Page 162 of Forbidden Billionaires: Vol. 10
"Oh, so you just joined?"
I found it incredibly comforting that she thought I was just a member here. She liked me for me. Not my money. And I was pretty sure that was a first. "Yes. Earlier this week actually."
The door to the private room opened and our waiter came in with a big smile on his face. "Good evening. My name is Jerrod. It is my pleasure to be serving you tonight, Mr. and Mrs. Hunter."
Well, that was an unfortunate mistake. But all I could do was run with it to avoid an awkward situation. I just gave Penny a small smile, hoping she’d play along instead of correcting him.
She didn’t smile back, but her eyes locked with mine. It was like she couldn’t look away.
Jerrod started talking about the daily specials, but I was completely focused on Penny. I heard the uncorking of a bottle of wine but didn’t look toward it. I was transfixed by her.
I let him know we’d need a minute to look at the menu. But really I just wanted to be alone with Penny. Moments like this with her were few and far between. I wanted to soak up every minute of her without any interruption.
As the door closed behind Jerrod, Penny lifted the menu, hiding her face. But right before she did, I saw the flash of concern. Why was she upset? Wasn’t she craving this time as much as me?
"Penny?" I reached over and grabbed her hand.
She lowered her menu. "Professor Hunter, I've never had food that costs this much.”
God it was hard to concentrate when she called me that.
“What did you say this place was called? The name isn't even listed on the menu." She picked up her glass with her free hand and took a sip of the wine.
She definitely wasn’t after me for my money. So there was no harm in telling her the truth. I was supposed to be honestwith her, and this was one of the only things I felt comfortable sharing tonight. Because usually everyone already knew it. "I was thinking Hunter Creek Country Club."
She coughed, choking on her wine. "Professor Hunter, do you own this country club?"
Adorable."It seemed like a good place for a first date."
She just stared back at me. "What exactly did you do in New York?"
"I was a professor."
"For how long?"
I lowered my eyebrows slightly as I stared at her. She really didn’t know? She hadn’t heard anything at all? "Less than a year."
"And before that?"
"I owned a startup. Would you mind if I ask you a question?"
"What did you want to know?" She tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear.
I leaned forward, wishing it was my fingers pushing her hair back. "Everything." I was surprised by my own statement. But it was true. I wanted to know every single thing about her. And why the fuck she was here with a guy like me.
She blushed. "There really isn't that much to know.”
"I don't believe that's true. You enjoy challenging me and aren't afraid to speak your mind. I find you unbelievably refreshing."
She took another sip of wine instead of responding, her fingers fidgeting on the stem of the glass. I was making her nervous. And for some reason that just made me more intrigued.
"So why is it that you don't feel like you're interesting?" I asked.
Her throat made that cute squeaking noise as she looked up at me from her glass. "Honestly, you're the first person that's ever made me feel like I'm the only girl in the room. I'm not used to feeling like I matter."
You matter to me.It felt like all the air had gotten sucked out of the room. She was all I could focus on during Comm. I’d messed up so many lesson plans because I was all consumed by her. I couldn’t be the first person to realize how intoxicating she was. Could I? But the look on her face made me believe her words. She didn’t know how amazing she was. No one had ever told her. I’d tell her over and over again.
I was about to open my mouth when Jerrod came back in to take our order, breaking the spell. Penny looked back down at the menu and bit her bottom lip.
