Page 178 of By His Vow
A few minutes later, a familiar restaurant appears beside me and things feel a little more possible.
The best whiskey and steak in the state. That is exactly what I need right now. Maybe hold the steak.
“Brilliant,” I say, climbing out of the back of the car the second it comes to a stop, but before I march toward the entrance, I lean back inside and demand Lewis return to the office and do whatever it takes to ensure Tatum gets home safely.
“Good evening, sir. Do you have a reservation?” the young guy says, stopping me from inviting myself to select a table.
“No.”
“Oh,” he says awkwardly, shrinking under my gaze. “Well, I’m sorry, but?—”
“Mr. Callahan, how wonderful to have you back. Are you looking for a table?” Rob, the owner, says, interrupting his young sidekick.
“That would be wonderful,” I say as Aubrey steps up beside me.
“Right this way then. Harry, please can you get a bottle of Macallan for Mr. Callahan and his guest,” he says over his shoulder as we move toward the back of the restaurant to the private area Rob has set up for some of his best-paying diners.
“Oh, to know people in high places,” Aubrey teases as I glance back to see the red-faced server running toward the bar like his ass is on fire.
“Here you go,” Rob says, gesturing to a booth with high-backed bench seating and some fancy indoor plants to ensure total privacy from the diners on either side of us.
“Your drinks will be right over. I’ll be right back with some water and to take your orders,” he says after handing over the menus.
I place mine straight on the table, not needing to read it to know what I want.
In seconds, two glasses and a bottle of their finest Macallan appears before us. The poor kid’s hand shakes as he pours us both a measure. It’s not helped by the way Aubrey stares up at him, batting her lashes and turning the charm up to one thousand.
I kick her under the table, silently chastising her, but I also can’t help laughing.
She has this innate ability to lure in men of every age, culture, and religion. It’s a gift. One I’m not sure she’s happy to have, but she uses it to the best of her ability nonetheless.
“Thank you so much,” she purrs the second he successfully puts the bottle down without spilling any. Honestly, it’s a miracle.
She smiles at him as he backs away, only just catching himself from tripping over his own feet and crashing to the floor.
“You can’t help yourself, can you?” I mutter before taking a sip of my drink.
Fuck. That’s good.
She shrugs. “It’s fun.” She throws back her drink without so much of a wince before slamming the glass on the table and staring me dead in the eyes. “So, tell me everything.”
44
TATUM
“He’s hot when he’s angry.”
“Cory,” I gasp, although honestly, it’s the kind of distraction I need.
“What? I’m just saying.”
“Fuck. This is all such a mess.”
“You’re telling me,” he mutters as he drops into the chair beside him and studies me closely. But before long, his eyes inevitably drop to the rock on my finger. “You’re seriously engaged to that asshole?”
I’m not sure if the look in his eyes is pure disbelief, disappointment, or something else entirely.
A bitter laugh spills from my lips.