Total pages in book: 176
Estimated words: 164533 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 823(@200wpm)___ 658(@250wpm)___ 548(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 164533 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 823(@200wpm)___ 658(@250wpm)___ 548(@300wpm)
“Thank you. You look great, too. I like the suit.”
Rhys smiled, his features softening as he blew out a breath. “So, hiding in the bathroom, eh?”
Crap, he knew me too well. “Just a little blip. I’m fine now.”
“Good, because they’re about to start taking orders, and I’ve been looking forward to this food all week.”
“It’s that good?”
“Aidan might be a cocky son of a bitch, but he knows his food. He’s like a kingmaker when it comes to finding great, undiscovered chefs and putting them in his restaurants.”
Rhys offered me his arm, and I gladly took it. “Well, that sounds promising.”
As we stepped back out into the restaurant, I didn’t feel half as anxious as I did when I’d first arrived. I wasn’t sure if it was down to being arm in arm with Rhys or because of the approving warmth in his eyes when he saw my outfit, but it gave me the boost of confidence I desperately needed.
Rhys led me to a table where my aunt and uncle were sitting with Derek and Tristan, plus a third guy I almost didn’t recognise at first. “Oh my goodness, Theo,” I exclaimed as I stepped forward to give him a hug.
“I wasn’t sure you’d remember me,” he said with a soft chuckle as I released him.
“Of course, I remember you. I’ve been told you’re some bigshot superintendent now.”
“That’s right though I wouldn’t describe it as bigshot,” he said with a hint of self-deprecation.
“Well, it’s great to see you,” I said, still aware of Rhys at my back.
“You, too. You look well, Charli. The years have been kind.”
“Oh,” I breathed, tucking some hair behind my ear. “Thank you.”
“Let’s sit.” Rhys’ tone was gruff as he lightly pressed his hand to my lower back and guided me to a seat. The warmth of his palm left me when he pulled out my chair just as Aidan appeared. His gaze landed on me, and a wide, dashing smile claimed his entire face. “Well, isn’t this a blast from the past. Hello, Miss Moretti.”
“Aidan, how are you? Thanks so much for letting me tag along tonight.”
“Of course. When I heard you were back, I insisted,” he replied smoothly as he leaned forward to clasp my shoulder before kissing my cheek. The faint scruff of his beard touched my chin. He was even better looking than he had been before, yet he still didn’t give me the same butterflies and awareness Rhys made me feel just by existing in my presence.
One of the servers hustled to Aidan’s side, needing his attention, and he shot us all an apologetic smile. “I’m needed in the kitchen, I’m afraid, but enjoy the food. I’ll be back to get your reviews later.” He winked, and then he was gone. I became aware of Rhys’ eyes on my profile and looked his way. He seemed to notice the tension around my lips because his expression was questioning. All this peopling was a lot for me, but I was strangely starting to enjoy myself.
“I’m okay,” I whispered as the others chatted around us.
“If you need a breather, just say the word, and I’ll get you out of here.”
“Thank you,” I whispered, and a pretty redhead stepped forward to take our orders.
Once the food started arriving, I relaxed a little bit more, letting the jovial, high spirited atmosphere wash over me. I was on my second glass of Prosecco when the dessert came out, a simple but delicious crème brûlée.
“This is so good,” I practically moaned as my spoon cracked into the hardened caramelised top, and Rhys’ eyes flicked to me, lowering to my mouth for a second and holding. My face grew hot, and when he finally looked away, I had to resist the urge to fan myself. What was it about the way he looked at me sometimes? He made me feel exhilaratingly alive, but also like I was sinking into a familiar, comforting embrace.
“Nuala, you came!” Tristan said, and I turned to see my cousin walk into the restaurant holding hands with a cute thirty-something guy with brown hair and glasses.
“Yeah, the show we were seeing ended early, so I decided we could squeeze in dessert,” Nuala replied, glancing at my crème brûlée like she might try to steal a spoonful. I quickly covered the ramekin with my hand, scowling playfully. “Don’t even think about it.”
She laughed before proceeding to introduce Martin to everyone. He seemed like a super nice guy, which was a relief because Nuala deserved only the best. I did notice Theo was a little stiff and reserved when he shook Martin’s hand and remembered the crush he’d had on Nuala back in the day. I didn’t imagine he still had feelings for her, though. I mean, it had been years, so surely he would’ve made a move if he’d really liked her. And Nuala would’ve mentioned it to me if something had ever happened between them.