Total pages in book: 53
Estimated words: 50869 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 254(@200wpm)___ 203(@250wpm)___ 170(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 50869 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 254(@200wpm)___ 203(@250wpm)___ 170(@300wpm)
“Do you know them?” I ask Caldwell as the elevator doors close behind us.
He looks genuinely confused. “Who?”
“Those two women that got onto the elevator. They seemed to recognize you.”
He shrugs. “I wasn’t paying that close of attention. I’m keeping it all on you.”
That felt like more than casual recognition, but his response makes me feel special. They were beautiful. I don’t know how he didn’t notice them. Maybe I am being jealous. No, I can’t be jealous. Can I? Crap, that’s not good. I need to shove that all the way down. This is a fun trip, a fling, and I need to keep reminding myself of that. I can’t become a stage-five clinger. We haven’t even known each other for twenty-four hours.
The hostess, a woman in an elegant black dress, spots us immediately. Her face lights up like she’s seen a celebrity. Didn’t he say he’s never been here before? This isn’t the local restaurant in town. Yet it seems as though everywhere we go, he’s recognized by someone.
“Welcome, sir.” She practically beams at him. I suppose I did fall all over myself when I met him too. I was a bit star-struck at how handsome he is. At one point I had to fake needing to use the bathroom to get myself together. Maybe the same thing is happening to all of these women. That’s got to be it. It’s totally understandable, but that doesn’t stop the jealousy that keeps creeping in.
“We’ve been expecting you and saved the absolute best table for you this evening. There is a gorgeous view of the ocean on the terrace, and it’s completely private as requested.”
I glance at Caldwell, and he merely nods graciously. “Thank you. That does sound perfect.”
She leads us through the restaurant, and I notice heads turning as we pass. A waiter nearly drops a tray watching us walk by.
“Popular place,” I whisper, trying to make sense of the attention.
“Or popular guest,” Caldwell says, squeezing my hand. “I have the most beautiful girl with me.” Does he really think they are staring at me, or does he not notice that all the attention is geared toward him? I might also be paranoid that people are wondering what Mr. GQ with sexy tattoos is doing with me.
The hostess stops at a table on the open terrace, candles already lit, the ocean spread out before us. The breeze off the water makes the temperature feel perfect. It’s breathtaking and utterly romantic.
Caldwell pulls out my chair, and I sit, still processing the special treatment, but maybe they have outstanding customer service and know he’s loaded.
The server, Ricky, arrives a moment later, about my age and nervous. There is a slight shaking of his hand as he sets down our water glasses. When he reaches for the bread basket, his elbow catches the edge of the plate, making it fall.
I catch it mid-air with a small laugh, surprising myself that I had. “I have the same problem,” I say, handing it back with a smile. “Clumsy is basically my middle name.”
Ricky laughs, relaxing. “Thank you, miss.”
Caldwell watches me, something warm in his eyes. “Do you have any allergies I should know about?”
“None.”
“Would you mind if I ordered for us?”
“No,” I say quickly because that actually sounds nice. I’ll go over the menu a million times before I pick, weighing the options. I’d actually worried on our way down over not having checked out the menu first. I always feel put on the spot when they ask if you’re ready, and I never am!
“Good.” He turns to Ricky. “We’ll start with the crab cakes. Then two filets, medium rare, with roasted potatoes and asparagus.”
I stare at him. Crab cakes. Steak. Potatoes. “Those are... literally all my favorite things.”
“Lucky guess.” He winks at me and orders a bottle of wine too.
When the server disappears, Caldwell reaches across the table, taking my hand. His thumb traces small circles on my palm, sending shivers up my arm. I didn’t know I was so sensitive there, but I have a reaction when he touches me.
“Tell me about your plans now that you’ve graduated.”
I try to focus through the distraction of his touch. “I plan on becoming a librarian,” I tell him.
“Really?” He looks surprised by my chosen career path.
“Not the typical one you see at the front when you walk in. I would be more of a liaison librarian.” He leans forward, interested in what I’m going to say next, so I keep going. This would bore most people, but I suppose I enjoy being bored. “I would be managing urban planning archives.”
“Can you explain it a little more?” The server returns with our drinks, and I wait for him to go before I continue.
“Are you sure it’s not boring?”
“I asked because I’m generally curious.”
I remind myself not to ramble on forever.