I stare up at the imposing building, ignoring the heat from where he touched my hand. Finally, I get my shit together and step back. “That’s nice and all, but no need.”
“I insist. Dinner is the perfect place to catch me up on what you and your team came up with today. Plus, George told me you didn’t have time to visit the restaurants during his tour yesterday.”
That makes sense. It really does. But I can’t help but push back. “I can just email you the notes we’ve made and see Winston’s another time.”
The corner of his mouth lifts in that easy way he has, and this time when his hand reaches out to touch mine, it’s deliberate. “Why do I get the feeling you don’t want to spend time with me, Campbell?”
The way he says my name sounds like a prayer. I haven’t been too good about praying to baby Jesus lately, but right now, with Chase’s hand on me and my name on his lips, my brain is screamingHallelujah.
“No, it isn’t that. I…”
“Then what is it?”
I haven’t taken my eyes off him, and I swear he hasn’t moved, but he suddenly seems so much closer now, his question too probing. The fact that I so desperately want to say yes makes me wary.
“Ben and Chris are coming?”
He nods.
Disappointment flutters, and I squash it down. I don’t need any more alone time with Chase Moore. I’ve had too much as it is. Plus, he’s correct. I haven’t yet seen the various restaurants Moore’s runs, and Winston’s is supposed to be the most well-known.
Resolute, I clear my throat and pull back from his touch.“Dinner will be fine, Mr. Moore. I’ll be ready in two hours.” I pivot around him, avoiding eye contact as I slide into the cool leather seat. I lean forward to give the driver my hotel’s address, not trusting myself to look Chase’s way. But that doesn’t stop me from feeling Chase’s amused smile through the tinted windows.
I’m in trouble.
NINE
Bell
When I think Winston,I think Churchill. Which doesn’t inspire the appetite. However, Winston’s at Moore’s is a whole different story.
Large golden chandeliers, dripping in crystal, hang from the ceiling. No linen tablecloths, just polished, well-worn wooden tables, dressed with bone-white china and crystal goblets. The old parquet floor patina glows under the dim lighting, with candles in honest-to-God brass candelabras illuminating the table. Between the decor and the breathtaking view of the city from the panoramic windows, it’s a magical place.
Oddly, it’s not crowded. Now, or when we sat down to dinner two hours ago.
When I mention the lack of patrons to Chase as the waiter clears our plates away, he simply says, “That’s why you’re here.”
Indeed.
“Thank you all for dining with me tonight on such short notice. I really appreciate you rearranging your previous plans to bring me up to speed.”
Chris and Ben nod enthusiastically and brush off Chase’s concerns. “No, man, this was great,” Ben says, smiling wider than I’ve ever seen him. “Much better than what I had planned.”
Not to be outdone, Chris offers, “Anytime, man. I’ll have to take my girlfriend here sometime.”
“I apologize, I should’ve extended the invitation to your plus-ones. I’ll make sure to tell the manager that you have open reservations anytime you want. On me, of course.”
“Wow, really? That’s so cool.” Ben’s mid-twenties enthusiasm is showing.
Chris punches him in the arm. “You’ll need an actual plus-one first, X-box King.”
Ben scoffs. “Don’t be hating on my mad gaming skills, dude. No one likes a whiner.” He straightens his shirt, running his hands down his skinny tie. “Besides, I can get a date anytime I want. Chicks love the nerd look these days.”
Chase chuckles, a delightfully low rumbling sort of sound, and says, “Good to know, Ben.” He winks at me before addressing my employees again. “If you wouldn’t mind, I have a few more things to go over with Ms. King before the meeting tomorrow. But I’ve had the car pulled around to take you both home.”
“Wow, man. Cool.” Ben tosses his napkin on the table. “No late-night subway.”
Before I can find an excuse to leave with them, Ben and Chris tell me to have a good night and shake Chase’s hand, then amble out of the restaurant.
