Page 7 of Accidental Theirs

Some days, I wake up with a knot in my stomach, just knowing I’m going to have to be in a crowd. It’s the same way I felt today, knowing I would be expected to come out.

This club isn’t really my scene with the loud, booming music and the way people are starting to pack into the place like sardines.

I’d much rather be at home with a beer and a good movie, but I’ve got to be here to make sure that no one from Titan spills the beans to Olivia.

Of course, they’re under a non-disclosure agreement, but booze loosens tongues, and I want to be the one to tell her what’s really going on.

I just have to find the right time, and it’s certainly not right now.

“If I do ask him, you owe me.” Olivia breaks me out of my thoughts.

“I’m already paying for your drinks.”

She looks over at me, smirking, just one corner of her mouth turned up. “Not booze. Dinner.”

“Dinner?” My heart jumps up into my throat. “Like a?—”

“Don’t even say it!” She smacks me on the shoulder, and my cheeks burn. “Not like a date, you dolt. But I’ve never been to that new restaurant, Sophia’s. It’s supposed to be the best Italian place in town.”

“Why can’t you go alone?”

She rolls her eyes. “You can be such a stick in the mud, Damien.”

I sigh. “I’m sorry. It’s just... You know, people might get the wrong idea.”

“Then I’ll set them straight.”

I look down at her for a long moment, conflicted and working my tongue against the inside of my cheek.

“All right. Dinner at Sophia’s. This weekend.”

She grins, nodding. “Sounds perfect. I’ll be right back with all the gossip.”

I chuckle, and she starts to move through the crowd to stand next to Sebastian.

I look away, turning back toward the bar and realizing that my third drink is nearly empty.

The bartender is swiping the bar with her rag and nods to my glass. “Another?”

I shake my head. “Just a cup of water, please.”

She slides it to me, and I chug it, knowing I’ll need the hydration to sober up.

For a moment there, I thought that Olivia was being serious. That she really asked me on a date.

Stupid.

I’m not disappointed.

I’mnot.

Chapter Three

SEBASTIAN

My cheek stings something fierce.

Damn. She didn’t hold back.