Broken Dreams(88)

“I do feel lucky,” Henry said with pride in his voice. I still didn’t understand.

“You take care of my boy here.” Then he winked. What the fuck did that mean? “Listen, I got that whiskey in this morning that you wanted. I’m keeping it for my private stock in the back since, technically, I can’t sell it. Do you want that tonight? Drinks are on the house.”

“Yeah, that would be great. Thanks.”

“And for the pretty little lady?” Cam looked at me with a devious smile.

“I will have a glass of red wine, please.”

“Anything in particular?”

“Do you have a Cabernet Franc?”

“Of course. I have an ‘09 that is fantastic. I will send Wesley over with your order.” He walked away. Good Lord, it had to be the most insanely over-the-top, ritzy place that I had ever been to. Henry motioned for us to sit back down.

“Who was that?”

“The owner. Nice guy. He takes care of me when I need it and, in turn, I take care of his staff with a nice tip or two.” He smiled.

“Friend of yours?”

“Ahh…I suppose. We don’t hang out, per se. Let’s just say I’m a very good customer.” I wasn’t sure what to think of that statement. “Anyway, I thought we could have a drink and chat for a few before dinner.” He checked his fancy watch. I’m sure it was worth more than my car. “I made reservations at Christiano’s for six forty-five.” My eyes popped out of my head. Christiano’s was so far out of my budget, I couldn’t afford to even be on the wait staff there.

“You don’t have to take me to such nice places.” I was embarrassed. He looked at me, then laughed. “What’s so funny?” I growled.

“You. Most women want to be taken to stuffy places like this, but I sense that you would be happy at a regular bar or a diner, wouldn’t you?”

“I’m on a PBR budget, not an outrageously-priced whiskey budget. I’m not sure if you are trying to impress me or woo me.” Wesley brought over our drinks and set them on the table. Henry thanked him and passed him a tip. At that point, I was certain that he was loaded. It was the third bill he handed out, and we had just gotten our drinks. I couldn’t imagine what he would tip at dinner.

“Well, to be honest, I hope to do both.” Oh no, not the deep rasp again. He slid over on the couch a little. I froze as he cupped my cheek in his cold palm. “I had such a nice time chatting with you last night. You know, I haven’t met anyone like you before. You are honest, spunky and, my god, you are so beautiful.” I looked down in embarrassment. “I wanted to kiss you so bad last night. I hope I’m not being too forward.” He moved in so close, I could feel his breath on my lips. I swallowed hard. Our lips were millimeters apart, and then he whispered, “May I?” I was putty.

I wanted to slap some sense into myself, but it was as if he had put a spell on me. He was hot, a gentleman, and probably a man whore, but I could look past that for the time being. Chalk one up for me for having a run in with the flat tire and phone thieving fairies.

“Yes…,” I breathed out.

He closed the distance between us and brushed his soft lips across mine. He paused to tuck a loose strand of hair behind my ear. Then he tilted his head and began kissing me gently. I heard him groan to himself, which turned me on and made my insides stir. He slowly pulled away, leaving me breathless. He ran his fingers down my neck to my hand. His gorgeous eyes were boring into me, trying to read my every move. I was ready to lay back and let him take me right there, but I decided to act like a lady for the moment.

We finished our drinks, while chatting a little about nothing, and we left for Christiano’s.

When we entered the restaurant, I was looking around at all the luxury. It was hard to see all the fancy people in the dim lighting, but I was certain that I wouldn’t run into anyone I knew there. Between the idle chatting and the soft music playing in the background, there was a quiet murmur throughout.

When we reached the table, I was impressed with the setting…the white linens and perfectly placed water glasses, napkins, and utensils. It was much different than the rolled up paper napkin/cheap silverware combo that I was used to.

I was not the type of girl who was going to order a small salad, as I watched my date eat lobster and steak. I liked to eat, and I wasn’t going to waste an extravagant meal in a place like that. So, after a brief discussion about what looked tasty on the menu, I ordered the same.

He spent a lot of time just watching me. I almost felt like he was studying me. I was feeling somewhat self-conscious, and his constant stare made it difficult to eat.