“It’s really not,” Andrew replies. “He also has a pathological need for attention. Though unlike you, he’s an absolute sweetheart with a heart of gold.”
“That sounds tedious.”
“You think kindness is tedious?”
“I think being fake is tedious.”
“My brother isn’t fake,” Andrew challenges.
“Whatever you say,highness.”
“Just Andrew.”
“Whatever you say, your highness.”
“So witty calling the man with the last name King‘highness’. Your creativity astounds me.”
Nicholas can’t help but laugh. He’s never met someone so goddamn particular. Getting a rise out of him is far more enjoyable than Nicholas could’ve anticipated.
“You’re such a dick,” Andrew grumbles, following it up with, “Nicki.”
Nicholas should hate being called that. He can’t stand it when Amanda does it. So why does he want to hear Andrew say it again in that smooth, haughty voice of his?
Before Nicholas can reply, their waitress appears.
“Can I get you two gentlemen a drink before we take your order? Perhaps one of the on tap beers, or maybe you’d like to see our wine selection.”
“I’ll take a cognac.”
“Did you want to see the menu or?—”
“I’ll take the Corvoisier,” Nicholas finishes.
“Of course, sir.” She turns her attention to Andrew. “And for you?”
“Just water please. Bottled, not tap, no ice.”
“Absolutely. Let me get those drinks, and I’ll be back to take your order in a few minutes.”
She departs, leaving Nicholas to wonder why Andrew is staring.
“What?”
“Just curious, do you only drink top shelf liquor?”
“Asks the man who invited me to one of the most expensive restaurants in Santa Leon.”
“They have good sushi,” Andrew bristles, narrowing his eyes at Nicholas. “What?”
“Nothing just?—”
“Just what?” Andrew interjects, as if waiting for an argument. Something about the narrowing of his warm brown eyes makes Nicholas’s pulse pick up.
“I didn’t peg you as a fine dining kind of man.”
“Why because you met me once and decided that my clothing made up my entire personality?”
“Technically I’ve met you twice now,” Nicholas points out, solely to annoy Andrew. “If you want to be accurate, which I suspect you do.”
