“Good.”
“I have a client dinner meeting tonight. I need you to join me.” It’s not the first time she’s done, but it will be the first time the client doesn’t show.
“Which client? I don’t have anything on the books?”
“A potential client,” I clarify.
“Got it. Where should I meet you?”
“No need for that. I’ll pick you up at your place at seven-thirty.”
“Okay,” she says, turning back to her computer. I watch as she finishes up an email to the production team and then shuts her computer down. “Alright. I see you later then. Have a good evening.”
“Until then, Scarlett.”
What the hell am I going to do for two and half hours?
Finally, the time comes and I knock on her door. She opens it and I about swallow my tongue.
“You look beautiful,” I tell her.
“Thank you, Mr… Sam,” she says.
As soon as we get into the car and start down the street. I tell her there is no client.
“The client canceled,” I tell her. “I hope you’ll still join me.”
“Uh… yeah of course, a girl’s got to eat, doesn’t she?”
“Right,” I say, grinning.
It’s time to make Scarlett Moonblood mine forever.
Finally.
CHAPTER5
SCARLETT
Why amI going to dinner with my boss? Why did I say yes? “Are you alright, precious?” Why is he confusing me with his actions and words?
“Uh, yes, I guess. I’m just not sure what is happening.” I decide to go for honesty. He nods his head and moves some hair out of my face.
“I know. I’m sorry.” That’s all he says before opening the door and helping me out of the car. Looking around, I notice we are at the back entrance of some posh restaurant. I know I have seen it before, probably in a magazine.
Samuel tucks my hand in his arm, his other arm anchored to his waist as if he thinks I am somehow going to be wrenched from his grasp. As soon as we walk in, the smell of pasta sauce makes my mouth water, and then it hits me. “Oh my gosh. Are we at Orecchiette?” He smiles and nods his head, continuing us down a long corridor.
We stop at an opening, which has a curtained-off room straight ahead. “Mr. and Mrs. Rawlins, right this way.” My heart begins to pound when she says our names like we are married. I like it. Too much, if I am being honest. So much so that I feel the need to correct her so I can bring myself back down to earth.
“Oh Umm… no, we are not…” I stutter, but Samuel cuts off my protest.
“We are dining in private, precious.” I look at him, startled that he is not telling her about the discrepancy. He shakes his head no like he is telling me to keep it to myself. But why?
The curtained-off room opens, and my hand covers my mouth. “Wow,” I say, looking around. The room is decorated with roses of all different colors. Pink, red, white, and even a beautiful Fuschia. Candelabras are everywhere with glowing lights with pink sconces, giving the room a soft, elegant glow. “This is beautiful.” I release his arm and hold in a giggle when he growls. I spin in a small circle, slowly, ever cautious of my condition, and take it all in.
“I would give anything to see that every day.” He says, hands in his pocket. I stop and look at him.
“See what every day?” he moves towards me and stops just a finger touch away.