Total pages in book: 133
Estimated words: 128156 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 641(@200wpm)___ 513(@250wpm)___ 427(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 128156 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 641(@200wpm)___ 513(@250wpm)___ 427(@300wpm)
“I meant no disrespect.” Of course, the guy has to go and look legitimately bothered by the idea, his expression pinched with regret. “I only figured it was fair, seeing as I picked the restaurant, and we sort of hijacked your lunch hour. I’d like to cover it, if you don’t mind.”
I mind…but then again, I shouldn’t be here. This is one of those places that doesn’t even have prices on their menu. That can only be a sign it costs way too damn much.
What does it even matter; my pride is pretty much nonexistent at this point anyway, right?
It’s with that thought that I lift a shoulder as nonchalantly as I can manage, a fake grin in place as I let it hit where it always does—quiet, but heavy. “Only if you don’t make me eat salmon.”
“Thank you!” Paige giggles, lifting her hand for a high five.
It’s adorable, and I meet her hand with my own without hesitation, winking at her as we pull back.
There she goes again, chewing on that little lip.
My mouth tugs up on one side, and I look down at my water, but when my head lifts again, I find Mr. Randolph’s gaze bouncing between his granddaughter and me. In the end, his attention settles my way, his gaze latching onto my own, but he merely smiles and goes back to drinking his coffee before jumping into a topic with Paige that goes over my head.
We’re halfway through our meal when Prescott shifts toward Paige, his arm stretching out until his fingers press against the back of her arm, right over her bicep.
I glare at where he’s touching her, the move an unnecessary one when he could have simply called her name, but he pulls back as quickly as he reaches out, pinning her with his megawatt Hollywood smile when she looks his way.
Or maybe I’m being an ass about it because I don’t like the idea of him touching her.
“So.” He turns his body so it’s facing her completely, the rest of the table forgotten. “I realize you still have quite a bit of thinking to do, all things considered, but I was wondering…” His words, mixed with that good-boy smile of his, has the nerves in my already-tense shoulders bunching up.
Quite a bit of thinking?
About what?
And how does he know she has something to think about?
“There’s a fundraiser coming up next week, nothing too fancy or complicated,” he continues. “I would really like it if you came with me.”
It takes all I’ve got to keep my face neutral, just waiting to see where this is going. Fundraisers are for work, right? That’s just a part of the game once you get to a certain level? Pretty sure Ari has already gone to a couple with Noah in the last few years.
Wait.
Ari has gone with Noah, her fiancé, to a fundraiser…
Paige tenses slightly. “I have school and when I’m not on campus, I’m at the local youth center giving lessons or making quick trips to Oceanside.”
I note how she isn’t just saying no, that she doesn’t want to go out with him.
Because that is what this is.
He’s asking her out. He said, I’d really like it if you came with me, not It would be good experience for you or I think you’ll enjoy it. He’d like it, he said.
She’ll be expected to wear a dress, and he’ll pick her up outside her dorm, probably with crazy expensive flowers that will just die a few days later anyway.
“That’s okay,” he reassures her, and a heavy breath I didn’t realize I was holding pushes past my lips.
Good. That’s done.
Damn, man, enough. Maybe it’s for the best if she goes with him. Then you can stop this foolish line of thinking.
Maybe I should encourage her to go with him and—
“It’s on the weekend,” Prescott finishes.
Oh, hell no.
My brows snap together so fast, there is no hiding my annoyance.
“Then I most definitely can’t go.” Her baby blues slide my way, a smile blooming on her lips. “My Saturdays are booked, too.”
Do not smirk in victory. You’ve won nothing and this means nothing.
I can feel the others staring at me now, too, so I give her one more second of my attention, wondering if she can see how much I like that answer. A moment later, I casually meet their gazes. “Told you. My loyal little fan.”
Shit. My smirk slipped free, and did I just say my in front of everyone?
Unease starts to spike, but when I look over at Paige, I decide I don’t care.
Her lips seem to have somehow stretched even higher. Lifting her shoulder, she turns to Prescott. “Yeah, sorry,” she says, sounding the least bit sorry.
Hearing that should not feel as good as it does.
Prescott chuckles, completely unfazed, and I kind of hate that. “That’s all right. To be honest, I’m only going because your grandfather here kindly offered me his seat, saying if I was already planning to attend, there was no need for him to go, too.”