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Sebastian signaled left, then drove down toward the river. I remained silent, attempting to guess where he was taking me. A few minutes later, he pulled into a building’s valet parking. Our car doors flew open, and one of the employees extended his hand and assisted me out of the car.
Their greeting was filled with warmth and familiarity. Sebastian clearly had a rapport with them. As I approached him near the entrance, he gently placed his comforting palm on my exposed back, guiding us into the restaurant. I was immediately enveloped in a cozy ambiance — the soft glow of candlelight, plum-colored seats, and matching fabrics on the walls. My heels sank into the plush carpet as the host gracefully led us up a set of stairs and through a glass door.
A semi-private dining area was perched on top of the building, and I gasped, taking it all in. The rooftop offered a panoramic view of the vast, tranquil river. Nightfall draped the world in a velvety darkness, and the moonlight danced across the gentle ripples of the water. Elegant string lights adorned the restaurant, casting a warm, golden glow that contrasted with the stars overhead.
Once seated, I set my clutch on the side of the table and offered Sebastian a shy smile. No one had ever taken me somewhere so nice. “This is beautiful.”
Sebastian’s gaze met mine. “Not as beautiful as you.”
Out of nowhere, my nape prickled with unease. I discreetly tucked a strand of hair behind my ear, trying to suppress the rising panic. The memories of last night’s unwelcome visitor flooded my mind. Desperate to dismiss the idea that I was being watched, I looked away and pretended to adjust my dress. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. But the unnerving sensation persisted, and I was left with an inescapable feeling of being stalked.
Chapter 9
Sebastian
Although I suspected Ella tried to hide her reaction, something had rattled her.
“What’s wrong?”
Her eyes widened, and her smile slipped into place. “I’m sorry. I thought I saw someone I knew, and it surprised me.”
That was twice tonight.
I had years of experience reading people in numerous situations, and Ella was lying to me. Granted, this was our first date, and I had no right to get into her business, but the fear that flashed across her face bothered me. I hated seeing her upset. I reached for her hand, hoping to soothe her.
The waiter approached us with our waters and set them on the table. Once we ordered a couple of cocktails, we fell into a comfortable silence while we studied the menus.
“What do you recommend?” she asked, her voice soft. She sank her teeth into her lower lip. I stifled my groan, but my dick was all about getting to know her. All of her.
“The lobster is amazing. If you prefer beef, the filet mignon melts in your mouth.”
“Oh, wow. They’re both really expensive. I can get a salad.” She closed the menu and set it on the table, folding her hands in her lap.
“Ella, it’s not about the money. It’s about giving you an experience that you’ll never forget. Wined and dined. No strings attached. I don’t expect to spend the night with you, and you don’t owe me anything. Not a single damn thing. If I can get you to smile or laugh, then it’s already been the best night of my life.”
Ella stared at me as if I were an alien that had just landed on planet Earth.
She looked away, then returned her gaze to me. Our eyes locked as I tried to reassure her that I meant exactly what I said.
“Tell me the truth. What do you love to eat or have wanted to try but never allowed yourself to?” I stroked the back of her hand with the pad of my thumb.
Ella McCloud had a way of captivating me, and she was taking pieces of my heart without my consent. Yet, there was a depth to her that I couldn't quite understand. She carried herself with a sense of wisdom and life experience that I hadn't seen in someone her age before.
She licked her lips, and I focused on her full mouth. Incredibly uncomfortable, I shifted in the seat in a failed attempt to give my poor cock some relief.
“The lobster, but I can pay half.”
I chuckled. “You don’t quit, do you?”
“I don’t want us to leave at the end of our night, and you’re pissed because I didn’t suck your dick or sleep with you. Most guys think if they pay for a nice dinner, that the girl or guy owes them.”
Anger licked through me with the idea that any man would make Ella feel pressured into something she didn’t want.
“Then it sounds like you’ve gone out with the wrong guys. That’s changing. Now be a good girl and order the lobster. If you don’t, I’ll order it for you.”
Ella gasped, her cheeks burning bright red as she sucked in an audible breath. Maybe I’d been too forward, but if she worked with attorneys, she should be used to it.
Before she could respond, the waiter appeared, and she ordered the lobster.
