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Once he was behind the wheel he looked over and said, “Buckle up. This car goes fast and I don’t want anything happening to you.”
Her response came as he was clicking his own seatbelt in place. “The car only goes as fast as the driver.”
Damon laughed. “Touché.”
The engine came to life with a purr but he gave it a little gas so it would roar.
Tessa seemed neither impressed nor annoyed.
Interesting. Usually that got a reaction.
Once the black iron gate rolled aside, allowing them to exit, he expertly guided the car onto the street and left Athena’s mansion behind.
What the car lacked in comfort it made up in handling, responding immediately to his slightest movements. Thankfully, traffic wasn’t too thick yet, but it would get bad within an hour.
“How are you liking Athena’s place so far?”
“I love it, Sir! It’s like a dream come true.”
“It is great. She’s great too.”
“Yes, Sir! She’s the sweetest. Auntie Caroline seems wonderful too, but I haven’t spent much time with her yet.”
“Oh, you’ll love her. And Trevon, of course.”
They drove in silence for a moment with Damon not really knowing what to say.
He wasn’t used to being nervous. And he wasn’t sure why he even was!
Okay, so Tessa was beautiful. That shouldn’t be an issue. He was used to being around gorgeous women all the time. Just four nights ago he’d walked the red carpet at a movie premiere, posing for pictures with dozens of people who’d all appeared on People’s Most Beautiful list, yet there was something about Tessa that made her even prettier than all of them.
She wasn’t glamorous. Certainly not fake. She was… real. Present. Not posing in the slightest.
Was that unnerving to him?
Or was he just apprehensive because of what he wanted to talk to her about?
None of this was making sense right now.
You probably just miss Lissa. Don’t stress. You’re going to get her back. And it all starts with this breakfast.
Despite the reassurances, he wasn’t convinced. About any of it.
They didn’t talk much as he drove them to a historic quaint little restaurant that catered to the upper crust. He was a regular there—had taken Lissa there numerous times—and so it wouldn’t be unusual for him to be spotted among the patrons.
That was just what he wanted. The public didn’t bother him. Autographs were fine. This morning, however, he needed privacy for what he was about to propose.
“Mr. Drake. So good to see you,” the young valet said as he dutifully stepped from behind his umbrella-shaded podium.
“Always good to see you too, Jayden.”
Damon palmed the guy a fifty. He liked to tip well.
On the other side of the car, another valet was holding the door for Tessa as she climbed out.
Damon smiled as he watched. She didn’t have the experience he did getting in and out of the tiny vehicle. It would come with time.
Uh, no it won’t. It’s not like you’re going to be hanging out with her long term. You’re going to get Lissa back. Keep your eye on the prize and don’t get distracted.
