Series: The Laws of Opposite Attract Series by Vi Keeland
Total pages in book: 107
Estimated words: 105253 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 526(@200wpm)___ 421(@250wpm)___ 351(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 105253 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 526(@200wpm)___ 421(@250wpm)___ 351(@300wpm)
“I was just taking a quick walk between getting some work done. Trying to make the most of the time when the kids are in school.”
Owen checked his phone. “It’s just about lunchtime. I know you prefer not to hang out with me recreationally, but would you want to grab a quick bite to eat?”
I chewed on my lip. “I don’t know, Owen…”
“Just two neighbors sharing a meal, Devyn. Nothing more.” He chuckled. “How much trouble can we get into in public anyway?”
I pushed my reservations aside. “Okay, why not?”
Owen ran upstairs to grab his laptop, and I opted to wait here.
When he returned, he suggested a place he liked that was only a few blocks away but in the direction of his office.
When we arrived, however, I realized it was way too fancy for the way I was dressed—in a T-shirt dress and Chucks. “This is your idea of a simple lunch?”
“I might be a little jaded,” Owen confessed. “I’m used to wining and dining clients, so I tend to frequent places like this.”
“Well, it’s very nice, but I’m underdressed. I would’ve changed if I knew.”
Owen gave me a once-over, which sent a chill down my spine.
“You look perfect. Plus, I know the manager, so if anyone tries to kick you out, I’ll just call him. Unless you’re really bothered by it? I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable.”
I looked down at myself. It wasn’t that bad, I guess. “No, it’s fine.” I sighed.
Thankfully, the hostess didn’t appear to care at all how I was dressed. She lit up when she saw Owen and brought us right to a table in the corner, despite the fact that we didn’t have a reservation.
Owen pulled out my chair. It seemed chivalry was alive and well in his world. I couldn’t remember the last time Robert had done something like that for me.
Owen sat across from me. “So, how has your day been, other than the surprise ambush lunch with me?”
“Pretty basic. I got some work done and then needed to walk off some stress. You caught me as I was heading back to the building.”
“So you’re saying I’m the best part of your day thus far…” He winked.
“Maybe.” I grinned.
His expression changed. “Seriously, what’s got you stressed?”
I hesitated. “I got a phone call from a friend who pissed me off.”
“Was it Mia?”
I’d nearly forgotten that he’d spoken to my best friend the night he’d found my phone.
“No, it wasn’t.”
Owen cocked a brow. “Was it a guy friend?”
I swallowed. “Yes.”
“Is this the guy whose T-shirt you offered me the other night?”
I nodded.
“This is the actor you mentioned before…”
I blew some air up into my hair. “Yes.”
“Does he also happen to be the guy Mia said you’re in love with?”
My eyes widened. “She said that?” I could kill her.
“She did.” Owen smiled guiltily before taking a sip of his water.
“Well, she’s exaggerating. It’s not love. Maybe infatuation that’s gone on way too long.” I narrowed my eyes. “What else did Mia tell you?”
“Enough for me to know that no matter how many drinks you have at lunch, you won’t be going to the bathroom here.” He wriggled his brows.
“Ugh. I’m gonna strangle her.” I laughed. “I am a bit scared of public bathrooms, yeah.”
“I get it.” He chuckled. “No judgment.”
A waitress came by to take our orders, and we hadn’t even looked at the menu yet. So we stopped talking and took some time to peruse the specials. I settled on wild salmon with capers while Owen got the swordfish.
When we were alone again, he fluffed his napkin, placing it on his lap. “So what did this friend of yours say to piss you off?”
I guess he’s not going to drop it. “He wants me to come out to California to see him before he has to leave for Italy. He’ll only be here a few more weeks before he’s gone to film for four months.”
“How the hell would he expect you to fly out now? Doesn’t he know why you’re here?”
Well, that feels validating. “He does know why I’m here, but unfortunately he’s a narcissist, so…”
Owen shook his head. “Why do you waste time with a guy like that?”
“Old habits can be hard to break. Sometimes we keep toxic people in our lives for no good reason. He’s not a bad person. He’s just caught up in his fame. He wasn’t always like that, which is probably the reason I have a hard time letting go. I remember the person he used to be.”
“You say he’s not your boyfriend, though.”
“No,” I clarified. “He never was. In fact, he’s been photographed many times with other women, so if he were my boyfriend, we’d have a big problem.”
Owen played with his watch. “Do I know this actor?”
I’m sure. “You might.”
“You don’t want to tell me who he is?”