Total pages in book: 74
Estimated words: 72973 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 365(@200wpm)___ 292(@250wpm)___ 243(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 72973 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 365(@200wpm)___ 292(@250wpm)___ 243(@300wpm)
I walk closer to the restaurant, and just to be sure he’s not here, I glance through the window.
When I don’t see Dario, I realize how much I was looking forward to the date.
Ugh. I even put on a skirt and stockings for the man. The heels on my feet are uncomfortable, and it makes me feel angry that I went through all this trouble to look pretty for the date.
Turning around, I walk back in the direction of the subway while sending him a text.
Eden: You could’ve saved me the trouble and just canceled instead of standing me up.
I’m surprised when I see him read the message immediately, and I stop walking.
Not even a second later, my phone starts ringing.
“Hi,” I mutter.
“Care to explain the message you sent?”
Hearing his deep voice sends tingles rushing over my body.
“It’s already twenty past six, and you’re not here.”
“I am. Where are you?”
Shocked, I swing around and start walking back to the restaurant while saying, “I didn’t see your car, and you weren’t sitting at any of the tables.”
“Where are you?” he asks again.
“A block away from the restaurant.”
Dario hangs up on me, and tucking the device back into my pocket, I can’t keep from smiling because he didn’t stood me up.
A couple of seconds later, Dario comes out of the restaurant and glances up and down the street. When his eyes land on me, he doesn’t wait but walks toward me.
Every step he takes is filled with determination, and it makes a kaleidoscope of butterflies erupt in my stomach.
Unlike the suit he usually wears, he’s dressed in a pair of faded black jeans and a dark gray sweater that looks expensive but cozy.
As soon as he’s in hearing distance, I say, “Sorry, I thought you ditched me.”
Without a word, his arm slips around my lower back. I’m tugged flush with his chest, and his mouth crushes against mine.
All I can do is grab hold of his biceps while he kisses the ever-loving shit out of me.
It’s so intense I forget about the people around us and don’t hear the sounds of the city.
When he breaks the kiss, he pulls back until our eyes lock. He brings a hand to my face, and his thumb brushes over my bottom lip.
When I finally catch my bearings, I ask, “What was that for?”
“Just want to make sure there’s no misunderstanding between us. I want to get to know you better, and one fuck isn’t enough for me.”
I love the intensity coming off him, and I can’t stop a smile from forming around my lips.
“Okay.”
Dario takes hold of my hand and leads me to the restaurant. When we walk inside, I glance around the place, thinking it looks expensive.
Then again, everything is expensive to me.
When he takes me to a private room, I understand why I didn’t see him sitting at any of the tables. It almost feels like I’ve stepped into a bamboo forest with soft, warm lights coming from lanterns.
“It’s pretty.”
“I’m glad you like it,” Dario murmurs as he pulls a chair out for me.
A server comes in and smiles at me. “Can I take your coat, ma’am?”
Wow. Fancy.
I shrug out of my coat and hand it to him.
When I sit down, Dario’s eyes drift over me with a look that tells me he appreciates what he’s seeing.
“You look beautiful.”
I glance at my skirt and pantyhose, glad I didn’t wear jeans, as I say, “Thank you.”
The server comes to pour two glasses of what I assume is champagne before leaving the room and shutting the door behind him.
I turn my attention to Dario and catch him staring at me.
Suddenly feeling awkward, I mutter, “Sooo…here we are.”
A sexy grin curves the corner of his mouth. “Here we are.”
“Have you eaten here before?” I ask to make conversation.
He nods as he answers, “My friend is the owner. She’s also one of the best chefs, so prepare yourself for an award-winning meal.” He pauses for a moment before saying, “I hope you don’t mind, but I already placed the order for the signature dish.”
“Oh…I don’t mind.”
God, I hope it isn’t prawns or some kind of shellfish. That shit gives me the creeps.
“What did you do yesterday?” he asks.
“I worked.” I can see he wants to ask what I do for a living, so I add, “I’m a waitress at a diner.”
“Is it one of those that’s open twenty-four-seven?” he asks.
Shit. Friday night, I told him I had to get back to work , which is probably why he’s asking the question.
Hating that I have to lie, I nod.
There’s a pause in the conversation, then Dario says, “Tell me about yourself.”
And just like that, I hit a blank. I can’t come up with something interesting to say, so I ask, “What do you want to know?”
“Do you have siblings? What’s your family dynamic like?”