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"Will you look at me the same in the morning if I give it up on the first night?"
She shook her head as a smile erupted on her face.
"Silly! I won't be looking at you in the morning, though, suga. I don't do sleepovers."
I didn't believe her. Not until I woke up nine hours later after the most incredible sex of my fucking life, alone, in a suite at the Westin. I was ready to tear shit down until I saw the short note that she left on the nightstand. Just a phone number and a smiley face.
But, that was enough.
(Thepresent)
Why was he doing this?I had no idea what the hell was on Real's mind. Maybe he really was tripping about seeing me at Rarity’s with Marlon, but hell, I didn’t know he owned the place, and I didn’t know Kelsey and Taleah had been plotting. I didn’t owe Real too many explanations, anyway. I had to remind myself of that—he wasnotmy man. My focus needed to be on keeping my own mind straight, though. If he wanted to play games, he had the right one, because I was an expert. I straightened my shoulders and ran a hand over my hair as he pulled into the parking lot of a small, bright blue building. A little sign announced it as "Rachel's Breakfast and Bakery." I hadn't heard of it, but it looked like a cute little place.
Reaching to open my door, I stopped when he growled, "I wish the fuck you would."
I smirked at him. "A gentleman, huh?"
I hadn't really done the whole traditional dating thing in the last five years, so I had forgotten how some men insisted on this little ritual. He’d opened the door at my house, and I guess he was going to do it again. I sat there patiently as he rounded the car and opened the door. He took my hand to help me out, then didn't let go of it. Now, that was a little too much. I pulled on my hand, but his only response was to tighten his grip. He wasn't hurting me, but he was strong as hell.
"Real—"
I rolled my eyes at the look he gave me but let him hold my hand. He ushered me into the restaurant, and I immediately fell in love. Huge windows let in plenty of sunlight and highlighted the beautiful maple wood booths, tables, and gleaming, polished floors. It was a homey, happy-looking place and its sweet appearance had me curious about the food. From the way it was packed, whatever they were serving must be good.
The hostess looked at us and smiled, her beautiful face brightening.
"Table for two, Mr. Hamilton?" she asked.
Her tone was teasing, her cocoa eyes warm. Oh... so, she knew him. That sparked all kinds of questions in my head that I tried to shut down with a simple,it's not your business, Ev, but that wasn't working. I managed to keep them to myself, though. We were quickly seated in one of the booths, leather-bound menus pressed into our hands.
"You have recommendations?" I queried.
"It's all good, love. You can't go wrong," he said, so unhelpful.
"Well, what do the girls you usually bring here get,Mr. Hamilton?"
I was appalled the moment I said that shit, could feel my skin warming with an embarrassed blush.What the fuck, Everly? It wasn't my business whom he brought here, and I didn't care! So, why the question? And why his smug little knowing smile?
"I'on know cuz?—"
Whatever he'd been about to say was interrupted by the arrival of our server. My mouth almost fell open. She looked like she may have been in her forties, and she wasflawless, even in the blue uniform dress and white apron. Her dark hair, with random streaks of gray, was in a tight bun on top of her head, putting her lovely face on display. Her big, long-lashed eyes studied us before a small smile curved her red-lipsticked pout.
"Good morning, Montréal. You want your usual?" she asked.
"Yes, ma'am," he said, handing her the menu.
"And what about you, gorgeous?" she asked me, her smile widening.
I smiled back, sure this woman was tired of me staring at her, but she was one of the most beautiful women I had ever seen, and I grew up with some baddies.
"This is Evanie," Real introduced. "Ev, this is?—"
"Rachel," she supplied.
The owner, I realized. Of course, he'd be waited on by the owner.
"It's nice to meet you, Ms. Rachel. Umm... I haven't really had a chance to look. I was just asking Real?—”
"Let her pick something for you. Trust her," he interrupted suddenly.