Page 73 of The Grumpy Billionaire
“No. I insist. Dinner tonight was my idea. I’m going to give my credit card information to the server, then give my parking stub to the valet. You just stay and enjoy dessert. In fact, have two.”
Bruce’s smile returned. “Okay then. I’ll get the next one. You get some rest. I’ll call you tomorrow.”
“Great,” I called over my shoulder, already heading for the front of the restaurant. Thank God I hadn’t ever given him my number.
Wonder how long it’ll take him to realize that?
Dating himbos had its advantages.
I stood out in front of the tall glass and chrome office building that housed Café Nuovo, waiting for the valet to bring my car around. I hoped it got here before Bruce realized my “oversight” and followed me outside to correct it.
On the other hand, he was probably chin-deep in a lovely chocolate mousse right about now.
“Don’t let that gorilla go home with you tonight.”
The growling voice came from behind me.
I spun around and nearly bumped into Reid’s chest. “What? I don’t—what are you—”
“I don’t want you going to bed with him.” His voice crunched the words like ice cubes.
I stared at Reid for a second before replying, “Youdon’t want… you can’t tell me…”
Looking around for his date, I snapped, “Where’s Rainy? Isn’t she waiting for you to finish her mini crab cake appetizer? Surely she can’t eat the whole thing by herself.”
He tossed a hand back toward the restaurant in a dismissive gesture. “I told her I was feeling queasy all of a sudden and couldn’t eat. She’s in the ladies’ room. I’ve already called a cab to take her home. I’ll call one for Bruce, too.”
Reid pulled his phone from his jacket, fully prepared to act on the offer.
I put my hand on his arm, stopping him. “He brought his own car. What’s going on here?”
The sound of tires on pavement caused us both to look up.
“Your car’s here. I’ll drive.” Reid walked briskly around to the driver’s side and took the keys from the valet, slipping him a twenty before I could even answer.
The ecstatic valet practically skipped around to the passenger door and opened it for me. I didn’t get in. I leaned over and spoke to Reid, who was now sitting in the driver’s seat.
Ofmycar.
“What the hell are you doing?”
“I’m taking you home.” This was the tone he probably used at work—the CEO giving orders no one would dare disobey.
But I didn’t work for him.
“I can take myself home. And what about your car?”
“I’ll get it later.”
His voice became less commanding and more pleading. “Please get in, Mara. We need to talk.”
I held my position and stared at him. He revved the engine. Finally, I threw up my hands and got in before he decided to drive off without me and leave me to bum a ride with Bruce. I’d rather have walked back to Eastport Bay than done that.
When the valet had closed my door, I turned to Reid. “What are you doing? What if Rainy comes out and sees us driving off together? She’s going to think—”
“I don’t give a shit what she thinks.” Reid pulled away from the curb, just as Rainy came out of the door.
I looked back over my shoulder and saw a taxi pull into the spot we’d just vacated, then turned back to Reid.
