Page 63 of Mr. Red

“No.” He pauses until he finishes chewing. “The whole restaurant.”

“Oh gosh,” I say, putting my hand over my face. “Matt, you don’t need to try to impress me with these grand gestures. What do you have against other people being around? I want to get to know you for you because I’m genuinely attracted to you, not because of your money or your stuff. Your stuff is nice, but I would be just as happy going camping with you under the stars in your truck.”

He looks at me like he’s seeing me for the first time.

“You in a truck would besexy.” I grab his hand. “These moments where you’re talking and relaxing with me are more valuable than anything you could buy me, just to be clear. You don’t need to pretend to be someone you aren’t around me.”

“I’m beginning to see that.”

A side of my mouth turns up. “I’m surprised I likesomeone who is more controlling than I am.”

Matt laughs. It’s a deep laugh with his full smile. It makes the rest of dinner easy. The waiter comes by one more time to ask if we want dessert.

Matt answers, “We have other plans for dessert, but thanks.”

He takes my hand, leading us back to the limo. I remove my heels once we’re inside. Damn deathtraps.

The limo pulls up to the house. We walk up the stairs to the rooftop patio. Lights reminding me of Edison bulbs hang above our heads, tropical plants line the entire patio and a gas firepit with clear rocks is awaiting. We sit at two chairs overlooking the ocean by the firepit.

“Do you want another drink?” he asks.

“Just water.”

I watch him walk to the bar close to the house. I take a deep breath, the crashing waves in the distance helping to soothe my nerves.

Matt comes over after a few moments and hands me a drink. He also hands me a chocolate mousse topped with whipped cream. I take it and set my drink down on the little table next to my chair. Matt dips his finger in my whipped cream and wipes it on my neck.

“How’d that get there? Let me help you with that.”

He begins kissing my neck. Then I remember his comment about ripping off my suit. I get up in a rush, breaking his spell.

“Scarlett, what’s wrong?” He looks concerned.

“You’re about to throw my car payment out the window!”

“What?” He squints his eyes.

“I like this outfit and if you rip it, you’d be throwing out half of my rent,” I explain with my hands on my hips.

“Okay, let me help you get into something more comfortable.”

“On a roof top? No thanks.” I shake my head. “I’m not trying to end up naked on the internet.”

“No one can see anything. Hence the plants.” He points to our surroundings on the rooftop. He’s right, it does provide a tremendous amount of privacy.

“Anyway, I’m not going to rip it. I’m going to peel it off.” He moves across the rooftop to me.

I’m blaming the amount of alcohol I’ve had this evening for being okay with having sex on a lit-up rooftop. I’m trusting him, even though every wall I’ve built up is screaming to stay put. He’s making me want to let them down.

With our future up in the air, I’m hoping it’s the right move.

Chapter 34

Scarlett

I’m scrolling on my phone, with a grin on my face. We’ve done so many things these last five days—hiking on cliffs overlooking the ocean, watching seals swimming, doing yoga on the beach, enjoying Old Town, surfing alongside each other, and picnicking in Balboa Park. It’s ten thirty in the morning, so I call Jason to get an update.

“Listen babe, you can’t call every day for an update. We’ve got it covered. You’re supposed to be concentrating on the piece of salami in front of you and eating him until you’re full.”

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