“Sweetheart, you have dinner and lunch regularly with five of the top fifty richest people in the world. Cain Russell isn’t a threat. And I’ll defend your honour,” Aaron teased.
I smiled weakly and nodded.
Ten minutes later, we pulled into a private parking lot, and Aaron escorted us down the alley to the front. Samuel’s was the top restaurant in town and close to the Eliganz offices, and I wondered if Oliver had eaten yet.
Aaron opened the door and held it for Winona and me. Oliver had brought me here a few times, and I knew it was a very expensive, five-star restaurant with amazing food.
“Table for Sinclair, and I’m expecting another party,” Aaron informed the hostess.
“Mr Russell has arrived and has been seated,” she said, leading us into the dining area.
Unlike most restaurants, the tables weren’t crammed in here. There was plenty of room. As she led us to a table where a handsome guy sat, people stared. I huddled back against Winona, who squeezed my arm in reassurance. She knew I didn’t handle public scrutiny well.
Cain Russell rose to his feet, and I faced the most gorgeous man I’d ever seen. Damn. Cain should be outlawed; he was so handsome. Ice-green eyes studied me before they took in Winona and then Aaron.
“Cain,” Aaron reached out a hand, and Cain shook it. Aaron presented Winona’s chair, and I moved to pull mine out. Cain intercepted me and held mine. That placed me firmly between him and Aaron. I smiled politely and sat down.
“Cain, this is my wife, Winona, and her friend, Alicia Kensington. I’d promised the girls lunch, so I hope you don’t mind them joining us,” Aaron said.
“Not at all. Winona and I have spoken several times on the phone. There is nothing better than having beautiful women for company. Today, I’m doubly spoiled,” Cain replied smoothly.
Winona laughed, and I smiled. I wanted to run screaming from the table. I was so out of my league.
“Winona, I enjoyed the last film. When is the new one out?” Cain asked.
“In a few months. I won’t do more than two a year now, and starting from next year, I’ll probably drop to one,” Winona answered, and Cain nodded.
“That is a shame; you’ve a true talent.”
“Yes, but I want more time with Aaron. We’ve worked hard, and Aaron has maintained a healthy work-life balance for years. He’s recently bought a yacht, so we’re planning on having some fun on that,” Winona responded warmly.
Eyes were fixed in our direction, and I kept my gaze down. I could feel them burning into me, and I was growing steadily uncomfortable. No doubt people were staring at Cain and Aaron and not at me, but even so. Two super-powerful businessmen, both handsome as hell.
The waitress came over for our drink orders. I ordered apple juice, amusing everyone, but it was what I wanted. If I had to be on display, then it would be on my terms.
“What do you do, Alicia?” Cain asked.
“Oh, I’m just a simple housewife,” I murmured, looking up. “My husband is Oliver Kensignton, who owns the Eliganz clothing chain store.”
Those green orbs bored into me, framed by long, thick lashes. A woman would kill for those.
“Somehow, I doubt you’re anything but simple,” Cain drawled smoothly.
“Nothing interesting here,” I muttered.
Quickly, I averted my gaze from those eyes that saw too much and stiffened in my seat. Disbelief followed by confusion washed over me as I held Oliver’s furious gaze. Seated opposite him was a woman who was glowering. I vaguely recognised her as Eve, Oliver’s assistant. Why on earth was Oliver lunching here, in this expensive restaurant, with Eve?
“Is everything okay?” Cain murmured as the waitress returned with the drinks. Oliver’s stare narrowed even further as he saw the glass of apple juice placed in front of me. The drink lacked sophistication, so I never drank it outside the house unless I was with my friends. Crap!
“Alicia?” Aaron asked, concerned. In turmoil, I shook myself and plastered on a smile.
“Sorry, I thought I’d forgotten someone’s birthday. Did Winona tell you about the dress? As usual, she looked stunning,” I said to distract everyone. My thoughts were racing. Did I point out Oliver was here? Ask Aaron to invite him to our table? Why was Oliver here with Eve? This wasn’t exactly suitable for an employee. Plus, why had they appeared so angry to see me?
“Can I take your food order?” the waiter asked.
Winona and I both fancied the stuffed mushroom starter; Aaron chose scallops, while Cain had stuffed mushrooms. For our mains, Winona and I both picked the cracked black pepper salmon, while Aaron and Cain ordered Bluefin tuna and roasted venison, respectively, accompanied by foraged greens.
We were making small talk when a shadow fell over our table.
