His hotness stuns me, like it always does, so it takes me a second to realize that his hair is a mess and the bags under his eyes are darker. “Rough day?”
“Actually, it was pretty good.” He shoots me a smile, but I see the worry etched into the lines of his face.
“Huh.” We pass his office and head to something that looks like an elevator. “So what is the plan for tonight? You’re going to take me into your basement and murder me?” I ask jokingly, gesturing my head at the elevator.
“Nope. I’m just taking you to my place. Thought you’d appreciate a change of scenery.”
Typically, this would trigger my anxiety, but I like his placeand I love his dog. So I simply nod and let him lead me to what I presume is the garage. It hosts an array of luxury sports cars, from a Lamborghini to a sports car whose logo I don’t recognize, but there is a G-Wagon waiting for us, already running, with a driver inside. He opens the door for me and helps me inside, his hand brushing over my ass in the process. He sits right next to me, with his palm splayed over my thigh. We ride in silence to his building, where he thanks the driver before helping me out.
The elevator is as lavish as I remember, and soon; we find ourselves in front of the door to his apartment.
He lets us inside, stepping in front of me in a shielding manner. I hear the pitter-patter of paws on his hardwood floors. Pleading wails follow behind, and I let out a chuckle. “Is this who you’re shielding me from?”
I squat down to cuddle the Rottweiler. Once again, he stares at me with suspicion. “Do you have jerky in your purse? Is that what this is?”
“What are you talking about?” I ask using a baby voice reserved for dogs.
“I’m trying to figure out why Persephone, who hates everyone, seems to be obsessed with you?”
“Oh, that’s easy. She’s just a smart dog. Aren’t you, Persephone?”
Leon scoffs.
There’s something special about being chosen by a dog. Especially a dog that, if Leon’s words are right, doesn’t like anybody. So, I give her extra pets because she deserves them. A cough sounds out, making me glance up.
There’s a man in Leon’s kitchen, wearing full chef attire, as well as a man who is obviously a server. “Good evening,” they tell us, almost in unison.
“Wh-…” I start to say, but Leon interrupts me.
“Alex, meet Pepe and Gigi. They will serve our dinner tonight.”
The man he introduced as Pepe is obviously Pepe Matano,one of the best up-and-coming chefs in the country. I swallow before responding, “Good evening.”
Leon links his elbow with mine and leads me through the open space to the balcony. My breath hitches in my throat, noticing the meticulously served table for two, decorated with a gorgeous bouquet and lit candles.
“It isn’t the restaurant you mentioned the other day, but I hope you like it.”
“This is beautiful,” I rasp as my eyes turn hazy.
“I’m sorry if this is too much. I should have asked.”
“No… no. It’s perfect.” I huff a laugh, turning my gaze to him. “I’m just not used to it.”
“To private dinners?”
“Well, that too. But I mean I’m not used to surprises like this. Or any pleasant surprises, for that matter.”
His eyes darken. “It only means that the men you’ve been with were losers.”
“I guess so.” Losers is putting it mildly. I would kill to have dated a loser. It would cause me much less pain than dating a psychopath.
Leon pulls out a chair for me, and I take a seat. “Do you mind?” he asks, peeling my jacket off, but I stop him.
“I’ll keep it for a while.” The night would be freezing, if not for the fire burning in the firepit and a heater facing our table. Still, I leave my jacket on until I acclimatize.
The night is gorgeous. There’s not a cloud in the sky, and his balcony is high enough to have stunning views of the city’s skyline.
Before I can comment on it, the server brings us the first course, along with the wine he pours us. It’s a plate of prosciutto and cheese, with breadsticks.
