AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Good evening. I’m Carson, your server this evening. What can I get you to drink?” He was addressing William, pretending not to know me, though I couldn’t fathom why.
“I’ll have a glass of Glenlivet 15. He’ll have a glass of Glenfiddich.” William’s chuckle was smooth, like him. “My date seems like he might not be able to handle the boldness of Glenlivet. The Glenfiddich is softer, more subtle. Perfect for him.”
How the hell did he know what I could handle? He didn’t know me at all. Before I could speak up, Carson nodded and disappeared, and William dismissed me to peruse his menu.
William slid a thin pair of reading glasses on. “The duck sounds delicious. Perhaps the veal dumplings?”
Was he asking me or telling me? I disliked veal and wasn’t interested in the duck. It was so greasy. “I was thinking of ordering the Prime Rib.”
He glanced at me over the top of his menu. “Were you? I think you might enjoy the duck more. Don’t worry about it. I’ll order for us.”
I considered kicking him under the table just as Carson returned, carrying a tray with our drinks. He placed a glass in front of me that looked fruity and refreshing, like his smile.
“Glenlivet for you, sir. And a Singapore Bling for the gentleman. Are you ready to order?”
William frowned. “That’s not what I ordered for him.”
“No, sir. It’s not. But your date would not like the Glenfiddich. He much prefers sweeter drinks.” Carson beamed a fond smile at me, and I fought to restrain my blush. Now, that kind of handling I approved of. He knew exactly what I liked and was being considerate of my tastes.
“Thank you, Carson. This looks delicious.” I took a sip of the red cocktail and licked my lips, loving the hint of sour cherry. “I’ll have the Prime Rib, please. With a house salad and a side of roasted asparagus. Oh, with that lemon butter cream sauce!” Carson discreetly winked at me, and I felt ridiculously pleased with myself for ordering what I wanted and not deferring to my date.
“I thought you wanted the duck.” William laid his menu down and glared disapprovingly.
Before I could correct him, Carson interjected, “No, sir. The duck is too greasy for him. It upsets his stomach.”
William glanced between me and Carson questioningly. “Nonsense. I’ll have the duck with a side of wild rice and a loaded baked potato.”
I noticed he never said please, which rubbed me wrong, but Carson just nodded and wrote it down on his little pad. Now that we were alone again, I struggled to find something to say to him. A safe topic of conversation that wouldn’t peak my irritation further.
“So, do you normally date younger men?” I couldn’t believe that popped out of my mouth! My eyes widened comically, wishing I could take it back.
William chuckled. “Sometimes. I find I’m attracted to their vibrant youth and energy. It keeps me young.”
Something about the way he leered at me through his spectacles as he said that made me think he was selling me a basket of bullshit. He just liked young and unused holes, most likely. Someone pretty on his arm to show off. Carson returned with our salads, placing it before me and drizzling the house honey vinaigrette over the crisp leaves. He made a show of it before doing the same to William’s.
“I didn’t order a salad.” He pushed it away from him and Carson smiled professionally.
“No problem, my mistake, sir. I’ll just remove that.” When he grabbed for the bowl, he dropped it, and it clanged loudly against the table, salad and sticky dressing staining William’s lap. “Oh my, how clumsy of me. I’m so sorry.”
As William dabbed at the spot with a napkin, Carson smiled at me, and I suspected he’d done it purposely. But why? I returned his smile and offered William my napkin, which he refused.
“Please, just bring me a glass of water,” he demanded in a huff.
“Right away, sir.”
When Carson retreated, I tried to placate him. “I’m sure dry cleaning will be able to remove the stain. No harm, no foul, right?”
“Sure. I can ignore his incompetence if you can.” With one last dab, he abandoned his napkin and returned his gaze to me. “How do you like the singer?”
I looked over to the stage. “I’m enjoying it. She’s fantastic. So, do you have kids? Ever been married?” I figured at his age, it was a possibility. I didn’t really know what we might have in common to discuss, and I was grasping at straws.
William covered my hand in his. “Ryan, you haven’t dated many men older than you, have you?” His eyes were soft, almost amused, and I blew out a breath, releasing some of my nervous tension.
“No. Is it that obvious?”
“It is. But I like that.” He squeezed my hand before I pulled it away. That sounded…off. Did my inexperience turn him on? Did he have some kind of virgin kink or something?Gross.
“I’m not a virgin. I’ve dated plenty. Just…guys my age, mostly.” Great, now I sounded like I was asking for it. He smiled wickedly, and I cringed, taking a bite of my salad to hide my reaction.
