Page 24 of Rival Desires

When I saw where Bennett wanted to meet, my good mood tanked. Evvia? Some hoity-toity Greek place I’d only heard whispers about. It’s not that I was a super picky eater or anything, but let’s just say my mom would beg to differ.

Taking a deep breath, I swaggered into Evvia like I owned the place, or at least like I belonged there. Bennett was nowhere in sight, but luckily, our reservation awaited me. I sat at the table, trying to ignore how the crisp white tablecloth seemed to glare at me, daring me to spill something. I flagged down a server, who glided over with an air of practiced elegance and ordered a glass of water with a slice of lemon. You know, to really class up the joint.

As I waited for Bennett, I scanned the menu, my eyes widening at the prices. Yikes! I could practically hear my bank account crying out in protest. But hey, this was all in the name of impressing Bennett and landing his mom’s business, right? I could justify the cost if it meant securing a major client.

I squinted at the descriptions, trying to decipher the fancy-schmancy language. What the heck was “konzato keftedes” anyway? And “horta vrasta”? It all sounded so...Greek to me. I sighed, resigning myself to the fact that I’d probably end up pointing at something random and hoping for the best. At least the water with lemon was a safe bet.

Ten minutes late, Bennett sauntered in, all smiles and swagger. “Wow, you’re looking fabulous this afternoon,” he commented, dropping into his chair like he owned the place.

“Thanks,” I replied, setting down the menu with a soft thud. “Just sticking with water for now.”

“Oh, come on, we can do better than that!” Before I could blink, he flagged down the server and ordered a bottle of red wine. Classic Bennett, always taking charge without a second thought.

I put on a polite grin, biting my tongue to keep from commenting on his presumptuous move. There was no need to create a scene over something as minor as him ordering for me, right?

As the server poured each of us a glass of the deep red liquid, I mustered up another fake smile. Bennett raised his glass in a toast, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

“To new business ventures,” he said, his voice smooth and confident. I clinked my glass against his, taking a small sip of the wine. It was delicious, but I couldn’t let myself get distracted by it. I was here for a reason, and it wasn’t to get tipsy on expensive wine, but man, Bennett was really feeling himself, leaning back with that smug look on his face. “Gotta say, Rylee, color me impressed. Not many gals can keep up with a guy like me,” he boasted.

I cocked an eyebrow at that. “Oh really now?”

He nodded, eyeing me up and down in a way that made my skin crawl. “You’re different from those other girls chasing after my family’s money. You’ve got your own thing going on.”

I laughed, playing along. “Well, hey, I’ve never been one to sit around twiddling my thumbs. I like making things happen for myself.”

Bennett leaned in, dropping his voice to a low murmur. “I dig that. I like a woman with ambition. It’s sexy.”

I rolled my eyes, trying not to gag at his words. “Yes, well, I’m very driven when it comes to my work,” I said evenly. “Your mom seems to be doing alright for herself, but she could be doing even better with the right advisor.”

Bennett chuckled. “Straight to the point, aren’t you? I like that too.” He reached across the table, brushing his fingers over the back of my hand. “How about we enjoy our lunch first and discuss business later? I’d love to get to know you better...personally.”

I gently pulled my hand back, trying not to show irritation. “Look, Bennett, I appreciate the compliments and the wine, but we really need to focus on why we’re here. Can we please just talk about that?”

Bennett let out a dramatic sigh and leaned back in his chair once more. “Alright, alright, you win. Let’s talk shop for a bit.”

I stopped myself from another eye roll and instead jumped into my pitch, doing my best to convince Bennett of the advantages of teaming up with Palmer Money Management. He appeared attentive, occasionally nodding and asking a question or two. But I could sense his mind wandering off, his gaze frequently straying towards the other women in the restaurant.

After what felt like forever, I finished my pitch and took a deep breath. “So, what’s your take on it?”

Bennett took his sweet time sipping his wine, his eyes locked on mine. “Well, Rylee, you’re quite the impressive woman. I think my mom would be lucky to have you managing her money. But...”

My heart sank as he let the word hang in the air. “But what?” I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.

A sly grin spread across his face. “But I want a little something more from you first.”

I felt my stomach turn. “Excuse me?”

He leaned in closer, his breath hot on my face. “I can get my mom to sign with your firm,” he said, his voice low and smug. “But you gotta give me a reason.”

My skin crawled at the insinuation, but I kept my cool. “I appreciate your support, Bennett. I think I’ve given you plenty of reasons already.”

Bennett’s face tightened, clearly not getting the hint. “You know, I can be very persuasive with my mom. Especially if someone’s...close to me.”

Oh boy, here we go again. Every guy I meet these days is a Grade-A jerk. I was doing my best not to let my frustration show, trying to keep my fists from clenching under the table.

“Whoa there, buddy. I appreciate the offer, but I’m gonna have to pass,” I said, keeping things light and breezy but still firm. “Right now, I’m all about my career and not so much about the romantic entanglements.”

Bennett leaned back in his chair, trying to play it cool, but it was clear that he wasn’t used to hearing the word “no.” My pre-meeting research had suggested he was the type who usually got his way. Shocker, right?

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