me?”
Was he really going to put me on the spot like this?
He nudged me in the side. “You can tell me, baby.”
He already knew what I thought anyway. “I thought you were hot.”
“No way.” His voice was full of faked surprise. “You don’t say?”
I smacked him with my clutch. “You’re being a dick.”
He chuckled. “I’m kidding. When I first saw you, I thought the same thing. I thought about beating off in the shower while thinking of you.”
It was so disgusting but so hot at the same time. “Really?”
“Cross my heart.” He made the gesture with his hand.
“That’s…intense.”
“A buddy of mine has a buddy who used your services. He said he beat off to his escort in the shower. When I saw you, I understood why.”
It was a compliment, albeit a disgusting one. “Uh, thanks. I wonder who it was.”
He chuckled. “Probably you.”
“What’s your friend’s friend’s name?”
He shrugged. “I don’t have a clue.”
“Well, it could have been Shelly or one of the other girls.”
“Eh…” He shook his head.
“You don’t think Shelly is pretty?”
“Of course I do,” he said quickly. “But I think you’re way hotter. You’re, like, super hot. If you were a super hero, your name would be SuperSexy and you would fight crime by seducing men with just a look.”
“As flattered as I am, I think that’s a little excessive.”
“I don’t,” he said seriously. He brought my hand to his lips and kissed the knuckles. He did this in stride, like his actions weren’t affectionate. Ash spent most of his time with me. Come to think of it, he spent all his time with me.
We approached the restaurant and Ash glanced at his watch. “We’re ten minutes late. They’re probably already here.”
“Whose fault is that?” I gave him a pointed look.
He opened the door for me. “Hey, I don’t have any regrets. And if they ask why we’re late, I’ll tell them.”
I stopped in the doorway. “Whoa…hold on. You better not.”
“What?” he asked in confusion. “My parents know I’m a horndog.”
“But do they need to know I’m a horndog?” I snapped.
“Well, you’re with me.” He winked. “I think it’s implied.”
I rolled my eyes. “Don’t say anything.” Then I stepped inside. There was a crowd around the entryway as people waited for their tables to be ready. The sound of clanking glasses and silverware filled the air. People sat at the tables covered in white tablecloths. White candles were on each one.
I searched the crowd as I tried to locate his parents when my eyes landed on the person I least expected to see. He was sitting at a small table with a beautiful brunette across from him. He wore a dark blazer and a nice watch. He only had eyes for his date, who he was clearly smitten with. And I didn’t blame him because she was the definition of perfection.
She grabbed her wine glass to take a drink, and on her left hand was a sparkling engagement ring. It was so bright, and clear and flawless. She set the glass down then fidgeted with it, like she wasn’t used to wearing it because it was new.
Tony reached across the table and held her hand. Their fingers interlocked, and she released a gentle smile.
Oh. My. God.
“Where are the old people?” Ash stood beside me and looked around. “Oh, there they are.” He pointed at the table directly next to Tony’s.
Damn, I had to get out of there.
I turned around and hauled ass. I pushed through the large doors then got to the sidewalk. Then I quickly walked past the windows so I couldn’t be seen. The last thing I wanted was for Tony to see me. That would just make it worse. My eyes welled with tears but I commanded them to stop. He wasn’t worth crying over.
“Alessandra?” Ash came out of the doors. “What the hell are you doing?”
I kept walking.
Ash jogged then caught up to me. “Whoa, baby. What’s up?” He grabbed my arm and held me still.
“I’m sorry…I can’t. I don’t mean to bail or let you down but I just can’t.” I pulled my arm and stepped back. “I’ll make it up to you. But I have to go.” I wouldn’t make eye contact with him. I stared at the cars in the street instead.
“What?” he blurted. “You were fine just a second ago.”
“I have to go.” I held up my hand to silence him. “I’m sorry. I really am.”
“Hey, just calm down.” He grabbed my hands and placed them against his chest. “If