Page 98 of New Growth
“You left this at my place.”
I hung up the phone, my ears burning as all eyes turned to him. “You didn’t have to drive all this way for that. I could’ve gotten it later.”
He stepped closer, tilting his head. “How were you planning to pay for lunch today, Peanut?”
“Stop calling me that,” I crossed my arms. “And I would’ve been fine.”
His lips twitched. “Right. Well, I put some cash in there for you. You know, in case you get hungry.”
I took my wallet and flipped it open, counting the crisp bills inside.Two thousand dollars.The man gave me two thousand dollars.
I blinked. “There is nowhere in the world where lunch costs two grand.”
El shrugged. “Use the extra to get your nails done or something.”
I lifted a brow. “I own a salon. I don’t pay for that.”
“Then treat your girls to lunch.”
He turned to the staff and gave them a smooth wave. “Hi, girls.”
They all waved back, starstruck and silent.
Across the room, Johanna leaned into Chelsea and whispered, “I remember him being fine at the club, but damn.”
Chelsea elbowed her, and El smirked like he’d heard.
“Ignore them, please.” I rolled my eyes and then gestured toward my wallet. “Thank you for this. I really appreciate it.”
He smiled. “How about you show your appreciation by letting me take you to dinner tonight?”
My breath hitched. “El—”
“You like Italian, don’t you?”
I hesitated. “I—I do.”
“Good. Tony’s has great pasta and nice jazz. I looked over their menu, and I assure you, no tree nuts in sight.”
I scoffed at that with a grin.
I did love jazz.
“I think you’d like it.” He smiled. “8 p.m.?”
I swallowed. “Nine works better for me.”
He grinned. “Okay. I’ll pick you up then. Have a good day, Peanut.”
Then, he turned to the team. “Bye, girls.”
And just like that, he was gone.
I turned back to my staff—onlyto find every single one of them staring at me, eyes practically burning holes into my soul.
I groaned. “What?”
Comfort.
