Page 112 of Hard to Resist

“I’m surprised you had to call. Don’t you know the owner or someone?”

“Contrary to your belief, I don’t know everyone in the city.”

“Disappointing. I don’t think I can agree to date you if that’s the case.”

“I’m sorry I don’t meet your expectations.”

She hums, picking up the highball glass before her and giving it a sniff. “What is it?”

“Cornerstar Toast. It’s a vodka-based cocktail with champagne, grapefruit, and other stuff. I thought you’d like it.”

She takes a small sip and instantly smiles. “It’s good.”

God, I’ll never get over that rush. I love seeing her reactions. There is an unbridled sense of satisfaction I get whenever I buy her something that she enjoys. It feeds into my ego, puffing it up.

“Here, do you want to try mine?”

“Sure.” She takes my glass and gives it a taste, a thoughtful look passing over her eyes. “Ooh, that tastes like a Manhattan but better. I freaking knew the cocktails at this place would be amazing.”

“Just wait till you try the food.”

“I’m actually so excited. It was my one regret the last time I was here. I was so pissed at coming all this way and only drinking tequila shots.”

“Yes, but those tequila shots are how we met.”

“True. You could have bought me a cocktail.”

“Your emotional state at the time said otherwise.”

“Iwasreally done with the night,” she laughs.

The server returns and drops off three plates of various appetizers.

When I called to rent the restaurant out for the evening, they’d inquired about how I would like to go about the meal. I asked if they would be able to do a chef’s recommendation menu, which wasn’t listed anywhere, and they’d been more than happy to oblige. When you give people enough money, they become very accommodating.

It means that I am able to give Verity an experience that no one else has and to rewrite the failed date she had here with one that will never be topped by anyone except me.

Call me possessive, but I don’t want her to ever think of another man when I am around. And if, by chance, it does happen, I want her to realize that they pale in comparison to anything I can offer.

I don’t throw my money around often. Flaunting the millions I’ve poured my sweat into making isn’t my style. I come from a middle-class family and got to where I am today because I am smart about investing and am damn good at what I do. I have more than most people, but I am also surrounded by some of the world’s top one percent, so what I do have pales in comparison to them.

When it comes to Verity, though, nothing seems like too much. I am more than happy to cash in every favor I am owed, pull every string at my disposal, and spend all I have to make her feel special.

The meal flies by, an array of tastes so out of this world that even I’m kicking myself for never properly dining here. I came to The Brass Stop because they have one of the best bartenders in the city and they aren’t far from where I live—taking the extra time to eat here had never been a priority.

I am quickly learning that if Verity is involved, I want to try everything. Things that seemed so minor or negligible are suddenly becoming chances to spend time with her.

We take the time to chat about our week, and Verity rolls her eyes more times than I can count as she complains about the project she is working on with Bridget’s fiancé.

Even I find Frankie to be annoying and avoid having to interact with him unless necessary. His relationship with Bridget has always felt lecherous and surface level, but as someone who had been in a toxic relationship myself, I know that nothing I say would make a difference unless Bridget wants to see it for herself.

Verity nods along as I explain to her the deal I’m trying to close with the Clifton Bank, her confusion over why the man refuses to give me the listing a mirror of my own frustration.

“Maybe he doesn’t really want to sell it.”

“I’ve considered that, but for someone so high profile, why lie?”

“Hmm, true.” She reaches across and spears a raspberry off the top of my lava cake. “Why does this deal matter so much? According to the web, you’re a pretty big hotshot. Shouldn’t people be fighting to have you work with them?”

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