Page 15 of Far from Destined

“Brady, party of two?” I asked.

“Let’s see, sir. Yes. Your other party is already here. Let me show you the way.” The younger man in front of me raked me with his gaze. I ignored that, as well. I knew I looked good in a suit, but maybe it was the glare on my face that made him do a double take. That usually attracted more people than I wanted.

Or perhaps I was just having a weird day.

I saw Dakota by a fountain before the host got there, and I tapped the man on the arm.

“I see her. I’ll make my way over. Thank you.”

The guy stepped back and nodded. “Have a good night.”

I made my way towards Dakota, my gaze on her face, so I knew the moment she saw me.

Her eyes tightened, and she glared before slowly setting down her drink and reaching for her bag. She pushed her chair back and stood, her hand fisting around her small clutch.

“You.” She whispered the word, and I was grateful. Thankfully, nobody turned to look at us or wonder what the hell was going on.

I had to swallow my words because I could barely think. She looked gorgeous with her hair in an updo thing with pieces that framed her face. She wore a jumpsuit, all black that tucked in at the hips. It was sleeveless and had a low neckline—so low I wanted to peek just to see. Though I knew that that was one of my more lecherous thoughts. Still, I couldn’t help it. I’d always thought Dakota was beautiful. So fucking hot, it was sometimes hard for me to think while around her.

And that was part of the problem when it came to Dakota and me.

“Take a seat, Dakota.”

“What are you doing here?” she asked.

I moved to her. I towered over her, though I hoped like hell I wasn’t intimidating her. “Our friends asked me to be here, so…I’m here.”

She swallowed hard, and I looked down to see the uncertainty in her gaze.

I reached out and brushed my finger across her shoulder. I hadn’t even realized I was going to do it until I made contact, the warmth of her nearly too much for me.

She didn’t back away, but she did flinch.

I quickly lowered my hand.

She met my gaze as if searching for something I wasn’t sure she’d see. “I’ll sit down if you tell me what’s going on.”

“I promise.”

She let out a breath and then lowered to her seat.

I tucked in the chair behind her, doing my best not to touch her before sitting across from her.

“Our friends said that you and I need to be more friendly. I’m here to make sure you don’t hate me any longer.”

I said the words quickly, and her eyes widened.

“So, you’re not here because my date bailed?” she asked, her voice soft.

I held back a curse. It hadn’t even occurred to me that her mind would go there. “Of course, not. I’m it. Your date. One that isn’t supposed to go anywhere. It’s not even really a date.” I paused. “And I keep saying the worddate. I’m sorry.”

She shook her head and then reached for her water, chugging half of it. The waiter was there in an instant, refilling the glass and taking my drink order. I looked at Dakota. “Am I staying?” I asked.

She studied my face before giving me a tight nod.

I swallowed hard. “A lager. If you have it.”

“Excellent, sir.” And then the waiter was off, but my gaze stayed on Dakota.