Black

“She’ll have a water as well.”

“Very well. I’ll be right back.”

Stella struts off, and I raise an eyebrow when Rex turns to me.

“What?”

“Mr. Ambrosi? What are you, the boss?”

“No, that would be my father.”

Funny, my father was a boss too. But of a much different variety, and one we most certainly will not be discussing.

“I can’t believe I never bothered to ask your last name.”

“If it makes you feel better, I don’t know yours.”

“It’s Black. Now, do you want to tell me why you felt the need to order me a water instead of a glass of wine?”

“Because you won’t be drinking alcohol tonight.”

The finality of Rex’s words makes my insides clench. I should hate it. I should be mad that he’s trying to tell me what I can and cannot drink, but how can I be mad when I know my reward will be him?

“Fair enough.” Picking up the menu, I scan my options. “What’s good here?”

“It’s all good.”

A couple of minutes later, Stella returns with our water and takes our order. I choose the pasta three-way, and Rex orders a steak. I wait for her to walk away and then lower my head and whisper, “Everyone is staring at us.”

“No, Shae, they’re staring at you.”

I sit up straight, squirming a bit in my seat. “I should’ve worn a nicer dress.”

“No way,” he says, shaking his head. “You look amazing. Plus…” He scoots his chair as close to me as he can get. “It’s driving me insane wondering what you’re wearing underneath.”

Lifting the glass to my lips, I take a sip of my water, never breaking eye contact. “I’m not wearing anything.”

Rex’s eyes widen, and a second later his hand lands on my thigh under the table.

“No, sir.” I remove his hand, but he doesn’t let me go. He intertwines our fingers and brings our hands to rest in his lap. “Dinner first, then dessert.”

“Are you teasing me, Shae?”

Fuck no, I’m teasing myself because I want him to touch me. The thought of him dipping his hand under my dress in the middle of the restaurant is making me hotter than I’ve ever been.

“I’m heightening your anticipation,” I say, using his words from the weekend.

“Well played.”

“Thank you. I have my moments.” I smile playfully. “Now, tell me why your staff is staring at me like I’m some sort of alien.” They’re not just glancing in my direction; a few are craning their necks, trying to get a better look.

“Because I don’t bring women here.”

“Ever?”

“No. They’ve only ever seen me here with my parents, my brother, or Liza.”

“Liza?” I vaguely remember him mentioning her the other night when we were dancing. “The woman from your office?” There’s an unintentional bite to my voice, and Rex doesn’t miss it.