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I don’t know why that bothers me so much, but it does. I want to hear her turn that voice on me. To talk to me like she feels anything other than frustration and loathing toward me. Why? Fuck if I know. I’ve never particularly cared what a woman’s attitude toward me was. If a woman didn’t want to spend time with me? That’s fine; there were plenty of other women that did.
So why do I care so much about Dakota?
“You’re welcome. I’m sorry, I don’t know your name. I’ve seen you around town, but I don’t think we’ve ever met.”
“I’m Dakota. It’s really nice to meet you, Hayley.” She smiles genuinely, acting as if I’m not sitting here with her. I’m past bothered. I’m annoyed and straight on my way to being pissed off.
“If you’re done with your girl talk, I would really like that drink,” I grumble. It comes out harsher than I had intended, but the result is still the same.
Hayley jumps, giving me a doe in the headlights look. “Right, sorry, Chance. Mr. Declan. I’ll get right on that.”
She scurries off without another glance, leaving me with a fuming Dakota. She crosses her arms over her chest, pushing her breasts even farther up her neckline. I can’t help my gaze from traveling south, taking in the sight, even if it makes her fresh with a new round of anger.
“Eyes up here, Declan,” she hisses quietly, being sure not to draw any attention to us. My eyes snap to hers. Her cheeks are red, breath short and quick. “What the fuck was that?”
“What was what?” I respond, leaning back in my chair. “She’s our server. I ordered a drink. We don’t have to become friends with those that serve us.”
“Those who serve…” She closes her eyes and takes a deep breath before continuing. “Did you fuck her?”
I don’t answer because honestly, I don’t know the answer to that. I might have.
“You don’t know, do you?”
“I don’t keep a little black book, if that’s what you’re asking, sweetheart.”
“I wouldn’t expect you to, darling,” she snaps.
“Here are your drinks,” Hayley says, going out of her way not to meet my gaze.
Have I slept with her? I’d remember that, wouldn’t I?
“Your appetizer will be out in a minute. Can I take your dinner order?”
“I think I’ll try your blackened chicken, and I think Chance was going to have the steak, weren’t you, babe?” Her fake smile is back, which I’m beginning to hate. Why? I don’t know. It’s not like anything about our relationship is real.
Relationship? I need to stop thinking about it like this. We don’t have a relationship. Like she said, it’s a mutually beneficial agreement. That’s it.
“Rib steak. Rare.” Dakota shoots me a glare that makes me smile up at Hayley. “Please.”
“You’ve got it.” She collects our menus. “I’ll be right back with your starter.”
“Would it kill you to be nice to people?” She still dons that fake smile of hers as she takes a sip of wine.
“Depends on the people.” I pick up my Scotch and take a healthy sip, letting the sweet burn warm me as I swallow. It’s not as good as the bottle I have at home, but it’ll help me get through the next couple of hours.
“If you want to make this believable, you’re going to have to pretend you at least like me. Do you think you can do that, boyfriend?”
I study her for a long moment. She’s not only the woman I find breathtakingly beautiful. Not just the hard ass lawyer I’m sure she is, based on my interactions with her. I notice a woman who is kind to those around her. Who can be gentle, but firm. She’s not afraid to be genuine and careful with Hayley while standing up to me and putting me in my place.
I’ve never had a woman do that before. Other women had always gone along with whatever I wanted, hoping they’d be the one to change me. Hoping they’d be the one to stay.
They never were.
“I’ve got your starter here.” Hayley placed a bubbling tray in front of me. The earthy scent of mushrooms and melted cheese makes my stomach grumble. I didn’t realize how hungry I was until now. I’m happy Dakota ordered it, even if I’d never tell her that.
“Thank you, Hayley. This looks great.” I look up at her with a forced smile. It probably looks more like a snarl, but I can’t help it.
Hayley’s mouth bobs open and shut a few times before pasting on a smile of her own.
