Page 28 of Nursing the Alpha
“Flynn. Flynn Peterson.”
Her gaze flicked to her tablet, then brightened. “Of course. Right this way. Your party is already here.”
I followed her, trying not to gape too hard. Waiters glided across the floor like dancers, never bumping into one another, trays held high with plates that looked like edible art. The clientele was just as curated. Suits, evening dresses, nothing casual in sight.
Who even gets into places like this?
My heart made a giant leap.
Seth.
Seated near the back in a small, intimate booth tucked beneath a row of vertical garden lights. As soon as he spotted me, he stood, tall and cut from shadow. Black shirt rolled at the sleeves, tailored slacks, collar unbuttoned at the throat just enough to hint at skin.
My stomach flipped.
He looked good.
Too good.
And for the first time, I got the creeping sense that there was more to him than he let on. Something about the way the staff nodded at him, the way the hostess gave him a different kind of smile—deferential. Like they knew who he was.
Like hebelongedhere.
Seth stepped forward and pulled out my chair. “Flynn, you look amazing. I was afraid you wouldn’t make it.”
“Thanks,” I murmured, sitting down and trying not to look uncomfortable at the opulence. “Why do you think I would bail on you? I promised you I’d come.”
“Well, you know. Things happen.”
“Wild horses couldn’t keep me away.” I smiled shyly.
He let out a relieved breath. “Good. After we separated, I couldn’t help wondering if I’d pushed too much.”
“You didn’t. I’m glad you asked me out. I wouldn’t have been brave enough to be the one to ask, but I’ve thought about it.”
“Really?” His eyes softened, the corners crinkling slightly as he flashed a warm smile. “That’s good to know.”
A waiter appeared at our side. His uniform was crisp and immaculate, and he presented the menu with an air of elaborate ceremony. After explaining the chef’s specials in a well-practiced monologue, he left us alone to consider our choices.
The menu was full of fancy dishes I couldn’t even pronounce. The simple act of ordering suddenly felt intimidating.
Seth seemed oblivious to my discomfort and chatted amiably about his evening, then asked about mine. I tried my best to concentrate on his words, to keep my eyes from wandering across the room.
“Hmm…” Seth put down his menu. “You sure you’re okay?”
“It’s just…” I bit my lip. “This place is different from where I normally eat.”
“And what do you normally eat?” Seth prodded gently.
“I’m not that good a cook, so simple meals until recently.”
“What changed recently?”
“The people I work for want me to eat healthy, so they provide meals.”
“Do you find that controlling?”
“I would have, but they’re thoughtful too and ensure I have some options just for pleasure.”
