Total pages in book: 18
Estimated words: 16225 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 81(@200wpm)___ 65(@250wpm)___ 54(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 16225 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 81(@200wpm)___ 65(@250wpm)___ 54(@300wpm)
Finally.
CHAPTER 5
SCARLETT
Why am I going to dinner with my boss? Why did I say yes? “Are you alright, precious?” Why is he confusing me with his actions and words?
“Uh, yes, I guess. I’m just not sure what is happening.” I decide to go for honesty. He nods his head and moves some hair out of my face.
“I know. I’m sorry.” That’s all he says before opening the door and helping me out of the car. Looking around, I notice we are at the back entrance of some posh restaurant. I know I have seen it before, probably in a magazine.
Samuel tucks my hand in his arm, his other arm anchored to his waist as if he thinks I am somehow going to be wrenched from his grasp. As soon as we walk in, the smell of pasta sauce makes my mouth water, and then it hits me. “Oh my gosh. Are we at Orecchiette?” He smiles and nods his head, continuing us down a long corridor.
We stop at an opening, which has a curtained-off room straight ahead. “Mr. and Mrs. Rawlins, right this way.” My heart begins to pound when she says our names like we are married. I like it. Too much, if I am being honest. So much so that I feel the need to correct her so I can bring myself back down to earth.
“Oh Umm… no, we are not…” I stutter, but Samuel cuts off my protest.
“We are dining in private, precious.” I look at him, startled that he is not telling her about the discrepancy. He shakes his head no like he is telling me to keep it to myself. But why?
The curtained-off room opens, and my hand covers my mouth. “Wow,” I say, looking around. The room is decorated with roses of all different colors. Pink, red, white, and even a beautiful Fuschia. Candelabras are everywhere with glowing lights with pink sconces, giving the room a soft, elegant glow. “This is beautiful.” I release his arm and hold in a giggle when he growls. I spin in a small circle, slowly, ever cautious of my condition, and take it all in.
“I would give anything to see that every day.” He says, hands in his pocket. I stop and look at him.
“See what every day?” he moves towards me and stops just a finger touch away.
“That smile on your face.” Shocked and unsure how to respond, I drop my head also to hide the blush. He has been doing that a lot lately. Shocking me and making me blush. Who is this man?
We walk to the table, and a waitress appears right away like they have been watching us. “What can I get you two to drink?”
“I will take some water,” he says before looking at me.
“Do you have lemon ginger tea?” I don’t look at him, hoping he doesn’t pick up on the significance of the request.
“Yes, ma’am. Right away.” When she leaves the room, and we are finally alone, I turn to him and ask the questions burning my tongue.
“Why are you being so nice to me?” His head jerks back like I have punched him. His face scrunches up, and he looks almost distressed.
“Am I normally mean to you, Scarlett?” Panic has stricken his face like he will jump off a cliff if I say yes. Placing my hand on his, I answer him softly and honestly.
“No, Sam. You are never mean to me. I am sorry I made you think that.” He takes a deep breath and exhales before turning his hand over and gripping mine. “But, lately, it has been different.”
“It was always different.” He answers back without looking up. “For me, anyway.” What the heck does that mean? Before I can ask him, the waitress comes back with our drinks and a tray.
“Since you ordered the sample feast for tonight, I will be bringing your courses out in six phases, starting with our from the sea platter. For a starter, we have a crouton cracker with a piece of fried sea bass and a Chilean salsa on top. We also have a salmon spread on a rosemary focaccia and a garden salad with strawberries. Enjoy.” When she leaves, Samuel looks at me and lifts his eyebrow.
“Shall we?” he asks, pointing to the covered dishes. I nod, excited because everything sounds so delicious. He lifts the tops, and I squeal at how adorable it looks. I am so excited that I forget about my condition and lean over to smell it. Big mistake. Standing and stumbling back, my hand shoots over my mouth. “Scarlett? Are you alright?” I shake my head frantically, looking overhead for a sign for the restroom. Spotting one to the left, I turn and sprint there as fast as I can. Barely make it to the toilet before the nothing I ate today comes up. “Oh, precious. It’s okay. I’m here.” I am startled that he followed me, but I am too busy to care. He pulls my hair back and holds it for me, rubbing my back while I curse this invader and my stupidity.