Page 104

“I can take my business elsewhere if you prefer.”

His eyes flick to mine, and there is no hesitation as he picks up the card.

“No, that is quite alright. Thank you for choosing Luxe Manor. I’ll have the waiter bring two glasses of our best wine.”

And then he’s gone, leaving us alone.

“What’s gotten into you, Alden?”

Emily’s voice is barely a whisper, but there is no fear in her eyes.

I lean in close to her ear, my hand inching higher on her leg.

“You, my Little Liability,” I say, taking a chance.

She sucks in a deep breath, her body tensing.

“That name…I…I…know it,” Emily says.

Smirking, I pull back. I can see her sorting through what is real and what is a dream. I’m still warring with my own version of this confusion.

“Oh? Have many men given you this nickname?”

Emily’s cheeks flush a bright pink.

“No, of course not. It’s just that…”

She stops and clears her throat, obviously not wanting to disclose too much. Instead, Emily grabs the water glass and drinks half of it down. Good, the reaction goes both ways.

“We should look at what we want to eat.”

Emily reaches for the leather-bound menus, and I notice her hand trembling.

“I already know what I want, and it’s not on the menu,” I whisper.

Her chest heaves faster. The low-cut dress shows off the top of her breasts rising and falling seductively.

Emily barely has a chance to glance over the menu when the waiter arrives with two glasses of red wine.

“Would you like to order, or do you need a few more minutes?”

Emily licks her lips and gives me a mischievous grin. Before I can send him away, she speaks.

“We’ll split the scallops to start. I’ll have the tenderloin medium-rare, and he’ll have the tomahawk rare. All the sides. Also, a glass of your best scotch on the rocks, and a shot of golden tequila.”

With a nod, he takes off.

“Ordering for me and knowing exactly what I like…that is very interesting, Emily.”

Instead of looking ashamed, she laughs and picks up her wine.

“Aren’t you tired of the old standard where the man orders? Besides, I overheard you at your birthday party commenting on how great the meal was and that this is your favorite cut. I took a chance.”

Her eyes crinkle at the edges as she bites her lip, looking devious and adorable at the same time.

“I’m glad I guessed right.”

“I see…and the scotch?”