I know I probably seemed like a flake who couldn’t make up her mind, but I had to. It was the only way I could cope with what was going on. It was what I needed to do until I reached some sort of resolution for this.
I had hoped going for a run would clear my head of the conflict floating around my mind, but it didn’t. It did, apparently spur me on. I ran my five miles in a personal record time although, when I got back, it felt as if I'd pushed things a little too hard. Nothing a nice, hot refreshing shower couldn’t cure.
While sipping on my post-run breakfast smoothie, I considered Brendan's invitation to the new restaurant in town. I didn't want to give him the impression that I was romantically interested in him, but I did want to find out more about his professional offer—if only to satisfy my curiosity. It would be nice to see what other options might be available to me if things between Asher and I reached a point where I'd need to leave the Sinclair Agency.
Of course, the thought of being on a VIP list at one of the city's hottest new restaurants was a bit of a draw too. I couldn't deny that.
I took out my phone and typed out a quick reply.
Hi, Brendan,
&n
bsp; I appreciate the invitation to the new restaurant. I'm interested in hearing about your offer. So, with that in mind, I'd like to accept your invitation. What time do I need to be ready, and where should I meet you?
I sent the text before I changed my mind. The response was almost immediate.
Hi, Lilah :)
I'll pick you up at 8:00. Just let me know your address. See you tonight. Remember . . . dressed to the nines! Really looking forward to seeing you pull that off :)
Wow, he didn't waste any time. A sly smirk played on my lips. I couldn't deny there was definitely something about having not one, but two bona fide billionaires vying for my attention at once that boosted my confidence. Who would have thought such a thing could happen to me? I never would have dreamed of such a thing happening to me in a million years, yet there I was.
With a smile on my face, I began to get ready for work. I had a Friday full of meetings to get through before what I expected to be an interesting evening.
***
“You can never go wrong with a little, black dress.”
At least, that’s what Meg said while I was debating over which dress to wear to the restaurant opening. She was right. Her logic: even if you spill something on it, odds are it won’t show up.
I chose a sleek, black number that accentuated my curves and paired it with a new set of gleaming, black stilettos I hadn’t had a chance to wear yet. I'd even spent an hour doing my hair, which I rarely did. But Meg insisted that a backless dress required an up-do. So, she’d stopped by and assisted in creating a fairly intricate style with several small braids and loose curls. When she was done, I informed her that she’d make a fantastic hair stylist.
I was ready 30 minutes ahead of schedule. So, she and I had a glass of wine before she had to go get ready for her own date.
Brendan sent me a message when he was on his way. I had just gotten down to the lobby of my building when I heard a booming roar echoing from outside. I stepped out onto the sidewalk as a polished, black supercar pulled up outside my building, revving its engine loudly. The driver's side door opened and inside sat Brendan, smiling cheekily.
His eyes widened as he climbed out of the car.
“Wowzer!” he said. “You're looking absolutely gorgeous! And you match my car,” he quipped. “I chose this one out of the stable and it happens to be the only black one I've got. I must be psychic, right?”
I couldn't help but chuckle.
“Psychic, huh? Maybe just a lucky guess is more like it.”
“Either way,” he joked, flashing me a broad smile. “Come on, climb in.”
I walked around to the passenger side of the car as pedestrians stopped to gawk at the sight of the sleek beast.
“Like my ride?” he asked as I climbed in. “It's a Bugatti Veyron. One of the fastest cars on the planet.”
“I know.”
“You do?”
“I know a thing or two about motors. I grew up working on them.”
“A woman of many talents, huh?”