“It’s war, then?”
He’s being playful.
I’m not.
“Oh yes, it’s war,” I affirm.
His eyes pierce into me. “Dinner with me tonight. Give me one solution. If it’s good, I’ll consider it.”
“That’s a bribe.” I flatten my lips and hate that dinner with him sounds amazing.
“That’s business,” he counters. “Say yes.”
“Yes.”
The restaurant is absurdly expensive, crystal glasses, white linen, and soft piano music. I sip sparkling water and ignore the stares of other diners, perhaps wondering if Marcel is out with his daughter. That doesn’t bother me, his age turns me on. I love that he’s a mature man who has his shit together and is clueless at the same time.
“Affordable housing,” I say as soon as we sit down. “Same amenities. Cut the billionaire profits. And if you won’t, another developer will. They’ll do the work for less and actually help the community.”
His lips curl in a small, cruel smile. “No. You’re delusional.”
“The Grinch couldn’t ruin Whoville and you won’t destroy Eaton.” I stand up, ready to leave.
“Come home with me,” he says softly. “I’ll make it worth your while.”
I whip around and bend down to his ear so only he can hear me. “I’m not sleeping with you again. You’ve already popped my cherry. Move on.”
His eyes flash and there is real hurt in them “Prove to me that women want more than money, prestige, and a big ...”
I press my finger against his lips.
“I get it. And I’m sure there are women who want that, but Grinches and Scrooges get gold diggers and sluts ... it’s a perfect pairing.” I’m about to leave and we haven’t even ordered, but I can do this.
“Sit back down, please. Tomorrow night take me to your favorite place. Show me Christmas in Whoville and try to convince me that this isn’t just another lower economic area that is drowning in violence, crime, and depression. No sex. I’ll keep my hands off of you. As you’ve said, I’ve already tainted the goods. Do that and I’ll change one part of my plan.”
Fuck him ... seriously.
Or don’t, because he’s established the no-sex rule.
I act affronted. “This is straight up exploitation, not bribery.”
“You want to fight for this town, then fight me for it.”
“Okay. You have a deal.” I shake his hand and take my seat.
When I do, I realize that every single thing on the menu is vegan. “What are you going to eat?” I ask him. “There’s nothing that bleeds on the menu.”
“Well, my first choice honestly would be you. But we’re off sex, though I must say, it’s one of my fondest memories. Outside of that, the Seitan with beetroot confit sounds interesting and there’s twenty-four hour room service at my hotel, if this night goes horribly wrong. What I wanted was for you to be able to pick anything you wanted off of the menu.”
Well, fuck him for sure; maybe he does have a teeny tiny heart in there.
Chapter Twelve
Marcel
The little diner smells of fresh baked bread and coffee and it’s strung with hundreds of multi-colored twinkle lights and tinsel. I’ve thought about Juliet all day. After our vegan meal I had a driver take her back home, giving her the illusion that I’d be allowing her some space. Juliet has valid concerns about the project, but I can’t just storm into a multimillion dollar deal and tell them to save a library and decrepit homes. If there is a chance to save her community we need a viable alternative.
My expensive suit and coat look hilariously out of place amid the brightly colored Christmas mugs and plates. There are ubiquitous Santa decorations everywhere and Christmas carols playing from an ancient jukebox.
