Page 74 of Wild For You

Chapter Twenty-One

Erin

When Cash mentionedbeer and a steak, I assumed he was talking about some casual joint where he usually hung out, which is why I put on a wrap dress. Nothing too fancy, just a cream and brown thing that emphasized by best features without going over the top, and paired it off with flats.

The moment we arrive at the Michelin star rated restaurant, and I see the luxuriously decorated tables and breath-taking décor through the large windows, I realize I should have put more effort into choosing my outfit.

I also realize this is one expensive place.

Waiting for Cash to take the lead, I brush my hands over the front of my dress.

“What’s wrong?” Cash asks. As usual, his annoying, observing self escapes nothing.

“I’m not dressed for this.” I point to my plain attire. My hair’s pulled up in a knot, and I’m barely wearing any makeup. And don’t even get me started on the flats that are practical to walk in but don’t do my short frame any favors.

“You look gorgeous. Perfect as usual.” His eyes drink me in, and for a moment I’m almost inclined to believe him.

“This was supposed to be two friends enjoying steak and a beer. What I’m seeing is the setting for a date.”

“Because it’s a date.” Cash grins, revealing his white teeth. There’s a mischievous glint in his eyes. “I didn’t think you’d agree to this, so I decided to omit the expensive restaurant part. Now that we’re here, we might as well enjoy the experience. Theydoserve steak, albeit only a miniature of it.” He winks as though revealing the restaurant’s menu could persuade me into wanting to dine here.

“This is too much,” I mumble, peering down at my dress. I wouldn’t be surprised if people sneered at us and closed the door in our face.

Oblivious to my doubts, Cash’s hand finds the small of my back, and he leads me through the revolving doors, whispering in my ear, “Relax, sweetheart. You look stunning in this dress, though you’ll look even better naked in my bed.”

My skin catches fire under his scorching gaze. I open my mouth to say something when the maître d’ appears to lead us to a private booth.

We take our seats and Cash orders a bottle of wine—some sort I’ve never heard of but apparently will go well with our dinner. As I peer at the menu, I try to ignore the fact that the prices aren’t listed anywhere, which can only mean one thing.

The restaurant’s usual clientele is confident enough to dine here and peer at the bill later.

Even worse is the fact that nothing I’m seeing sounds even remotely familiar to me. Whatever these people are serving, it seems like they also invented it.

Once the maître d’ has disappeared again, I shoot Cash a venomous look across the table. “You can’t be serious.”

“What?” He shrugs, his eyes twinkling.

“This is so not—” I struggle for words.

What am I supposed to say? That I’m not used to my dates taking me out to restaurants that serve food I’ve never heard of? That I never agreed to something as lavish as this?

“Relax, Erin,” Cash repeats. “Let’s have a great evening.”

I shake my head grimly. “You’re unbelievable. What’s the whole point of this? I’m hired to help you. Not to get my fun out of it. Even if I wanted to, this doesn’t feel right.”

“I want to get to know you.”

“And this is the only place where you can do that?”

He shrugs. “Obviously, not. But it’s the only place I saw fit for a first date.”

“Are you ready to order, Mr. Boyd?” a server asks, appearing out of nowhere again.

I peer up at him, then at Cash, who meets my gaze.

There’s so much to choose from I’m sure I’d have no problem finding something to my liking—if only I knew what I was ordering. As if sensing my confusion, Cash says, “We’ll take the seven-course chef tasting menu. And get us a bottle of your award winning wine to go with it.”

“What happened to our steak and beer? And who’s going to drink all this?” I point at the wine bottle we haven’t even touched yet, and he’s already ordered a second one.

---