Cal scans the menu. “Soup for starters and steak for me, please.”
I glance down at all the fancy dishes. “Oooh, are we having starters? Smoked salmon, please. And cheesy cauliflower bake for my main.”
She nods and walks away.
“Cal, this is so lovely.”
“So are you.” He reaches over the table and takes hold of my fingers, sending a tingle straight to my core.
“I just need the loo. I’ll be back in a minute.” The chair scrapes on the polished floor as I stand and ask a waiter where the ladies’ room is. I should have gone before leaving, but I was overwhelmed with how hot Cal looked in his grey fitted shirt I forgot I needed to go.
I walk back into the restaurant to see a woman standing next to Cal with her hand on his shoulder. Her brunette hair hangs in curls down her back over her flawless olive skin that’s on show with her backless dress—if you can call that hanky she’s wearing, a dress. He smiles and laughs at something she says. Cal turns his head. Our eyes meet as I approach, causing me to suck in a breath.
He stands and takes my hand. “Karla, this is my…” He glances at me.
I hold my breath, waiting for what he will say. What am I to him? His kid’s mother? His friend or fuck buddy—if you can call that minute the other a day a fuck. I would say friend with benefits but there was no benefit for me. Unless this place serves nice cake. I know he's brought me here as an apology.
“This is my Stephanie.” He brings my hand to his lips and kisses my fingers that are entwined with his and a flutter flourishes in my centre. “Steph, this is Karla, an old friend.”
Old flame, more like it.
“Nice to meet you,” she says.
“And you.” I smile, trying not to be the mad, possessive, jealous, crazy person I was earlier today.
“I’ll leave you to it. Enjoy your meal. The chocolate mousse here is amazing.” She disappears, swaying her tight little arse as she walks away.
I drop into the chair like a moody teenager. “Have you slept with her?”
“Steph, come on. Don't spoil tonight.” He leans back in his seat, tapping his foot against the table leg.
“I want to know.” I straighten my cutlery on the table, even though it was already straight.
“Why? So you can compare yourself to her?” He waves his hand in her direction.
“I don't do that.”
He leans over the table and whisper-yells. “Yes, you fucking do. Come and sit next to me.”
I shuffle in my seat. “I'm okay here.”
“Steph, move your fucking arse and sit next to me. Now.” He growls, making my eyes widen and every hair on my body pricks up.
“Please,” he says painfully through his clenched jaw.
“What for?”
“So I can kiss that beautiful face of yours and reassure you that you’re the only woman for me.”
My breath hitches along with every other organ in my body and goosebumps pop up all over my skin, as if they’re having a party. I do as he asks and move my chair next to him.
His hand goes to my knee, and he ruffles the silky fabric of my dress, using his fingers to pull it up inch by inch until he can feel my skin. I gaze into his eyes as his thumb draws circles on my inner thigh, making it hard to be jealous when I’m the one he’s with and the only one he sees right at this moment.
“I dated her years ago. She could be the most attractive woman in the world, and it still wouldn't tempt me away from you.”
My heart sinks. “You think she's the most attractive woman in the world?”
“For fuck’s sake, Steph. No, not her. That's you.” He lifts my chin to meet his gaze. “You’re the only woman for me, Steph. And if I say you’re beautiful, it’s because you fucking are. I wish you could see yourself the way I do.”