppers set off all of the flavors.”
I offer her the first taste. She leans in, wrapping her crimson-colored lips around the grilled triangle of bread, grazing my fingers with her tongue. Licking my lips, I watch as she savors the taste. “Good?”
A smile spreads across her face as she savors the food. “The caramelized onions are to die for.” She sips her wine as she watches me finishing the polenta. “I’m impressed.”
“Why do I get the feeling you don’t like trying new things?
“No, more like change is my issue.” She glances at me. “My mother and I had a rough time after my father left.” She shrugs.
My chest constricts at the thought of her not having what she needs. “Single parents are the most unheralded heroes.”
“Agreed. That’s why he left us for another woman with a child.” Her lips flatten into a thin line, her face flushing with anger.
“I can understand why you’d be angry.” I spin my glass, trying to not pry.
“Angry? No, my mom is angry. I’m hurt, confused even, but not angry.” A tear escapes from the corner of her eye. I fight to keep from catching it.
“Reese, you confound me.” My heart ramps its beat, making me pray it doesn’t jump from my chest.
“Are you surprised?” She grins coyly.
“Intrigued would be the word, Reese. Captivated even.” I fight leaning in to kiss her as she sinks her teeth into her lip. Her eyes flutter to over my shoulder.
“Our meal is here.” She points to the approaching plates.
“Polenta goes well with our shrimp. I hope you like it.”
“I’m sure I will. Thank you.” My chest tightens as she smiles again. Stop, Walker.
“What are your thoughts on the proposal?”
She takes another drink of wine, setting it down before opening her file. “It was good, but I think it can be better.” She hands over her addendums for my appraisal. “Honestly, your offer was more than fair, but they want the buildings to stay intact.”
“And to retain control over them.” I glance from the paper to her as she bites her lip.
“Yes.” She tilts her head to the side. “Is there a way we could work that out?”
I lay the offer to the side, eating my food to buy some time. “I’m not sure, Reese. How would that benefit my client? DII would have all of the insurance responsibilities with no returns. Do you think that’s fair?”
Her eyes narrow, lips flattening. “I think it’s better than ending up with nothing. Besides, like Daly can’t write off the expense.”
“You think it’s that easy? Writing off insurance isn’t an option. What if someone gets hurt? He’s responsible for something he doesn’t even own.” I square my shoulders, ready for the fight.
“Better to own half than nothing,” she spits at me.
“I guess we go back to point one because what you’re proposing isn’t an option,” I growl at her condescendingly.
“No other options?” She sits forward in her seat. I stare at her, waiting for her next move. “Is that your only offer?”
I set my fork down, and I steeple my fingers. “It is.”
“Just like that?” she huffs.
“Unless you have a better proposition? Which I doubt.” I smirk, knowing she doesn’t.
“Is there ever a moment you’re not arrogant?” She grips the table, her face reddening.
“Not when it comes to business. And especially when I’m right.” I toss my napkin to the side.
She launches from her seat, leaning across the table. “You’re so condescending. Don’t you dare think your charm is going to smooth this deal over, Mr…”
My brow furrows, and I can’t help but smile. “You think I’m charming?”
Her face goes from cherry to scarlet in seconds. “Maybe if you weren’t constantly an overbearing, pretentious asshole!” She throws her chair back and stomps from the room. I rise slowly, hesitant to follow her.
“Reese,” I call after her, but she’s out the door with hellfire coming from her. “That went well. Check.”