We walk away with Ryder humming in glee. “Was that real?” I hiss.
“Very.”
“So, you’re telling me that my principal gave you permission to just —what exactly? Keep me?”
“Money talks, pixie.”
“You’d think he’d be more concerned with my safety.” I shake my head in disbelief.
“I might bitch and moan about it sometimes butbeing me has its perks on occasion.” He opens the door of a large SUV for me to get in.
“This is new,” I gesture around the vehicle when he climbs in on the driver’s side.
“Not new. I just don’t drive it often. The Mercedes is easier to maneuver in tight spaces, but it’s in the shop.”
“Something wrong with it?” I ask before I consider the stupidity of the question. “Of course,there is or you wouldn’t have it in the shop. What happened to it?”
He winces a bit before giving me a quick glance. “I may have had a small fender bender the other day.”
Hmmm. That’s not suspicious at all. “What do you mean by fender bender?”
“I mean I took a crowbar to it.”
“What? Why would you do that?”
“I was pissed.” He flinches again. “I may have a slight anger management problem at times.”
“I’ve noticed,” I roll my eyes. “So, where are you taking me?”
“Cherise.”
“What?” I squeak again. He can’t possibly be serious. That is one of the most expensive places in New York. I don’t think I’m even dressed appropriately. He’s definitely not. “Ryder, that place is too much.”
“That place has a standing private room for my family. There’s no waiting list for us. And it’s not too much. You’re worth it.”
I shake my head in objection. “I’m really not, Ryder. I’m fine with a burger from McDonald’s.”
“Heaven, have you ever been on a date? Even just a casual one?”
“No.” I duck my head as if my hands are the most interesting thing in the car.
“I didn’t think so. I wanted it to be memorable for you. I have a stupid amount of money just sitting in a bank account, and more to come in the future, for no other reason than being born. Let me spend some of that on you. It’s just one date, and I want you to enjoy it. Can you let me do this? It’s probably the nicest and most romantic thing you’ll ever get out of me.”
When he puts it like that, what else can I say? “All right, Ry. I won’t say another word about it.”
He reaches over, grabbing my hand, and brings it to his lips. “Thank you,” he tells me. I swoon at the small, but meaningful gesture.
When we get to Cherise, he hands off his SUV to the valet, and guides me inside. I take in the stunning place with its crystal chandeliers hanging from a highly ornate ceiling and elegant tables with white linen cloths. Each table has a small, delicate vase with red roses with crystal glassware and fine boneChinasitting on each side. Soft music plays and couples dance in the intimate dance space in the middle of the room.
They recognize Ryder the minute we walk in the door. “Right this way, Mr. Jamison.”
Ryder gestures for me to go first. We walk through the space to stares and whispers, making me feel extremely self-conscious. Suddenly the purple hair and tattoos in places that can’t be hidden seem like a bad idea. I’ve never been one for conformity or to care what others think of me, but the judgement pouring into the atmosphere is palpable.
My shoulders are practically at my ears as tension fills my body. My stomach feels like I’m riding a rollercoaster. I think I might be sick.
Ryder grips my elbow, pulling me back to him. “Relax,” he whispers in my ear.
“I think we should go somewhere else. I don’t think I’m very welcome.” I hate the insecurity that filters in my voice.
