Page 134 of The Arrogant One

“I did.”

“And what did you think?” I shifted my stance, appreciating the little give the red heels had when the silver pair had none, knowing right then I wouldn’t switch.

“I’m going to save my opinion until after you submit your review. Then I’ll be happy to discuss it in great detail. I don’t want to persuade you in any way.”

“I understand.”

“Sadie …” His tone changed, and I could feel a lecture coming on. “I have Hart’s signed NDA on file. I know why you told him about Dear Foodie and the circumstances that surrounded it, but now that he’s aware that Dear Foodie will be there tonight, you’ll be getting special treatment. That right there will alter your experience.”

I sighed. “I know.”

“So, already, things aren’t on an even playing ground.”

“There’s nothing I can do about that. You know I wanted to wait until after Toro’s review to tell him, but that didn’t work out. So, now, I’m in this horrible position.” I lifted my head andleft my closet, the tight space making me feel more panicky. “And I’m a complete wreck over it. I’ve never been more excited and more distraught about eating at a restaurant in my whole life.” I took a seat on the end of my bed.

“You know, I hate math. I can’t fathom how something can have an exact answer. There are too many variables at play, too many things that can affect the outcome. But in writing, we can make room for those variables. We can color them in gray. We can finesse the words, creating a result that everyone can benefit from.”

My heart stopped. “What are you saying?”

“Five stars is five stars. Just like one star is one star. There’s no gray. No finessing. It’s as exact as can be with zero room to wiggle. But your rating this evening isn’t a number. There’s no math involved. It’s only words. Your words. And what those words mean to you could mean something entirely different to someone else.”

My eyes closed, and I nodded. “I hear you. Loud and very clear.”

“You know how I feel about honesty, but I’m also human, and there isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for my family. I gave you one pass, and he’s who you picked. I’m not telling you to be dishonest. I’m telling you to use your words the best way you see fit.”

I smiled. “I will.”

“Have a good dinner, Sadie.”

“Thank you,” I said and hung up.

“You look absolutely stunning,” Lockhart said as he stood at the side of our table, staring down at me with a smile I wanted to lick off his face. “God, I’m one lucky man.”

“Well, I’m one lucky woman.” I eyed him down—from the scruff on his cheeks to the starched white collar of his shirt to his dark brown leather shoes. “The way that suit looks on you? Whoa.”

“Look at my girl blushing her hardest,” Bryn joked.

I waved her off, laughing. “How’s everything going? This place is”—I peeked around our table, where the energy was so hot that I could feel the buzz in my chest—“on fire.”

“Eden thought it would cool off by tonight,” he said. “But I think we’re even busier than our opening night.”

“Well, I’m completely in love with every square inch of this place,” Bryn offered. “Charred owned my heart, and Toro has now stolen it—forever.”

He smiled at her. “Bryn, it’s an honor to hear that. Thank you.”

He then glanced at me as I said, “Don’t ask me how I feel about anything. My lips are sealed.”

He laughed. “Fair.”

Eden and Colson and Walker were making their way around the dining room—Beck was at an away game, or I was sure he would have been here tonight—and they slowed as they approached our table. As I looked at them, smiling, I could barely breathe, and that had nothing to do with the tightness of my dress.

This line that I was straddling was too thin, too unsteady, and too personal.

I wanted to be the professional that I was, but I loved this man, and I adored his family, and they deserved all the praise because I knew how hard they worked and what they had put into this restaurant.

So, the first thing I said when his siblings joined our table was, “I’m beyond proud of you guys.” My head shook. “Look at this place. It’s popping. I couldn’t be more excited for you.”

Since Bryn had met everyone but Eden, following my compliment, I quickly introduced the two.