Adalynn looked at me and tilted her head. “You aren’t falling for him, are you?”
“No, of course not. Even if I was, and that’s a big if, a man like Ian Braxton would never be interested in me.”
“Of course he would, Rory. You’re a beautiful woman and you’re kind. Yeah, maybe you’re right. The women Ian seems to go for are total greedy bitches with sticks up their asses.” She laughed.
I laughed with her as my side started to hurt. I placed my hand on it and sat down in one of the chairs.
“Are you okay?” she asked.
“I’m fine. I’m just a little sore.”
Adalynn took my hand and helped me up from the chair. “Let’s get you back to the house so you can rest.”
As we walked through the door and into the house, Ian was coming out of his study. He stopped in the middle of the room and stared at me. He looked at me as if it was the first time that he’d ever seen me.
“What’s wrong, Ian? Cat got your tongue?” Adalynn smiled.
Ian cleared this throat as he walked over to where I was standing. When he cocked his head, the corners of his mouth curved up slightly. “Rory, you look amazing.” He brought his hand up to my hair and took a few strands between his fingers. “Your hair looks great. You had it cut and some highlights put in.” He smiled.
“Yeah. It was Benny’s idea.”
“Ah, you saw Benny. He’s the one who cuts my hair.”
I looked over at Adalynn and she winked at me. “I need to go now. I have a hot date to get ready for,” she said as she walked over and gave Ian a hug and kiss.
When Adalynn turned to me, I hugged her and thanked her for everything she did for me. She had done more for me in one day than anyone ever had in my life. I would always be grateful to her. For the first time in my life, I felt beautiful, and even a little bit sexy.
“Well, are you going to show me what I bought you?” Ian smiled as he pointed to the bags I was holding.
“Oh, sure. Let’s take them to my room.”
Ian took the bags from me and we walked up the stairs and into the bedroom. He sat down in the chair and crossed his legs while I showed him what he had bought, piece by piece. He sat there with a smoldering smirk on his face.
“What’s that look for?” I smiled.
“Nothing. I’m just admiring the things you picked out. You look happy, Rory, and I can’t help but feel that I had something to do with that.”
I turned away from him as I hung the clothes in the closet. I didn’t know what to say because the truth was that I was happy because of him. After hanging the last piece of clothing, I walked over to him and he stood up. I did something I never thought I would’ve done. I gave him a light kiss on his cheek.
“Thank you, Ian. Thank you for everything. You saved my life, and I do want you to know that I’m grateful for that.”
He brought his hand to my face and gently stroked my cheek as his eyes stared into mine. “It was my pleasure saving you.” He smiled. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go finish up some work before heading out to dinner.” He walked to the door, stopped, turned around, and looked at me. “You’ll be joining me tonight at one of my favorite restaurants. Maybe you should change into one of your new outfits. We’re leaving promptly at seven o’clock, so make sure you’re ready,” he said as he walked out of the room.
I stood there, trying to take in what he’d just said. He was taking me to dinner tonight. Not one of his other women, but me. A mixture of excitement and nervousness shot through my body at the thought of having dinner with him. It was just going to be the two of us. He was amazingly beautiful, but intimidating. His confidence was something I’d never seen in a person before. He walked with his head held high, as if he was the most important person in the world. Ian Braxton knew he was sexy, and he knew how to charm women. His charm was weakening me. I felt things that scared me. Things I’d never felt before.
Chapter 4
When we walked into Capo, we were promptly seated by a hostess named Bella, a tall, blonde-haired, blue eyed, lean and toned woman. She eyed me up and down as she handed us our menus. How did I know her name? Ian referred to her by it when he thanked her as she showed us to our table. I took my napkin and set it in my lap as I took notice of my surroundings. The restaurant wasn’t overly large. It was just the perfect size for a quaint and quiet meal. The cherry wood floors, exposed rafters, and sconces that were mounted to the walls gave the dining room a warm feel. I picked up the menu from the table and opened it. I gasped when I saw the prices. Ian chuckled as he looked over his menu.
“Believe me, Rory, this is not expensive. Please order whatever you want.”
I wasn’t used to elegant food like this. I grew up on tuna fish, chicken soup, fish sticks, and macaroni and cheese. The waitress came over to take our drink order.
“What kind of alcohol do you like?” Ian asked me.
I blankly stared at him, as I had no clue. I didn’t want to say gin and tonic because this restaurant was too fancy for that. I remembered what Carrie Bradshaw from Sex and The City always drank, and I ordered myself a cosmopolitan. Ian gave me a smile and winked.
“Bring a bottle of your finest cabernet and two glasses,” Ian said.
The waitress smiled and walked away. “Do you know what you want?” he asked as he glanced over his menu.
“The chicken?”
“Are you asking me?” he asked.
“I’m sorry, Ian.”
I apologized to him because I felt like an idiot. I knew nothing about fine cuisine. I couldn’t even pronounce ninety percent of the menu.
“No need to apologize. The chicken here is excellent. In fact, I think that’s what I’ll order.” He smiled.
As I picked up my cosmopolitan and brought the glass to my lips, I took a sip with the hopes that it would give me the courage to ask Ian what I’ve been dying to know. I took in a deep breath as I set the glass down.
“Is there something you want to ask me?”
“Actually, there is.” I smiled. “What do you do for a living?” There, I finally asked him.
He stared at me as the waitress set down the bottle of cabernet and two wine glasses. Ian poured some in a glass, swirled it around, and then took a sip. He smiled as he looked at the waitress and told her it was perfect.
“I’m in real estate and development. I buy and develop property all over the world.”