“Okay.”
The rest of dinner was effortless as we discussed work and upcoming plans for Christmas and the new year. Despite the weight of our conversation about keeping our relationship under wraps, our undeniable connection seemed to deepen over dinner, and I was looking forward to spending the weekend together.
As we finished our meal, Sean leaned in close. “I have a surprise for you.”
My heart skipped a beat. “A surprise? What is it?”
He grinned. “You’ll see.”
He signaled for the waiter, who came over. Sean handed over his credit card, settled the bill, and then guided me out of the restaurant. As we waited for the valet to get his Porsche, we stood side by side. My pinky finger lightly brushed his hand, and he turned his head to me and smiled. I wanted to lean in and kiss him, but figured it would be too much. As we stared into each other’s eyes, a male’s voice called out, “Dad?”
Sean and I both turned to face the person and my eyes widened as Sean said, “Ryan? What are you doing here?”
“I was just walking by on my way to a bar to meet friends. What are you …” He trailed off as he looked at me. “You look familiar.”
I swallowed hard. “I … ah …”
Ryan cocked his head as though he was trying to place where he knew me from.
“Son, this is Declan.”
“Wait. You were at Fallon’s wedding. You two … He works for you, right?”
Sean and I both nodded.
“Is this who you’re dating?”
“Yes,” Sean confirmed.
“Okay, but I swear I know you from somewhere else.”
I glanced at Sean, not sure if I wanted the ground to open and swallow me whole or the valet to hit me with Sean’s Porsche and put me out of my misery because I had no clue what to say to Ryan. Plus, it seemed he did not recognize me from sleeping together, which had to mean I wasn’t any good, and that made the situation even worse.
But then Ryan’s eyes became huge, and he breathed, “Oh shit.”
I groaned and rubbed the back of my neck.
“Um … Dad …”
“I already know,” Sean stated and slung his arm across my shoulders, bringing me against his side.
“You do?” Ryan balked.
“I told him,” I said, low.
“Wait.” Ryan crossed his arms and looked at his father. “You’re dating someone I hooked up with?”
“What I have with Declan is much more than a one-night stand, Ryan.”
“Let me get this straight. Not only are you seeing someone I slept with, but he’s the friend of your best friend’s son, and your employee.”
“No.” Sean shook his head. “He’s just Declan, my boyfriend.”
My heart swelled at his words, and I wanted more than anything to plant a big fat one on him, but I refrained.
Ryan stared at us for a few moments and then said, “Okay. Whatever makes you happy.”
“He does,” Sean stated.
