Page 46 of Hard to Resist

“Totally fine.”

The server comes back and saves me from potentially spiraling. We place our orders, with Cullen adding on some fancy, artisanal prosciutto plate for us to share as a starter. I shake off my worries and try to stay in the moment.

“Is that why you’re back in town? You had a meeting?”

“No, my big meeting is still on Monday. I flew in early because one of my buddies was in Miami and he had a spare seat on his jet.”

“Your friend has his own jet?”

Yup. I am totally out of my element.

“Yeah.”

“It’s not his family’s or something?”

“Nope, it’s his.”

“What on earth does your friend do?” I clamp my mouth shut as soon as the words leave my lips. “Sorry, that might be a bit personal.”

“Stop, you’re fine. He owns resorts.”

“Seriously? Wow, that’s impressive.”

“I mean, he’s not that impressive. He’s an asshole.”

The corner of my lip twitches up. “Are you jealous?”

“I’m not jealous about you mooning over my friend.”

I stifle a laugh. “I wouldn’t call it mooning. I was simply asking.”

“You got this whole sparkle in your eye.”

“That’s just the reflection from the city lights, Mr. Jealous.”

“I’m not jealous.”

“Sure, sure.” I try to hide my smile by taking a sip of water.

“Seriously. I’m just trying to tell you that, while Rafe might bleed money, he’s also a complete workaholic recluse. While I, on the other hand, have devilish good looks and the charming personality to match.”

I choke on the water, a laugh escaping me.

His reaction right now is priceless. It sounds silly, but seeing him get all worked up over it makes me happy, makes me feel important. He cares enough about me that something as small as this bothers him.

The server drops the prosciutto plate down, and Cullen gives him a grunted “thanks” before stabbing a slice of meat with his fork.

His jealousy makes him look more boyish and softens his usual polished exterior.

“You have nothing to be worried about; it’s you I’m on a date with,” I reassure him. “Not your friend whom I’ve never even met.”

“A fourth date. Don’t think I’ve forgotten our little deal.”

I shrug nonchalantly. “I have no clue what you’re talking about.”

“Really?”

“Really.” I try to hide my smile by shoving a slice of prosciutto in my mouth and staring out the window.

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