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But, as I look around the room, what I really notice is all of the men within view of my more private table are looking at Kylie with appreciation. Even in a place like this, I can’t get complete privacy and part of me hates it. All it does is set me on edge. She doesn’t even realize she’s gorgeous and is getting so much male attention.
“I’m looking forward to getting to work on the paintings,” Kylie says with genuine enthusiasm lacing her soft voice.
“I’m sure that Moore will be excited to see what you come up with.”
She nods as the waitress appears to take our order. “Some will be a bit challenging, especially the last one… but I will focus on the others for now,” she says once the waitress leaves.
“Do you have everything you need?” I’m not sure what to talk about. Usually my dinners are business-related and I’m trying to close a deal. Normally the conversation revolves around that, not so much light conversation between old friends. If that’s what you would even call us.
Kylie chuckles. “More than enough. You really didn’t have to go to so much trouble. I’m sure I’ll be able to use a lot of it and you’ll probably have supplies left over.”
When our food arrives, Kylie starts up a comfortable chatter about her work and her friend Stella. She mentions Stella’s dream of having her own studio and her plans to give art lessons to the kids in the area. I find myself listening to what she is saying, surprised that I’m interested in a conversation that has nothing to do with work for once.
It’s just so easy being around Kylie. She’s not pretentious. She’s not trying to get something from me. It’s a nice change.
Halfway through the conversation, I glance up to see John walking toward us. He grins and waves when our eyes meet. I jerk my head up in recognition, then look back at Kylie.
Unfortunately, John doesn’t take the hint and walks over to our table.
“Thought I’d stop by and meet this beautiful lady,” John says, his eyes roaming over Kylie.
“Kylie, this is John Moore. John, this is Kylie Simmons,” I say, trying to make the conversation end as quickly as possible.
Kylie, however, is oblivious to my intentions and smiles at him. “Hello, it’s nice to meet you. Do you work with Dante?”
John chuckles and shrugs. “Not exactly. We’re old friends I guess you could say.”
Hardly.
“Well, it was nice seeing you?—”
My words are cut short as he ignores my hints and turns his attention to Kylie. “So, how do you know Dante? Are you a client?”
Her eyes meet mine for a second, mouth slowly opening. “Uh, no. We’re… old friends. I’m just in town on business for a while.”
“Is that right?” He grins. “Well if you ever need someone to show you around…”
“She’s fine.” I finally snap. “You’ve met her, now you can go.”
Kylie’s gasp is soft. John raises his eyebrows in surprise at my tone, but shrugs and walks away.
“You didn’t have to be so rude,” she admonishes me.
What the fuck? I sound like a jealous boyfriend. This isn’t the first time John has come over to a table where I’m sitting with a woman to meet her. Why am I so bent out of shape now?
“You’re naïve,” I grind out between clenched teeth. “John would fuck you and forget you in a second.” I shrug as if it doesn’t bother me. “But, hey, if that’s what you want, I would happily accommodate you.”
I know as soon as the words are out of my mouth that it’s the wrong thing to say, but I can’t take it back. Her face flushes a bright red and her mouth tightens into a grim line. She narrows her eyes and stands.
I shouldn’t be acting the way I am, and guilt fills me. Kylie is a grown woman, and we’ve been having a nice day up until this point. For me to act like this is out of line. Not that I wouldn’t beat John’s ass if he so much as touched Kylie.
That man won’t get a single second alone with her as long as I’m breathing.
It’s not until I see her put her napkin on the table and grab her purse that I realize she’s actually planning on walking out. Leaning across the table, I grab her hand, momentarily stalling her.
“Kylie, I apologize. I was just angry and being protective. Like a big brother, since I’ve known you practically your whole life.”
When she just stands there staring at me, I release her hand and sit back. Finally, she nods, rolling her eyes with a slight huff as she reclaims her seat, but the happy, jovial mood of earlier is gone.
