Trusting You (Second Chances #2)(23)
His lips tilted up and a glint twinkled in his eyes when he gazed at me. “I’m sure that can be arranged. But you know it’s still two months away. You might get tired of me by then.”
Rolling my eyes, I hit him lightly in the arm. “That’s not going to happen. I’m excited about going with you.”
“Good,” he murmured. We were almost to the restaurant, and as soon as we pulled up to the front, one of the valet attendants opened my door and helped me out.
I smiled and said, “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome, miss,” he replied with a huge grin on his face.
I recognized him from when I would come with my ex, but I didn’t think he recognized me. I’d changed a bit since the last time I’d been there. My auburn hair was now longer and I’d spent a great amount of time working out and plumping up my curves. The skin tight black dress I was wearing definitely helped with that.
Brett passed off the keys to the valet and then walked beside me, placing his hand on the small of my back. Just that simple touch had me shivering. Bending low, he whispered in my ear, “You’re not cold are you? Or is it that my touch just does that to you.”
“You should know the answer to that,” I whispered back.
Once we were inside the doors the young hostess smiled at me, but then beamed at Brett. Everywhere we went he got the same reaction from the ladies, but this girl wanted to be noticed. She stuck out her chest and stood taller, making sure she could stand up to his six foot frame. I wasn’t short, by no means, but I definitely wasn’t the tallest either being five foot eight. Compared to Brett, I was at least four inches shorter than him.
It took all I had not to roll my eyes at her, but I smiled and didn’t want to look like the jealous lover. “Do you have a reservation tonight?” the hostess asked, keeping her gaze on Brett.
Brett nodded and pulled me closer. “Yes, we do. My name’s Brett Walker.”
The hostess ran her finger down the list and when she found what I assumed was Brett’s name her smile grew. With a flourish of her hand, she motioned for us to follow her. “You’re table is right this way, Mr. Walker. Mr. O’Briene is already seated and waiting.”
The exact second the girl said ‘Mr. O’Briene’ I froze where I stood. The last name wasn’t a common one, and given the fact that my ex always came to the same restaurant I knew it wasn’t coincidence. I could feel the blood draining from my face and my stomach instantly tightened up into knots. When Brett looked over, expecting to find me beside him, he turned immediately and saw me standing alone at the front of the restaurant.
The hostess furrowed her brows, puzzled, while Brett ambled over to me. “Melissa, what’s wrong? You look like you’re about to pass out.”
Realizing I’d been holding my breath, my voice quivered anxiously when I spoke, “I don’t know what’s come over me, but I’m not feeling so good, Brett. Maybe I should go home. I don’t want to ruin your night.”
Taking me by the elbow, he led me away from the hostess and her prying ears so he could talk to me in private. In hushed tones, he began, “Please, Melissa, stay. I promise it won’t take long. All we’ll do is eat dinner and then we can leave. Just please hold out for me, babe. This account means a lot to me and I really want you there.”
Begging me with his eyes, he waited patiently for my answer. If he found out that Mr. O’Briene was my ex-husband, I had no clue what he would do or say. I never told Brett the name of my ex so he had no idea that Daniel was the one waiting on us.
Taking a deep breath, I let it out slowly. I’d been avoiding Daniel’s calls so I knew he was probably mad at me. What is he going to say when he sees me? Now that he wanted me back I could just imagine him doing whatever possible to get in the way between me and Brett.
“Please,” Brett pleaded. “Come with me.”
Closing my eyes, I bit my lip and whispered, “Okay, I’ll be fine, I think. I know this meeting is important to you. I’m sure I’ll make it through, and hopefully so will you.”
I hope.
He gave me a questioning glance, but pulled me into his arms. Sighing, he kissed my forehead and said, “Thank you, firecracker. When we get back to your house I’ll give you a massage and maybe that’ll make you feel better. Does that sound good?”
“It sounds great.” I smiled up at him, even though my insides were screaming. I didn’t necessarily hate Daniel even though he cheated on me, but trying to act polite was going to grate on my nerves. If Daniel tells Brett who we are to each other then I know the night will take a devastating and awkward turn.
The hostess was tapping her foot and glaring, but when Brett gave her that smile of his her frown disappeared. “Are you ready now?” she asked sweetly, even though I knew her tone was fake.
Brett nodded and we followed her out to a private dining area that was reserved for special dinner guests. It was where Daniel and I always ate our meals. When we came around the corner to enter the private dining room, I saw Daniel sitting regally in his seat with a blonde headed woman that was dressed almost like a stripper vying desperately for his attention.
Umm … so much for wanting me back, I thought to myself. The moment he saw me his eyes flew wide in surprise and he pushed his date away from him. Immediately, he pulled out his phone and his fingers flew fast over the keys. The hurt in his date’s face was apparent, and for a second I almost felt pity for her … only a second.