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She takes the glass and grins. “Thank you. That makes for a change.”
I pour myself some. “Just to be fair, I won’t have alcohol tonight either.”
“I like it when you play fair,” she says. We clink our glasses together and sip from it. The driver puts on some operatic music, and I notice she blushes. I don’t think the driver understands what he’s reminding her about, but I don’t stop him.
The music is good.
So was that night.
When we arrive at the restaurant, I escort her in and to my usual table in the VIP section, among other famous and affluent couples having dinner.
Penny glances around as the people look at us and murmur, and she hugs herself once seated.
“Hey, what’s wrong?” I ask, reaching for her hand.
“I know that I’m not that big of a girl but when people stare at me it makes me so uncomfortable and sometimes I feel like they’re talking about me.”
I hold out my hand, and slowly, she reaches out and places hers in mine. I say it loudly, so the surrounding couples hear it. “The only thing they’ve uttered about you is what a vision you are and how beautiful you look. I assure you the rest of the comments are about me and the reputation that precedes me.”
The murmurs die down, and several people shift awkwardly, knowing full well the kind of person I am to deal with. Penny gives me a small smile, and I shake my head. “A bigger smile, please. Tonight, I want you to enjoy yourself.”
She nods, and I squeeze her hand as the waitress comes over.
“Mr. Milov, it’s been a while since you’ve been here with a guest.” The waitress smiles at me, and I look at Penny.
“Isn’t she beautiful? This is my fiancé,” I say, looking at the waitress.
She smiles at Penny. “You do look radiant. Definitely the most beautiful woman to grace our establishment in a long time.” Penny beams, and I smile.
“We have a special menu tonight that I think you will enjoy. No shellfish, as I have heard your fiance is pregnant. Can I get your drinks order before I start bringing out the starters?” She smiles.
I check her name tag. Theodora.
“Theodora, I’d like your best-tasting non-alcoholic wine. Red, like my darling’s hair.” I smile at Penny, who blushes again, but she’s beaming at me.
Theodora nods and jots down the order. “Not to worry, sir, we can gladly accommodate that order. Now, would you like to know your menu, or would you like to be surprised?”
I look at Penny. “What would you prefer?”
“Surprised,” she says with a grin.
Theodora smiles and nods. “An excellent choice, ma’am. Sir. Your drinks will be with you momentarily, and I will gladlybring out your starters within the next twenty minutes.” She whisks away, and I smile at Penny.
The food is delicious as we eat our way through a four-course meal and drink several glasses of non-alcoholic wine. When we’re done, I pay for the meal, tip Theodora heavily, and help Penny to her feet.
I whisk her back outside and smile.
“I had Luka drop my car off earlier so we could enjoy a quiet drive home together,” I say. “I hope that’s okay.”
“I would love that,” she says, batting her eyelids at me before giggling. “This has been such a fun night.”
“I’m so glad you enjoyed it,” I say as the valet brings my Porsche to a stop in front of us. I tip him and take the keys as another valet helps Penny into the passenger seat. She buckles in, and I drive us back to the estate, parking in the garage and pausing.
“Before you go in,” I say quietly, “I wanted to end the night off with a little, well, a little fun.”
“Is this why you spent the night seducing me?” she asks, raising an eyebrow.
“It’s just that there’s been a lot of firsts for you while you’ve been with me, and I thought I’d give you another one.” I smile cheekily. “Have you ever had a shag in the car?”
