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I glanced at Bill because what the hell? He said nothing. Not protesting that we had the bill. I was old-school, and I would’ve never allowed our kids to foot the bill if they were at dinner with me. Bill wasn’t stopping his daughter from paying.
I reached out and stopped her hand. The first time I initiated touching her. “I wanted to.”
“Seriously, the guy is worth millions. This dinner doesn’t even make a dent in his pocket.” Chad laughed obnoxiously and reached out and slapped me on the shoulder. “Isn’t that right?”
I bit my inner cheek, ignoring him. “I don’t mind. I’m very appreciative of your support for my charity.”
“Anything for you, man,” Bill said in sincerity before checking his watch. “It’s late. Johana and I need to get home and pack.” He stood and helped his wife before they came around the table to say goodbye to Chad and to his daughter.
“Are you okay to drive?” Bill asked Amber as he held her at arm’s length. Again, I wondered why the hell Bill seemed fucking fine with Chad. Maybe my friend was becoming soft in his old age. Maybe my motives weren’t completely altruistic.
“We took an Uber.” She kissed his cheek.
We all said our goodbyes to Bill and Johana, and I lowered into my seat, waiting for my credit card. Amber and fucking Chad sat down, too. When I settled the tab, I looked down and saw the exposed skin of Amber’s thigh and averted my head.Leave now. Immediately. But I made no move.
All night, my eyes had unwillingly been drawn to her. She looked so damn delectable in the pink and black wrap dress that clung to her body like a second skin. I ran a hand over my mouth, knowing I needed to get the fuck out of there.
Her eyes caught mine, and I shifted in my seat uncomfortably, clearing my throat. “I’ll have my secretary send you the itinerary for the gala.”
“Thank you.” She bit her bottom lip.
The obnoxious ring of a cell phone caught my attention, and Chad looked down at his phone before saying a quick, “I’ve gotta take this.” He put his cell to his ear and walked away from the table.
“Aaron.” Amber’s voice drew my attention. “I think what you do is truly admirable.” I stared down at her plush mouth, having the insane urge to kiss her.
Instead, I stuck my hands into my pants pockets and said calmly, “It’s rewarding work.”
“You’re a good man.”
If she’d seen me the other night, stalking her profile, she would quickly change her tune.
Make your exit now, I told myself. But I didn’t. I didn’t want to leave her. Or leave her with that douchebag. I wanted to covet her. Carry her out of here like a caveman and keep her all to myself.
I shook off my ridiculous thoughts and held out my hand. “It was nice to see you again. I look forward to seeing you at the gala.”
Instead of taking my hand, she stepped in and wrapped her arms around me again, brushing her tits against my chest. I had to restrain myself from not gripping her ass and pressing her even closer, although my hand did land on her lower back. “It was so good to see you again.” Her voice was husky and sexy and went straight to my dick.
Several seconds passed into eternity, it seemed, and I struggled to release her. Yet, common sense won out, and we pulled apart.
Leave. Leave before you do something you’ll regret.
“Babe, let’s go to the bar and grab a drink.” Chad stood behind us with a satisfactory smile as he eyed Amber like his next meal.
I swear to God, I wanted to kick this guy’s ass.
“Sure,” she said, never looking in his direction. “Join us?”
I shook my head. “I need to leave. I have an early day tomorrow. Goodnight.”
I started to walk off, but Amber clasped my arm. “Wait. Come on. Have a drink with us.”
“I shouldn’t.”
“Come on, bro. I owe you a drink since you paid for dinner,” Douchebag added.
My fists clenched, and I shoved them into my pockets. “Thanks, but I’m going home.” I kept my eyes on Amber as I forced myself to walk away. “Goodnight.”
When I made it to the main room of the restaurant, I was stopped by some patrons who were fans and who had also sent generous donations to my organization. So, I patiently talked to them, checking my watch as a few minutes turned into twenty.
