Page 90 of Lovestruck at Sundown
“Am I a witch or a Jedi?” I teased.
“You’ve proven to be a fascinating mix of both.” He tensed his neck as I playfully tried to pull his chin to make him turn toward me. “Guillermina, stop.”
“Look at me!” I said with an exasperated laugh.
William blinked slowly and relaxed his muscles, letting me turn his beautiful face to meet mine. “Happy now?” He groaned defeatedly.
“Very,” I whispered, making sure I widened my eyes in a supplicatory way. “Please, give me a number.”
“I don’t know how to deny you.” He took a deep breath and let it slowly out through his nose as he scanned my face. “But you don’t understand how badly it already makes me cringe whenever I get notified of your payment on the first day of every month when I don’t even want you to pay rent.”
“Oh, I do,” I said sarcastically. “You only remind me every month.”
“I’m not going to accept more money than what we already agreed upon.” His tone was resolute. “So if you want to split the $800 between the two of you, or if you want to tell her it’s $800 a month so you stop paying rent altogether, that’s up to you.”
It was beyond tempting to tell Nina that rent was $800 a month. She would still think it was a steal of a deal when she used to pay $1,300 a month for the smaller apartment she shared with CJ. It would give me a chance to save a little more. But that would defeat the purpose of my wanting to learn how to become more self-sufficient and financially responsible.
Arguing with William about this matter was futile. I knew he was already making a huge compromise by accepting the $800 to begin with, so I didn’t want to push it.
I parted my lips to deliver one final argument, but he cut me off by lifting his hand with a tsk. “I’m putting my foot down.” Hisbrow creased, and I pressed my thumb over it to flatten the wrinkle.
“No frowning.” I grinned. “It’s Christmas.”
“Do we have an understanding, älskling?” He frowned again. “I don’t want any surprises.”
Flattening his brow one last time, I said, “Okay, okay.” I kissed his cheek softly, leaving a lipstick mark on it, but I rubbed it away. “I’ll tell Nina we’re going halfsies.”
“Stubborn as an ox.” He shook his head and slid his hand to my hips, pinching the flesh between his fingers.
“Ow!” I brushed his hand away. “Well, I’m an Aries. What did you expect?”
“I expected you to submit to my constant attempts to spoil you.” He leaned in and pressed his lips to my ear. “I guess I’ll have to make you submit in other ways … to compensate for my needs.”
A sudden warmth rushed up my neck and exploded in my cheeks, making William’s mouth tug up at the corner with satisfaction.
The SUV stopped in front of the fancy restaurant in the Meatpacking District. My dad’s car was parked a few feet ahead, and I could see Big Mike’s unmistakable silhouette in the driver’s seat.
“A few things before you step out,” Aaron said in his commanding voice. “If any photographers arrive, I’ll notify you through text. If that happens, I’ll arrange to pick you up through the back door, if possible. So keep your phones handy. But feel free to exit through the front door if you don’t hear from me.”
Aaron’s statement felt like a bucket of ice-cold water in the face. Even if the restaurant’s entrance looked relatively calm, the streets were busy with people coming and going. And William would undoubtedly get recognized inside.
“Okay. Thank you, Aaron.”
Aaron got out of the SUV to get the door for us.
The pressure of knowing my dad was waiting for us inside was too much, especially with how strained our relationship was and how vocal he’d been about his disapproval of my relationship with William. I was surprised he hadn’t refused when I told him William was coming.
Maybe he’s starting to accept the idea of us being together.
“It’s going to be fine.” William grabbed my hand and offered me a slow, reassuring smile, pulling me out of my thoughts as if somehow he had access to them. That alone released the tightness that had been building up in my chest.
“Hope so.” I smiled back as I got out, and he followed. We were only five steps away from the restaurant’s main entrance, and he guided me there swiftly while Aaron stayed back. I was relieved to see he would be waiting inside the car and not outside on the freezing night, as usual.
The hostess welcomed us and widened her eyes at the sight of William. I didn’t blame her. Not only did she obviously recognize him, but he looked mouthwatering in a dark olive-green suit. But she quickly reeled in the surprised look on her face and asked us under what name our reservation had been made after taking our coats.
“James Murphy,” I replied.
“Um …” She frowned, drumming her fingers against the computer’s display. “There seems to be a mistake with the reservation.” She grabbed two menus as she kept her attention glued to the screen. “But don’t worry.” She lifted her gaze with a smile. “We’ll get it fixed right away. Please follow me.”
