When he holds out his hand, offering me a seat, I smile to myself at his gentlemanly ways. Once I’m seated, I rub my sweaty palms down the front of my jeans. I can’t remember the last time I felt this nervous.
He takes the seat opposite me, looking at me with those stunning chocolate eyes, and smiles beautifully. ‘Hi.’
‘Hi.’
We sit there staring at each other for a long time. It’s like neither of us can actually believe we’re here together.
Eventually he speaks. ‘Are you going to tell me your name this time? Or will you forever be known to me as Snickers?’
I can’t help but laugh. He’s cute, I’ll give him that. ‘Jade,’ I say, holding my hand out to him across the table.
‘Brock. Brock Weston,’ he replies, taking my hand in his.
A tingly feeling shoots up my arm once his fingers wrap around mine. That’s never happened to me before, but I like the feelings he ignites within me. I’m pleased that he doesn’t let go of my hand too quickly. His warm skin feels wonderful against mine.
‘Nice name,’ I tell him. ‘It suits you. I thought I was going to have to refer to you as Mr Delicious for the rest of my life.’ I feel my cheeks flush when I realise I just said that out loud. I hadn’t meant too.
His face lights up. ‘You think I’m delicious?’ he asks.
Quickly removing my hand from his grasp, I look away and clear my throat as my fingers twirl around my ponytail.
He leans across the table, invading my space. ‘For the record,’ he whispers as his warm breath hits my skin. ‘I think you’re delicious as well.’
A nervous laugh escapes me as my eyes shoot up to meet his. He spoke those words with such sincerity. Excitement courses through me as I replay his words in my mind. He thinks I’m delicious.
Thankfully, the waitress approaches the table, breaking the awkwardness. ‘Your scotch, sir,’ she says before turning her attention to me. ‘Can I get you something to drink, miss?’
‘I’ll have a beer, please.’
Brock looks surprised by my request, but beer and pizza are the perfect combination. I have a client whose name is Theo. He’s my favourite out of all my men. He’s gay, so never expects anything from me of a sexual nature—I’m his ruse, his fake girlfriend. He hires me in the hope of fooling the world into believing he’s actually straight. He has this silly notion that it will affect his business. It saddens me that he feels he has to hide who he really is. He has a beautiful heart. His sexuality shouldn’t be an issue. Mostly I accompany him to functions, or I’m his date for dinner parties, but there’s been a few times when he’s just needed a friend or a shoulder to cry on. Like him, I know what keeping a secret feels like. It can be hard. On those occasions, when it all gets a bit much for him, we sit around, talking, eating pizza and drinking beer. He’s the closest thing to a friend that I’ve got. I adore him.
‘Make that two beers,’ Brock cuts in as he pushes his scotch aside, smiling at me. When the waitress walks away, he gives me a quizzical look. ‘I wouldn’t have picked you for a beer drinker.’
I shrug. I’m not sure how to reply. ‘I don’t drink it much, I’m not really allowed to.’
‘What? What do you mean you’re not really allowed too?’
I sigh at my slip up. Why did I tell him that?
‘By him?’ he asks, flicking his head in Rupert’s direction.
‘No. Rupert’s pretty cool. He lets me do a lot things I’m not supposed to.’
‘Huh,’ Brock says, raising one of his eyebrows, like he doesn’t believe me. ‘Well, by who? Your parents?’
‘You could say that.’ It’s not really a lie. M is technically my parent.
His brow furrows at my answer before a sympathetic look crosses his face. ‘So while the cat’s away, the mice will play,’ he jokes.
‘I guess.’
‘I like you,’ he says, reaching for my hand and giving it a squeeze.
‘I like you too.’ It’s the truth, I do. His words touch my heart. I’ve only ever had a handful of people in my life show me kindness.
‘So, what brings you to New York?’ I ask, trying to steer the conversation away from me. Talking about my life puts me in dangerous territory. I’d hate to say anything that may incriminate me.
‘Business. You?’
‘Holiday.’
After that, we fall into easy conversation, while we wait for our drinks. I’m still stunned that we are actually here together. Happy, but stunned.
‘Have you eaten?’ I ask Brock when the waitress returns.