Page 93 of Fierce-Ivan
“I did. Mason. Fierce beer is served there. My aunt seems to leave Mason alone the most for some reason, and he’s like a vault around her. It was a better move than asking Aiden who most likely could have managed it easily too.”
“Cade slips too much,” she said. “Don’t say this, but man, can he talk.”
“We all know,” he said. “Brody isn’t into doing those things, though he would have called.”
“It’s fine,” she said. “I think it’s great you did it for me. I don’t need these things though. It’s only food and I’m sure the place is crazy expensive.”
“I don’t care,” he said. “It’s totally worth it. Especially seeing you like this.”
She swished her ass past him and they left, his smile super glued to his face.
He’d been told enough in his life that he never put a woman first. Or didn’t put enough effort in. He didn’t believe that even though he’d doubted himself for years. Now he was starting to wonder if it had more to do with the women he was dating.
He wanted to do this.
Maybe it meant more because Kendra didn’t expect it. She didn’t ask for it.
She appreciated it.
They got to the restaurant and it was packed as he expected. He gave his name and was ushered to his table.
He turned his head and looked around and, of all the shitty luck, noticed his ex at a table with three other people. He turned back quickly and hoped she didn’t notice him.
How the hell was it possible in a city this big to run into her in a restaurant like this?
They were seated in the back, closer to the kitchen in a nice private area. Mason came through for him in more ways than one.
“Wow. I think I might have to send Mason an email to thank him for this too,” Kendra said.
“It’s amazing what a name can do and I hate doing that. I rarely let anyone know who I’m related to.”
“I understand,” she said. “Not having the same last name, most won’t put it together.”
“No,” he said. He’d liked that. Growing up, it wasn’t a big deal. They were all middle class. It wasn’t until after college that The Five turned the business into the success it was now. Every year it seemed to grow and grow.
He was honored to have a part in it and he was positive Kendra was too.
They were halfway through their meal when he heard his name and turned. “Ivan. I thought that was you walking in. You’re the last person I expected to seehere.”
So much for thinking Cassandra didn’t see him. He should have figured she did and she was probably walking around trying to find him. Where they were seated there was no way unless she was searching him out.
“I’m not sure why, Cassandra.”
“Well, we all know that you don’t like to spend money. You must be on a first date or something trying to impress.”
Kendra looked up at his ex. “Actually, no,” she said. “Ivan and I have been dating for five months. And you are?”
Cassandra snorted. “His last girlfriend. At least I’m sure I was. He has never been one to commit to anything other than his wallet or investments. Maybe he finally learned that you have to spend time with people and get to know them. Enjoy this while you can. I’m sure it won’t last.”
Cassandra flipped her hair and walked away as if she dropped a mic on her center stage performance.
The heat was filling his face and he was ready to defend himself when Kendra started to giggle and then was laughing so hard, she had tears in her eyes.
“Shit,” she said. “I spent all this time on my makeup and now it’s going to run.”
“What’s so funny?” he asked.
“Her. She thinks she insulted you, but she doesn’t realize those are the things I love about you the most. I’m sorry if she wanted things like this all the time. I don’t. It’s too wasteful. I’m thrilled we are here, but my heart is racing over the prices and it’s been killing me not to tell you I wish we hadn’t come.”