Page 20 of The House Guest
“Clearly,” Dorian agreed. “Since I haven’t an artistic bone in my body. Primrose is very talented.”
Sensing my cheeks reddening, I lifted my tablet again. “Anyway…I should take your order. What can I get you to drink?”
“I’ll have a glass of your best Chardonnay,” she said.
I nodded and turned to myrelative. “And you?”
Dorian flashed a mischievous look. “Surprise me.”
I could barely think straight, let alone decide what to have the bartender make him. “Okay. Be right back.” I rushed off, my mind racing.
Before I got to the bar, I ran into the girl working alongside me tonight. “Hey, Maddie, any chance we can switch tables, and you can take over number three?”
She shook her head. “I’m sorry. I actually just got a call that my sitter bailed on me, so I have to relieve my mom who’s watching my daughter. I have to leave here in five minutes.”
Great.So not only would I be serving Dorian and his date all night, we were about to be short-staffed.
“No problem. Sorry about your sitter,” I murmured as I headed toward the bar.
I sucked it up and placed their drink orders, having a little extra fun with Dorian’s request to be surprised. Served him right for putting me in this awkward situation.
The bartender handed me their drinks, and I headed back to Dorian’s table. Of course, on top of everything, he had to look more gorgeous than ever tonight in a linen button-down, his hair parted a bit to the side. He seemed even more tan, and I wondered if he’d taken a day off and spent it at the beach with her.
I placed his date’s wine in front of her and set down the mixed drink I’d had the bartender make for Dorian.
Dorian lifted the glass, examining the contents. “What is this?”
“An Alaskan Duck Fart.”
His eyes went wide. “Excuse me?”
“You said to surprise you. I take that responsibility very seriously.”
He took a reluctant sip. “What’s in it?”
“Coffee liqueur, Irish cream, and whiskey. I know you like that, since you requested it instead of tea once. This drink is potent, but it goes down easy.”
He ran his tongue over his bottom lip. “It actually tastes pretty good. Would’ve never guessed those ingredients went well together.”
“Next time be specific, or be prepared for another surprise.” I flashed my teeth.
His eyes were piercing. “You’re definitely full of those, Primrose.”
The woman I’d nearly forgotten sitting across from him cleared her throat. “Should we order?”
“Yes.” He gestured toward her. “You go ahead.”
She closed her menu. “I’m going to get the garden salad.”
So predictable. What a waste.“The food’s really good here. Are you sure?”
“I think I know what I’m in the mood for. Thanks.” She pushed the menu aside.
What a bitch.
Dorian frowned.
I swallowed. “And you?”
