Page 25 of Lilacs and Leather
Julia flashes another smile at Rhett before setting the menus down. I swallow a frown when she doesn’t even look at me as she asks for a drink order. That little kernel of tension in my gut returns but disappears quickly as Rhett pays her next to no mind.
“Would you like something to drink, love?” Rhett asks, stepping around the table to pull out my chair.
I blush under the intensity of his attention, but don’t miss Julia’s frown as I sit.
“Gin and ginger ale, please,” I reply with a small smile.
“And a Manhattan for me, please, Julia,” Rhett says, and even I can’t ignore the dismissal in his tone.
The hostess gives us another tense smile before she leaves. Rhett takes the chair next to me, sitting so we both partially have our backs to the wall. I look over the menu until our drinks arrive, along with the server.
“Good to see you again, Rhett. Do you want something specific, or should I let Luc surprise you?” she asks, pulling out her pen.
I blink at the strange opener, and Rhett smiles. “Luc is the head chef,” he explains as I open my mouth to ask.
My jaw snaps closed, and I purse my lips as I consider. Rhett mentioned a chef here owing him a favor. Is it Luc? Rhett gives me a searching look, and I shift in my chair. Rhett is clearly a regular here, and I’m feeling out of my depth. My instincts aren’t screaming any warnings at me, but I can tell there’s more to this story and I don’t enjoy feeling at a disadvantage.
“Lottie, can you give us a minute?” Rhett asks, eyes never leaving my face.
The server agrees and moves off, leaving a gaping pit of silence between Rhett and me. For the first time all evening, it’s awkward, and each heartbeat stretches the tension tighter. Rhett is studying me intensely, and I try to understand his expression. His scent is neutral, old paper and ink, and his eyes flash with curiosity and something I can’t quite identify. At last, he reaches into his pocket, fishing around for a moment before pulling something out and setting it on the table next to my silverware.
I look down, blinking at the silver coin. “What is this?”
“Penny for your thoughts?” Rhett asks hopefully.
I look back up at him, brow furrowed. “But this is a quarter,” I say slowly.
“I’m hoping the increase in currency will bribe honesty out of you,” Rhett replies, tone completely serious.
I swallow a chuckle, shaking my head with a small smile. “Okay. I’m thinking that this isn’t the sort of date I’m used to going on,” I admit.
“Do you go on a lot of dinner dates?” Rhett asks, and I see that flash of emotion in his eyes again, white hot for an instant before it disappears.
“Well, not really. But I’ve never been on one where my date knows the staff by name.”
Rhett shrugs. “Touché. Would it make you feel better if I say that this is the first time I’ve brought a date here?”
I blink. I open and close my mouth a few times, trying to form words. “Doyougo on a lot of dinner dates?” I parrot.
But even as I speak the words and Rhett throws his head back and laughs, I feel a sudden bolt of heat in my chest when I picture Rhett on a date with someone else. It isn’t quite jealousy, but it’s close. But I check the feeling, shoving it roughly to the side. I have no business having that emotion.
Rhett calms a little, looking at me with a wide smile. “Honestly, not really. Life has been… complicated for me recently. But I’m glad that I’m breaking my drought with you.”
I blush hotly, looking away from the piercing blue gaze across from me. My stomach starts up a tap dance routine, and I clear my throat to gather my composure. Rhett chuckles to himself, and when I look back at him, his smile is softer.
“So, what did you do for Luc that made him owe you a favor?” I say, trying to steer the conversation away.
“It’s more that Lucas owes me for not kicking his bratty ass to the curb every time he gets in a mood,” Rhett scoffs, rolling his eyes at his own private joke.
I blink at him. “Wait, what?” I blurt.
Rhett smiles knowingly at me. “Lucas is part of my pack, love.”
Oh.Oh.That gossip magazine article flashes through my mind, and my jaw falls open.
“This is one of Lucas Klausen’s restaurants?” I ask before I can stop myself.
“Have you been stalking me, love?” Rhett asks, his tone playful.