Page 73 of The Bitter Rival

“Oh, I’ve always wanted to go there,” I answer, unable to contain my smile. Julep’s is a highly-rated fine dining restaurant in downtown Richmond that specializes in Southern cuisine. It’s located in a restored, historic building and continuously receives fantastic reviews.

As we approach the car, Charlie opens the door for me. “Good evening, miss.”

“Hi, Charlie. Please call me Bella.”

He offers a polite smile, and I scoot onto the seat as Sebastian walks around the back of the town car before joining me on the other side.

Without haste, we’re headed to our destination. I feel a warm blush hit my cheeks as Sebastian leans into me, placing a kiss on my neck as he grabs my hand in his. I feel like Cinderella.Please don’t let this experience end at midnight.

We don’t say much in the car, just occasionally smiling at one another. The newness of this must be weighing on him. I need to find a way to reassure him I don’t need to be wined and dined. He already has me. But, one date couldn’t hurt. Right?

The car travels down the one-way streets of downtown and slows as Julep’s comes into view. Sebastian lifts my hand to his mouth just before he exits the vehicle. A few moments later, my door opens, and I take his hand. This all feels a bit much for me too right now.

As we walk toward the entrance of the restaurant, I see the ironwork over the door and smile. This is going to be great. “Bas?”

“Yeah, baby?”

“Thank you.”

He smiles down at me before lifting our joined hands and bopping the tip of my nose with his index finger. Escorting me inside, he greets the hostess and gives his name as I take in the establishment. It’s beautiful. The restaurant appears to be on two floors, as there is a wrought iron spiral staircase that ascends from the center of the ground level. The restaurant is dimly lit with beautiful flowers and candles in the center of each table. There’s a slight hum of voices as conversations occur over their meal. The walls are rich mahogany, and chairs of a similar hue are placed about tables adorned in cream linen coverings.

“Right this way,” the hostess directs, and simultaneously, Sebastian’s warm hand rests on my lower back. My skin practically sizzles from the contact.

We’re seated at a corner table with a clear view of the restaurant. Everything about this place screams romance. Suddenly, it dawns on me. Is this where he takes women when he’s seducing them?

“Have you been here before?” I ask tentatively. Do I really want to know the answer?

“Yes, many times.” He smiles back at me.

Ugh.Just let it go, Bella. He’s here with you now.

The waiter takes our drink order and returns with water and a bottle of wine. He begins to open it when Sebastian interrupts. “Do you mind?”

“No, sir.”

Sebastian takes the bottle from him and skillfully removes the cork. I watch as he pours a small sip for me. My eyes lock with his as he smiles at me, waiting for me to taste. I bring the glass to my nose and inhale the crisp, fruity notes. Allowing a few drops of the wine to hit my tongue, I close my eyes to enjoy the flavor and smile.

“Thank you,” Sebastian says to the waiter, dismissing him.

“You’re awfully skilled at this,” I share.

“I should be. I grew up with it.”

“What do you mean?”

“My family owns a vineyard. My brother still works there. It wasn’t my calling, but I appreciate that it taught me to value a good wine.”

“Wow.” I pause, trying to find my words. Our relationship is so backward. “I feel like I know nothing about you.”

“That’s my fault, GG. I’ve kept people at a distance. But I want to let you in. It’s just going to take me some time to get used to all of this.”

“I understand,” I say, smiling warmly at his confession. The magnitude of the evening is making me feel a bit overwhelmed. “I’m going to visit the ladies’ room. I’ll be right back, Sebastian.”

Bas stands, pulling my chair back for me, and I turn to walk away.

Looking in the mirror, I grin at the girl looking back at me. Enjoy this, Bella. Enjoy him. Everything doesn’t always have to be so serious. We’ve enjoyed casual conversation and flirting, and the best scallops I’ve ever tasted. Sebastian’s been a polite, cordial companion. I’ve found it a little surprising that we could enjoy this much time together with our clothes on.

As I make my way back to the table, I notice an incredibly beautiful statuesque blonde walking toward me with a knowing smirk. Why does she look so familiar? Was she just at the table with Sebastian? My eyes immediately jump from her to him, and his expression is telling. They were together just now. Is she one of his many conquests? Had he broughtherhere before?Gah, don’t ruin this for yourself, Isabella. You know he has a past. Let it go.

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