Inheriting a SECRET (Corrigan & Co. #7)(5)

I sit across from Darcy in the booth we’re shown to, instead of snuggling up next to her like I want to. Again, this is not my normal M.O. I’ve been to this restaurant many times, with many women, and never sat across from a single one. Until tonight, with the most important woman. The one who literally holds the keys to my kingdom, and more.

“Why did the ma?tre d’ look at me like that when you sat down?”

“I don’t know,” I lie.

“Brayden.”

“Fine. I’ve brought many women here before, but never once have I sat across from one.”

“Where do you usually sit? Next to her?”

“Yes. Or more accurately, half on top of her as I stick my tongue down her throat.”

“Oh.”

“No. It’s not like that, Cat. You know I want you.”

“Then what is it like?”

I pick up her hand and hold it in mine, running my thumb over her wrist. “I want everyone—including you—to realize that you’re different then all the rest.”

“Even after I insulted you?”

“Especially because you insulted me. You weren’t wrong, and I’ve already told you that. I’d like the chance to show you that I can be more than what I’ve been.”

“I’m willing to give you that chance; although, you know that this will never go anywhere, right? I mean, this is just a job to me. I won’t fall madly in love with you. Once you’ve been seen as monogamous and settled, I’m going back to my friends and my video games.”

Ouch. I have to admit to myself that her words hurt. I won’t admit that to her, though. Especially if she means what she says. Which I don’t think she does.

“Our kisses weren’t just a job. You want me just as much as I want you.”

She starts to open her mouth, but the waitress is suddenly at our table. Unfortunately, she just happens to be one of my old acquaintances, too. Just what I don’t need right now.

“Hi, Brayden.”

“Hello.”

“You haven’t called.”

“I said I wouldn’t.”

“But it was fun. I know you enjoyed it.”

“I think we’re ready to order,” Darcy says, barely hiding her smile at my discomfort.

The waitress, whose name totally escapes me, glares over at her while speaking to me. “What are you having, Brayden baby?”

“Darcy should order first.”

“You’re letting her order for herself?”

“Yes.”

I know it’s a shock. I always order for the women I take out. Unless I’m mistaken, Darcy will know that, and this will be just another way that I can show her she’s different.

"I’ll have the sole with the risotto along with a beer. Whatever you have on tap is fine.”

“Beer?” the girl asks with a sneer on her face.

“Do you have a problem with my order? Because if you do, I’m sure your manager would like to know.”

“Bitch,” she mumbles, and I’ve had enough.

I wave the manager over. “We need a new waitress since this one is intent on being rude to my fiancée.”

“You’re not really engaged.”

I lift up Darcy’s hand and turn it towards her. “Yes, I really am.”

“I’ve lost my appetite, Bray,” Darcy says, standing suddenly. “I’d like to leave now.”

I nod, and stand as well. The manager tries to get us to reconsider, but we walk past him. I place my hand on Darcy’s lower back, and whisper in her ear.

“I’m so sorry.”

All I get is a nod. I should’ve known this restaurant was going to be a train wreck, but I thought the staff would be on their best behavior with all the publicity about my engagement. I’m not that good of a f*ck for women to lose their minds over. Okay, well maybe I am, but there’s no coat check for class, so where that waitress left hers, I don’t know. Maybe she never had any, and being around Darcy makes me realize I should’ve set my sights higher all along. Then again, I did. It’s always been her, and a part of me is afraid that getting to know her better will solidify that. A big part.

* * *

Darcy

It’s not completely Brayden’s fault that the waitress acted crazy. I mean, I’m pretty sure she was one of his random hookups, but he at least tried to act professional. He still shouldn’t have taken me there. I’d never take him to the bars I frequent in Vegas, because I have my own share of hookups, and he should really give me the same courtesy. Not to mention that I’m hungry.

“On a scale of one to ten, how angry are you?”

“If I wasn’t so hungry, it would be a one. But I am, which means I’m at about a twenty.”

“So you’re not one of those girls who would’ve picked at her food in front of me?”

“I ordered a beer. That should’ve given you a clue.”

The smile on his face reaches his eyes for the first time since we left the restaurant. “I knew even before then. You’re never going to put on a show for me.”

“Not when it comes to food.”

He pushes the intercom in the car, and instructs the driver to pull over at the next open café. When he does, I jump out of the car like it’s on fire. I get a few looks in my fancy dress, but the nearest waiter smiles at me as I take a seat. I’ve already told him it’s going to be a take away order when Brayden finally saunters through the door with another smile on his face.