“And this isn’t a public place?”
“You can have this room, just the two of you.”
“Isn’t it booked out?”
“No. This one isn’t bookable. It’s mine, which I save for special guests.”
“Aww. Look at you being all mushy.”
“Do you want the room or not?” he snapped.
Ryder chuckled. “Sorry. Yes, I’ll have it.”
“I thought you weren’t supposed to do anything ‘extra’ for this date,” said Ethan.
“Bringing him to my friend’s restaurant is hardly extra.”
“Wait until you get the bill,” said Mason.
They all laughed. One thing they’d all agreed as friends was that they wouldn’t be giving each other freebies. Their services, regardless of what they were, were valuable, and everyone paid for them. Of course, there were always friend rates, such as Mason comping their dessert, but it was something that bonded them all. A respect for each other’s skills.
CHAPTER 8
FELIX
They were going to Epicure for their first date!
Felix had been in a panic all day about what he should wear because the last time he’d been there he was dressed like a hobo. Why had Ryder chosen one of the most exclusive restaurants in New York? He’d asked him not to do anything over the top. It was his friend’s restaurant, though, so he probably wouldn’t have to pay, which was no doubt Ryder’s sneaky way of saying he wasn’t being extravagant.
“Will you stop pacing,” said Laura. “You’re making me dizzy.”
“What am I supposed to wear?”
“Trousers and a button up. Nothing too flashy.”
“Don’t I need to wear a suit?”
“Definitely not. Have you asked Ryder what you should wear?”
“He said to just be myself. What the fuck does that mean?”
“Okay, breathe,” she said, standing up. “It means . . . just be yourself.”
“Get fucked,” he said, laughing. “I’m not wearing jeans or trainers to Epicure.”
“Just do what I said. Wear that pale blue shirt. The one that makes your eyes pop.”
“What if I spill something?”
“Like what? Cum?”
“Oh my God, woman. What is wrong with you?”
“Are you saying you don’t want to drain that python?”
“Not on a first date.”
“Well, don’t leave a man like that hanging too long. He has a lot of other options.”
