Page 27 of The Renter

“What do you think about Chianti Classico?” he asks, swiping his thumb across my knuckles.

“It’s amazing. I drank so much of it during my study abroad in Rome.”

“Great place. I did mine in London … for the financial connections.”

“So, you’ve always been a finance guy?” My tone is definitely flirty.

“Well, I wasn’t going to be a doctor.” He laughs to himself.

“That sounds loaded.”

“My dad was a surgeon and ended his career as the CEO of the largest hospital group in the suburbs.”

“So, you grew up in the suburbs?”

“Barrington.”

“Barrington.” I laugh smugly. It’s a very affluent northwest suburb of Chicago. “Life must’ve been tough,” I tease.

“I know, poor little rich kid.” He smiles, and I like that he can make fun of himself.

“Good evening, I’m Vicky, and I’ll be taking care of you tonight,” says a middle-aged woman. “What can I get you both to drink?”

“We’ll have two glasses of your favorite Chianti Classico,” Adam says.

“Are you sure you don’t want a bottle?” she asks kindly.

“Two glasses, thanks,” Adam replies, firm but polite.

She leaves us, and he turns to me. “What’s your favorite thing on the menu?”

I shrug. “I’ve only been here once before.”

“Yeah? Wow. I’ve been here more than you.”

“It’s pretty pricey for the area.”

It looks like Adam is pondering that statement while sipping his water.

Vicky returns, placing the wine glasses on the table. “Are we ready to order, or do we need a few more minutes?”

“We’ll start with the burrata,” Adam says, sliding his hand over to mine. “Then we’ll need a few minutes.”

The server’s eyes stare at Adam’s hand on mine. She does a terrible job of hiding her reaction.He could be my dad.Is that what she’s thinking? My dad is only four years older than him. I push the thought away as Adam’s fingers trace mine.

“To living in the moment,” Adam says after we hold flirty eye contact.

“To living in the moment,” I repeat, clinking my glass with his. That’s the mantra. Things might be moving fast, but I’m happy to be living in the moment with this sexy as fuck older man.

22

“Dessert?” I ask Dani.

“I seriously can’t eat another bite,” she smiles, running her hands through her hair. Watching her, I can’t help but admire how naturally sexy she is.

“Thanks. We’re all set,” I say to the server.

“Okay, I’ll bring the check.”