AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“That was bloody fantastic,” I say.
“Pure genius,” Nick agrees. “So many twists and turns, I never quite knew what was going to happen next. Thanks so much for bringing me; I haven’t had this much fun in ages.”
“Excuse me,” shouts a lady further down the aisle. “Could the two of you please move along? We need to get out.”
“I think that’s our cue,” Nick says, helping me to my feet. “Do you fancy going somewhere for a bite to eat?”
“Yes, please. I’m famished.”
He takes me to the Corinthia,a fabulous hotelnearTrafalgar Square. As we approach the grand marbled entrance, I catch my breath. The place is absolutely beautiful, and I can’t believe we’re going to be having dinner here. Andrew never took me anywhere this nice; in fact, I was lucky to be taken to McDonald’s.
Taking my hand, Nick leads me into avast lobby with high ceilings and Grey Marquino flooring. A massive Baccarat Chandelier dominates the sweeping circular staircase and off to the left, glass doors lead to a maple-lined courtyard.
“Wow,” I gasp.
Nick smiles. “Do you like it?”
“Like it? Iloveit!”
A concierge in a top hat takes us to the restaurant and settles us in. Then a waiter comes over and hands us two oversized menus.
“Anything to drink?” He directs the question at Nick.
Nick looks at me. “Would you like some wine, Carly?”
“Yes, that would be nice.”
He turns to the waiter and without reading the wine list, requests a bottle ofChâteau Begadan Cru Artisan Médoc.
He’s obviously been here before, I think reproachfully. The idea of Nick bringing another girl here sparks an unexpected pang of jealousy.
For the next few minutes, the two of us sit in silence studying our menus. I’m considering having thewhite onion soupbecause it’s the cheapest thing on the menu, partly because I plan to go Dutch on the bill, and partly because I don’t want to appear a glutton.
“Have you decided what you want for a starter?” Nick inquires as the waiter fills our glasses from a bulb-shaped decanter. I tell him about the soup, and he doesn’t look too impressed. “Are you sure that’s definitely all you want? I thought you said you were famished?”
“I know, but I seem to have lost my appetite.”
“Carly, humour me a little, eh? Have soup for starters, but eat something proper for your mains. I won’t have you starving yourself to save me a few pennies.”
I blush profusely.Dammit, he’s called my bluff.
Discreetly, I lower my gaze to his sweater and marvel at the sensual curve of his biceps. I fantasise about touching them and have to take a large gulp of wine to cool my racing heart.
“How is it?”
“Huh?”
“The wine. Does it taste good?”
“Oh, yes, it’s lovely. Very rich.”My laugh is too loud, too excessive. He knows I’m lusting and clearly takes great pleasure from watching me act like a buffoon.
“By the way, Carly, I haven’t told you how stunning you look tonight. That dress really compliments your figure.”
My cheeks flame and I shrink down in my seat. “Oh, this old thing? Ha! It’s just something I threw together at the last minute. But I’m glad you like it. You look really good, too. I-I love that shirt on you.”
Wordlessly, Nick drinks deeply from his glass and shoots me a smouldering look that makes me want to roll over on the floor and submit to his every demand.
A short time later, the waiter comes back to take our order. Nick requests grilled native lobster with almond and herb butter, and I order a chicken club sandwich with dry cured bacon and lettuce.
