Page 23 of Daddy's Little Charmer
“I didn’t always have money.”
The waitress interrupted them, asking for drink orders.
“I’ll take a scotch on the rocks,” he said and glanced at Harmony. “Would you like some wine or something stronger?”
“White wine would be lovely, thank you,” Harmony said and smiled at the waitress.
Harmony turned back to Christian when the waitress walked away. “What did you mean before?” Harmony asked.
Christian unfolded his napkin and placed it over his lap.
“I came from a very poor family. I worked hard in school,received a scholarship, and attended college. After school, I began collecting businesses that were struggling and brought them back to life. I seemed to have a knack for finding places that could be successful.”
Harmony shook her head. “I never would have guessed what you came from. You’re so self-assured.”
“That came with time, Baby.”
“What about your family?”
Christian stiffened briefly. “They’re all gone.”
She reached over and squeezed his hand. “Oh, I’m so sorry.”
Christian nodded but stayed silent as the waitress set their drink down.
“Give us another minute to look at the menu, please,” Christian said to the waitress who lingered by their table.
Harmony looked up and down the inside of the menu and felt her stomach tighten.
Christian caught her troubled look. “What’s the matter?”
Harmony cleared her throat and leaned toward him. “These prices,” she whispered. “They’re ridiculous.
Christian grinned. “I would agree with some places. But this place makes the best steaks. Would you let me order for you?”
Harmony nodded and closed her menu before she placed it on top of the table. “Yes, please,” she said and sighed.
Christian raised his hand to get the waitress’s attention. He handed the menus back after he placed their orders.
Christian noticed how nervously Harmony glanced around the room as she sipped her wine, with her hand visibly shaking.
He reached and grasped her glass, set it down, and then caught her hand and attention.
“I don’t want you to worry about anything. It’s just youand me here. They don’t exist.”
Harmony sighed and relaxed before she nodded. “All right.”
Christian lifted her hand and placed a kiss on her palm. “Tell me about school.”
Harmony shrugged. “I’ve got two classes right now, and then in the fall, I’ll try to take a full load. It will be easier because I work at your place on Fridays and Saturdays.”
Christian cleared his throat. There were so many changes he was going to make in her life, and he was nervous to see how she’d take it or if she’d try to walk away.
“We have a lot to discuss,” he told her.
“Like what?”
“I want to make drastic changes in your life.”
