My mouth drops open as I gape at all the bags and wonder what the hell I bought, but before I can tell her to take it all back, Conan offers her his card, and my eyes widen as she takes it.
“No, wait!” I protest, but it’s too late, and he winks at me. “Conan!”
“Consider it a housewarming present.”
“That was a lot of money,” I hiss. I can’t let him pay for this.
“Mackie.” He sighs as he puts his card away. “I have a lot of money, so this is nothing for me. Besides, since I bought the teddy, we have shared custody, which means I’ll have to see him often. I wouldn’t want him to be lonely,” he says, and I swallow as I stare into his eyes.
“We will deliver all this, sir,” the lady interrupts, blushing as she looks at us.
“Thank you,” Conan replies as he places a hand on my shoulder and turns me. “Come on, I’m starving. Shall we get some food?”
I gawk at him silently, but he keeps smiling.
Who the hell is this man?
TEN
Ileft my bear in the car, though I’ll admit I kind of miss having the fuzzy animal in my arms, but the restaurant Conan brought me to isn’t really the place to be holding a stuffed toy.
We sit at a small table with windows to our left, showing the Pine Valley skyline. It’s not my usual type of place, but the food looks amazing as I scan the menu.
“Get whatever you want. I did some research, and they have some of the best meat options,” he says casually, and my heart beats stupidly. Despite the fact that he doesn’t eat meat, he made every effort to bring me someplace that specializes in it.
“Hi, I’m Callie. I’ll be your waitress. Can I start you with some drinks?” a bubbly voice asks, and I glance up to see a pretty, young brown-haired girl.
“Hi.” I smile politely. “May I please have water?”
“Absolutely,” she murmurs, wide-eyed as she stares at me before she blinks. “Um, still or sparkling?”
“Still please, thank you.” I look at the menu, but she’s quiet, so I look up and find her watching me.
“Would your older brother like anything?” the waitress asks, glancing at Conan when I arch a brow at her.
Hecoughs, and I hide my smile. “The same please,” he grumbles, and she nods then hurries away.
“Older brother, eh?” He winces, rubbing his hair. “At least she didn’t call me your father.” He drops his hand as he eyes me. “I guess I am a little old for you.”
Biting back my smirk, I prop my chin on my hand. “I like older men,” I tell him. “That’s always been my type. She didn’t call you my dad, but I can call you Daddy if you like.”
His laughter bursts out of him, and I see tables around us looking our way, but neither of us care.
“If I’m the daddy, then wouldn’t that make you the baby?” he flirts, and he seems to shock himself, but he doesn’t take it back. I like him flirting with me. It makes me feel wanted and happy.
“I guess it does,” I tease, and his small smile makes it all worthwhile.
“Well then, what does my baby want to eat?” he asks brightly.
I’m stuffed as Conan fastens my seat belt for me. Between work, shopping, and that meal, I’m done. I tried to argue when he paid, but he was having none of it.
“Why don’t you close your eyes?” Conan suggests as he cranks up the heat. “I can wake you when I get to your place.”
“Ah, thanks, but you can take me back to my car so I can get to work tomorrow?—”
“It’s okay. I can pick you up in the morning and take you to work.” Conan smiles. “I have your address. Close your eyes, okay? You look tired.”
I debate it, but my eyelids are heavy, so I nod and snuggle deeper into the seat with a yawn. “Okay, thank you.”
