Page 28 of Theirs to Treasure

With a smile, he picks up the bottle from the bucket and presents it to Forrest.

“Excellent vintage. We will wait until our appetizers are served.”

“Of course, sir.”

“You don’t need to wait for me,” I insist.

Both men ignore my protest.

I’m barely settled, sipping my water that Zev has squeezed a piece of lemon into when a cart is wheeled in.

“Since I didn’t know your preferences,” Forrest says, “I took the liberty of requesting an assortment.”

The choices are dizzying, from caprese salad to octopus, along with a couple of things I don’t recognize.

Perhaps an instinctive nurturer, Zev spoons several things to a small plate and slides it in front of me. “Thank you.”

Each bite is more delicious than the last. As much as I hate to admit it, my equilibrium is restored.

When the soup and salad arrive, Forrest requests that the champagne be uncorked.

Mindful of what happened earlier, and scared the whiskey hasn’t yet been fully metabolized, I take my time, sipping slowly through the main meal of steak, lobster, and fresh grilled asparagus.

Even though I protest that I don’t have room for dessert, Zev grins. “Even the cupcake ATM?”

“Guilty.” That, I’m helpless to resist.

We enjoy coffee. Then Zev suggests we head downstairs to get my treats.

“How about we save that for later?” Forrest counters.

He leans forward, looking at me as if he’d like to devour me.

Parts of me that I hadn’t known existed spark with excitement.

“I have something else in mind first,” he says, each word laced with seduction and promise.

To steady myself, I grab hold of the table.

Forrest pushes back his chair and stands, then offers his hand.

“Come with us, Anna.”

Frantically my pulse races.

“We’re going to make your every fantasy come true. If you dare.”

CHAPTEREIGHT

Harper

Hypnotizedby Forrest’s compelling gaze, I take his hand, accepting his help. He rewards me with a slow smile, one that sustains me.

As I’m now starting to expect, Zev offers his arm, and I’m grateful for the support. I tell me it’s the shoes that make standing on my own two feet so difficult, but it’s not. Being the center of their attention leaves me discombobulated.

When we arrive at the elevator, Forrest presses the button to take us up, rather than down.

Curious, I tip my head to one side and look at him.