Page 36 of Mr. Green (Mr. #2)
Lana
G rant tells the hostess we’ll need a table on the patio. She leads us to our table and the smell of jasmine filters in with the tiny breeze. There are pergolas out here filled with some sort of beautiful flower growing on vines. It creates shade and beauty. A fountain flows in the distance.
Grant asks for a plastic cup, which is a little odd to do right when we sit down. Is he scared he’s going to break his glass one or something?
Queenie lays by my feet as we open our menus. Everything looks amazing. The first page tells me it’s an award-winning restaurant.
The waiter comes over with a plastic cup and fills our water glasses. Grant asks him to fill the plastic cup as well. He immediately gives the cup to Queenie. He’s so thoughtful.
I smile. “Thank you.”
He looks over to me and smirks. “Figured she’d be thirsty.”
She had water on the plane, but the more access to water the better. The waiter takes our order and then we’re left alone in a beautiful setting, outside on a perfect day. Butterflies are freaking flying around. Where the hell am I? Inside a rainbow?
Grant clears his throat. “How was the flight?”
“It was awesome. Thank you for thinking of Queenie!” I reach out and squeeze his arm. “I could’ve found someone to watch her.”
“Why? She can come over to my place anytime. I love dogs. ”
“Do you have one?”
“I’m always tempted, but I wouldn’t be home enough to give them the care I would want.
I could hire you to be a dog sitter for me.
The only thing you’d have to agree to was living at my place and being naked while inside.
” He has a sinister look on face. It’s drawing me into him more than it should.
“Kidding. I wouldn’t have to hire you. You would just be my wife. ”
I cover my mouth so I don’t spit out my water. His response is to chuckle.
“Don’t act like you haven’t thought about it, Miss Love.”
“Anyways,” I exaggerate the word, “how long have you volunteered at the shelter in Washington?”
“I’ve been volunteering there since I was twelve. I go back every now and then. The manager is an old friend of mine. I drop in when I’m there.” He pauses and then murmurs, “I’ll do anything to avoid going to my parents’ house.”
Everyone knows Grant’s parents. His dad is on the city council in our town.
He’s always making speeches or doing a ceremony.
I see him in news articles often. Grant used to be in the pictures alongside his parents.
He always looked polished and happy. I’m thinking he wasn’t as happy as he was made to look.
“Do you not get along with your parents?”
“My mom is fine. She’s sort of annoying because she goes along with whatever my dad wants.
I used to understand why, but now her reasons don’t make any sense to me.
She has no opinions of her own and seems stuck with her group of friends.
I’d do anything to avoid my dad. He seems like a nice guy, but he doesn’t care about anyone but himself and his image. ”
“Oh,” is all I can manage. I think there’s more there, but it seems like he’s getting frustrated talking about them. I’m not sure I know of a way to make him feel better.
My parents have been supportive and loving my whole childhood.
I guess every parent has expectations of what they want their children to be or do or act.
My parents do that to me with the relationship thing.
They can’t believe I don’t have a family yet.
I still think it sucks to have such an estranged relationship with someone who should be your biggest support system.
The waiter interrupts our conversation, bringing our plates to the table.
“Thanks, man. We’re going to need the check when you have a chance,” Grant explains to the waiter. I reach for my purse to pay for lunch. He got my flight and is letting me stay at his house; the least I can do is buy this meal.
“Don’t you dare, Sunshine. Eat your lunch.”
His words make me freeze. Then I realize I don’t have to listen to him and continue digging to find my wallet.
“Lana. Your money is no good. I told you already.”
“Grant, I can buy you lunch as a thank you.”
“You being here is a thank you.” He puts his hand on mine. “I like seeing you in Texas. I can’t wait to see you in my shirt after I’ve just fucked you.”
His dirty words heat my face and I turn my head to him. He has a look of desire and challenge. Oh, am I going to get spanked if I disobey? I hope so.
I pull out my card and wave it in the air, giving a look of “challenge accepted” back.
“Goddammit, Lana.” He gets up to find the waiter and pay, I’m assuming. At least I tried. He comes back to the table a few moments later, stroking his beard and staring me down with a shake of his head.
I bite into my food. A moan escapes my mouth.
It’s an embarrassing moan that sounds like I might as well have a dick in my mouth instead of a sandwich.
The food is so good! I haven’t eaten at a good restaurant in a long time.
Eating by myself or with friends at romantic places hasn’t been on my to-do list.
“I hope you sound like that once I get my hands on you later,” Grant tells me as he bites into his burger.
I can’t help but to agree .