Love At First Glance (Love at Firsts #1)(52)

A few minutes later we park in front of a very fancy restaurant that I have never seen before. It doesn’t look like my cup of tea, but I don’t say a word. It’s his night so he gets to choose where we eat. I do however wish that he had a date and Spencer was here though.

A valet opens my door for me and holds his hand out for me. I take it and step out of the car where I am instantly hit with the cold air. I definitely should have worn a long dress or something warmer. Valentine tosses his car keys to the valet and joins me on the sidewalk. I link my arm in his, more for the fact that I would less likely fall flat on my face if I held onto someone than wanting to walk so close to him. As we walk towards the building, we are bombarded by people with cameras taking our picture. Not that I mind being in pictures, but this is f*cking weird. Why do some people enjoy this feeling of being judged with every single step they take. One bad move and the whole world will know. Quite horrific if you ask me.

“Why are they taking our pictures?” I ask him quietly.

“It’s all part of the club opening thing. For the promotion or whatever the publicist team I hired said.” He shrugs and holds the door open for me. I walk in and sigh in relief as warm air hits me.

The Ma?tre d’ shows us to a table in the back, away from the big crowd and the windows but still with a nice view of outside.

Wine is immediately brought to our table along with food which is odd because we’ve only just sat down and haven’t even managed to pick up a menu yet.

“Is this really for us? We haven’t ordered anything,” I whisper loudly looking between the plates of various food that are set in front of us, to which he just winks at me and takes a sip of his wine. “Is this going to be another cryptic night?”

“No.” He chuckles. “When I made reservation, I asked for their best wine and dishes.”

“What if I don’t like something? You can’t expect to woo a woman if you don’t give her any choice as to what she wants to eat or drink.” His face falters at my confession.

He snaps his fingers and a waiter comes over. “What can I do for you sir?”

“This young woman would like a different menu than what I initially ordered.”

“Very well, what would you like to eat, Miss?” The waiter looks at me expectantly with a smile on his face. I hate being put on the spot.

“I…uh…”

“Order anything you want, Haven. They’ll cook it for you, even if it’s Mac and Cheese.”

“Don’t tempt me.” I grin.

“Our chef would be honored to cook you Mac and Cheese if that’s what you’d like.” The waiter smiles politely at me.

“I’ll actually go for a steak, medium rare, and a side of Mac and Cheese please. I want to see what a fancy restaurant like this one does to such a simple dish.” I smiles sheepishly.

“Anything different to drink?” the waiter asks.

“No, the wine is perfect, thank you.” I smile at the waiter and he walks away. I pin Valentine with my gaze. “You own this place.”

“What makes you think that?” He looks amused.

“I know you do.”

“How can you be so sure? It’s not unheard of to book the best food and wine in advance.”

“Because they gave you the best table, they are doing anything you ask, and while I’m sure it’s not unheard of, all the tables around us were looking through the menu when we walked in. Also, I’m pretty sure Mac and Cheese isn’t on the menu. Plus this place screams you.” I shrug.

“Very good point. Yes, I do own this place.” He smiles.

“So you’re taking me to a fancy restaurant, with all the fancy expensive food and won’t even have to pay. What a date.” I frown, trying to keep a serious face.

“Is that another big warning flag when taking a woman out on a real date?” He looks worried and I can’t help but laugh, earning us glares from other tables because I’m too loud. I don’t bother apologizing, it feels nice to laugh.

“Sort of. It’s nice that you’d want to take her to a very nice restaurant, but make sure she’s into that kind of thing. Not every woman is attracted to money and fancy places like this. You could have taken me for a pizza and I’d have loved it.” I shrug and take a sip of wine. “Although the wine is definitely better here than at a pizzeria.”

“I surely hope so.” He chuckles.

“How much is this bottle?” I ask, raising my eyebrow because I know it’s going to be expensive.

“You don’t wanna know.” He grins sheepishly.

“That expensive?” He nods.

“I love good wine. Wines and cars are the only things I’d never look at the price tag for,” he says a smile playing on his lips.

“Priorities.” I chuckle. “And don’t try to give her diamonds on the first date or anything other than flowers, it’ll look suspicious, like you’re trying to buy her or something.”

“I know a lot about women and yet I don’t know any of the things that matter.”

“You’ll get there.” I smile. “Just do what comes naturally, don’t try to impress her with money or expensive things, she’ll think you’re an arrogant bastard.”