Page 72 of Mr. Red

“I can’t choose to stay in bed or order for myself now?” Scarlett asks through gritted teeth.

“You’re going to love what I ordered you.”

“Well, I don’tlovethe lack of choice for myself. I can do things on my own.”

“I know, but it’s so much more fun if I do it.” I smirk at her.

“It’s not fun for me.”

“That’s why it’s so fun, though.”

“Ugh! You’re exhausting! No wonder you’ve never been in a relationship! You want to control everything.”

“I’ll make a deal with you. If you don’t like what I ordered for you, I’ll never do it again.Butif you like it, then no more attitude. I’ll only do things like this when I’m confident you’ll enjoy it.”

She looks away from me, considering her options while crossing her arms over her chest. “You’re impossible!”

“Is that a yes?” I squint my eyes with a small tilt to my head.

“Fine. Only because I’m too tired to argue with youabout it.”

I hold back the chuckle stuck in my throat and sip some water to hide my smile. The waitress comes back with our drinks as part one of my plan begins.

Chapter 39

Scarlett

I hate to admit it, but Ilovethese potato pancakes. I look over at Matt’s smug look like he just delivered a baby. I wish he was wrong. I wish he was so wrong I could tell him to suck on those nuts. But since the pancakes disappeared from my plate in two seconds, I think he can tell. Damn.

Going to breakfast at the crack of dawn is one thing I’d never do, but here I am, sitting with Matt. He makes me give up control with most things. I can justbewith him. I don’t have to worry about where to go, what to bring, or making a reservation. He thinks of it all. I like the feeling. A lot.

The check comes and I swipe at it so I can pay for something on this trip. Of course, Mr. Fast Fingers who observes everything takes it from me. I blame not having enough coffee and being ripped from my cozy bed this morning. I’m not on my game. It’s disappointing. Maybe I can get it together after a nap today.

I doubt a nap is on the “itinerary” of my companion. My forehead falls to the table and I try to close my eyes, just for a moment.

I’m still uncertain about what last night meant. No sex, but he showed how affectionate he could be.What does that mean?

“Come on, sweetheart! We have plans.”

He must be from another planet. I could pass out at thistable, but an alien is bugging me.

“I just need a minute.” I keep my head down. “Or sixty.”

He takes my hand and drags me up to exit the restaurant. We continue walking hand in hand. Where? No idea.

He leads me back to the car and we’re on our way again. Once he parks I get out of the car, greeted by a heavy breeze. We’re at a national park with a full view of the ocean. The smell of salt fills my nostrils. He pulls me over to a lighthouse, set right on the cliff.

“Lighthouses are cool.” I perk up.

“I got access to the very top. No one else can go up there.”

I take his hand and make him stop walking. “Why do you do these things? I’d be happy just hanging out with you at the beach or in the living room. You don’t have to put up a huge front. You’re more than shiny things.”

“I’m not putting u—”

“Renting out restaurants, theaters, lighthouses. This isn’t normal dating. You don’t have to do this.”

“I like to stay busy.”