2X The Heat (2X The Pleasure 1)

I had forgotten he drove me here, so we walked backed to his car together. His hand wasn’t on my waist like last time, but we brushed together with every step.

“It’s okay. I suppose I should get used to it for weddings. At least she isn’t mean about it.” If she had been rude, I would have called her out on it. But she wasn’t. She is just very specific. When I figured out she was a dermatologist, I considered going to see her about my freckles. I was never too fond of them.

“Maybe. We could get some dinner on the way back.”

I arched a brow as I looked up at him, “two meals in one day?” I asked.

“It’s just as friends. Promise.” I did not believe him, but then again, I did not believe myself either. I was hungry anyway.

“Well I am hungry, I hope you don’t think I eat too much.” I giggled. He opened the door for me, even taking it upon himself to strap me in.

“You’re very refreshing to be around.” He chuckled.

On the road, he asked what I wanted, but I had no particular craving. We ended up at a diner.

“I love diners.” I said as we sat down. I ordered coffee too, even though it was late, I was so mentally exhausted I needed it.

“Really?” he asked.

“Yeah. My dad and I go when we see each other.” I thought of him. I should call him more. “And the wall paper usually has my favorite flower. Maybe it’s a diner thing.”

“What’s your favorite flower?” He looked to see the wallpaper, but this one did not have it.

“Buttercups.” I answered, and he smirked. I sipped my coffee slowly. It was far too hot

“You remember mine?” He asked.

“Yeah, lilacs. I had them at the front of my store…”

“Before you thought I was a cheating bastard?” He interrupted. I blushed from embarrassment. I still regretted thinking so badly of him so fast, but I could not help it.

I was glad he wasn’t, anyway. Though it did not change that I still could not be with him. I was too early in the game to mess things up for a man that isn’t guaranteed to be in my life.

“Um, I guess. I’ll put them back up, they looked good up there.”

He grinned and sipped his sweet tea, which was mostly sugar.

“So, your dad, are you guys close?” Was he trying to get to know me? I wasn’t sure I could open up to him, but I think I already had.

“Yeah, I don’t see him too often though. Just the holidays.” I could not tell him how different he was since my mother died. I looked exactly like her, maybe it was just too hard for him.

I ordered a chicken finger basket, and Tristan got a BLT.

“What about your parents?” I asked. He arched a brow.

“You really don’t know who I am, do you?”

I racked my brain. He wasn’t an actor. And he wasn’t on any house wife shows and that’s all I watched, so I could not place him.

“No. School me.” I shrugged.

“My parents, the Cox’s, own half the real estate in the state. They probably own the building you lease. And I used to own one of the largest tech startups of the century before I sold it for three-and half billion dollars.” My eyes widened on their own accord.

That was a lot to take in at once. Basically, he was old money rich and new money rich. And people usually know who he is.

“Oh…why did you sell it?” He shrugged.

“It was always meant to be a startup. The revenue got to a certain point and then I just wasn’t in it anymore. But my parents and I are relatively close. I have a sister, Natalie. She’s a psychologist.” I smiled softly, he beamed when he talks about his family.