“I can remember.”
He pointed out three things on the menu. She’d figured they had nuts anyway.
“I’m going to prepare your food personally in a separate area,” he said.
“Oh, that’s really not necessary,” she said, aware of everyone staring at them.
“It is!” he said. “Do as you’re told.” And then he strode away, stopping to talk to the server. “Do you remember what she can’t eat?”
The woman looked startled for a moment, then nodded.
“Good! There will be no anaphylactic shock on my watch.”
After he left, there was silence. Then she heard someone speak from the table next to them.
“And this is why I drive hours to come to this place. Amazing food and a show.”
Great.
Just what she liked. Being a show.
“Sorry, baby,” Eli said. “I should have guessed he might do that. Renard is a . . . he’s . . .”
“Completely fucking nuts,” Kellan said.
“He’s also protective of the women in this town and really good at his job,” Eli told her. “I recommend the steak.”
“Just don’t order it well-done,” the same person at the table next to them told her. “He hates that.”
She ordered the steak and turned to the guys who were back to glaring at her. “What is it?”
“Owe us for the hospital?” Kellan repeated. “That’s not happening.”
“But that’s my debt and I should pay it. Also, I must owe you some money for the hotel since I’m staying with you both.”
“You don’t owe us anything,” Eli said fiercely. “You don’t keep track of money in a relationship.”
Oh, she guessed that was a good point.
“It just doesn’t feel right. Like I’m using you guys or something.”
“You aren’t doing anything like that,” Kellan said. “End of conversation.”
Their food arrived and Renard delivered the steak himself. “Good choice. You look pale, this will help.” He set the plate down. “Eat it all.”
“Is he always this bossy?” she asked.
“He is,” the man from the table next to her said.
Kellan glared at him and he turned away. As she ate a piece of steak she let out a low moan.
“That’s the best thing I’ve ever eaten.”
“Jesus, baby,” Eli said quietly. “Are you trying to make me hard?”
“What? No!” she said.
“You might want to stop those noises then,” Kellan told her, shifting on his chair uncomfortably.
