18.
ELIZABETH
Barbara knocked on my open office door before waltzing in, carrying another vase spilling over with all white roses.
“My God,” my voice breathed out at the sight of them.
I wasn’t sure what it was about white roses, but when the first bouquet from Daniel had arrived, I had decided that they were my new favorite flower. I had also agreed that any lingering anger from the night before was officially gone as of this moment. It’d all stemmed from my ego and pride anyway.
“Seriously, Elizabeth, if you don’t marry this man, can I?” She placed the vase on top of the drawer of files behind my desk.
Spinning my chair around, I reached for the card, wondering what it would say this time.
All I see is you.
I swooned, out loud, before handing the card to Barbara to read.
“You should probably at least call him this time to thank him.”
“You’re so helpful.”
“I’m here all week.” She winked and closed my office door, leaving me alone.
It was her subtle way of telling me what to do.
Staring at my cell phone, I debated between sending him a text or calling him. Texting seemed too impersonal at this point, but after our phone call this morning, I wasn’t sure how much more of his words I could take hearing.
Fuck it.
I dialed his cell phone number and held my breath with each ring.
“Elizabeth,” he breathed my name into the phone.
Part of me melted into my chair. “Thank you for the roses, Daniel.”
He laughed slightly. “I’m impressed.”
“Why’s that?”
“You actually called me the day you got them this time. Unless…” He stopped mid-thought.
“Unless what?”
“Unless you only called me so that I wouldn’t show up at your work again. Are you trying to keep me away from you?”
It was my turn to laugh. “No,” I admitted honestly.
“Good. Have dinner with me tonight then,” he said.
My breath caught in my throat. “Tonight? Where?” I started looking at the door as if he’d bust through it again at any moment.
“At The Penthouse.”
“In The Huntley Hotel?” I wondered.
“You’re familiar with it?” he asked, his tone delightfully surprised.
“Of course.”
The Penthouse was one of my favorite restaurants to entertain in Santa Monica. It was eighteen stories up and had the most incredible view of the coastline on one side and the city on the other. Not to mention, the food and atmosphere were amazing.
“It’s beautiful there,” I added.
“It’s a date. I’ll pick you up at seven.”
I sucked in a quick breath. “Actually, I’ll just meet you there. You know I live only a few blocks away. It will just be easier.” After last night, I wasn’t ready for any more home-related expectations.
“Have it your way.” He didn’t fight me on it, which surprised me. “See you tonight.”
He ended the call.
Oh my gosh, I had just agreed to a real-life date with someone and not just any someone—him.
Please don’t break my heart. Please don’t break my heart, I silently prayed to the gods above, hoping like hell they were listening.
****
I stepped into the lobby of the hotel, my red dress inching higher with each stride. Grabbing the bottom of it, I gave it one final tug, willing it to stay put against my thighs. He came into view, and he looked incredible in navy blue suit pants, a lighter blue shirt and a matching navy tie. The man was simply stunning to look at, and boy did I enjoy looking.
Watching his face light up at the sight of me made me feel sexy and wanted—two things I hadn’t cared about in so long. As we walked toward each other, his right hand moved from behind his back, and a single long-stemmed white rose appeared.
“For you.” He handed it to me before bending down and sweeping me into his arms in a tight hug. “You look beautiful.”
My cheeks warmed with the combination of being touched by him and by his compliment. “Thank you. You look very nice yourself.” I sniffed at the rose, loving that this was quickly becoming our thing.
We have a thing.
WE HAVE A THING!
Deep breaths, Elizabeth.
Daniel extended a hand toward the hotel elevator. “Shall we?”
I moved toward them, his hand resting firmly on my lower back.
We reached the eighteenth floor and stepped out into a plethora of candlelight.
A hostess immediately greeted us upon our exit. “Reservations?”
“Alexander, for two,” Daniel said.
She smiled. “Right this way, Mr. Alexander.”
We followed as she led us around the enormous bar and toward the part of the restaurant that faced the coastline. Although, in the dark, we couldn’t see it.
The table sat in the corner, away from other people, and I realized that Daniel had most likely requested that arrangement, so we could have some sense of privacy. I scooted into the comfortable bench seat, and Daniel sat across from me in a baby-blue plush chair.
I started to laugh.
“Why are you laughing at me?” He veered forward, his face glowing in the candlelight.
“Because you’re so manly, but that chair is so girlie. You look ridiculous, sitting in it.” I continued to giggle.
He leaned back. “You think I’m manly, huh?”
“Compared to the chair,” I fired back.
“My Elizabeth, always so sassy.”
I swooned—silently and to myself, but I still did it.
“I’m sorry again about last night.”
“I’m over it. Let’s not talk about it anymore.”
I wanted to be done with it. He’d apologized, and I’d forgiven him. It was time to move on.
“You’re incredible, you know that?” he complimented.
“You’re all right,” I teased.
Our waitress appeared, and I was thankful for the break in the awkwardness.
“Good evening. My name’s Heather, and I’ll be your waitress tonight. Can I start you off with something to drink?”
Daniel nodded at me, and I glanced at the wine menu. “I’ll take a glass of your dry Riesling.”
“Make it a bottle,” he interjected.
Heather smiled at him. She was charmed by the sight of him, the same way I had been. Only, it had taken her all of two seconds.
“Of course. Would you like to hear our specials?”
“Just the wine for now. Thanks.” He dismissed her. It wasn’t rude, but it wasn’t overly friendly either.
I watched as Heather’s smile dropped a little before she turned away.