by Terri Lane
“Hold on,” he said. “Stop. Kayla, I’m sorry. I just think that…” he stopped and let out an exasperated sigh. “Look, I’m trying to find the right words to say that I think you deserve better, but every time I open my mouth, I say something stupid. I’m not trying to offend you.”
She looked at him then, gauging his words and deciding that he was being honest.
“Fine,” she said. “Just don’t talk to me like that. I bust my ass to take care of myself and save up for nursing school. I don’t need your pity, and I don’t have to explain my journey to you. I had a rough start, and it took a long time to get in a place where I could do better. It’s not that I’m a loser, I promise.”
“I never said you were a loser.”
“Well, when you demand answers like I’m beneath you, it sure does feel that way. Anyway, the diner is closed tomorrow. Thank you for the ride. I hope to see you again soon. And not because of the tips. Believe it or not, I enjoy your company.”
Dylan smiled.
“You do?”
“I do. You’re one of the few customers I have who don’t treat me like a piece of meat. It’s refreshing to be a human and to get judged on something other than how good I look.”
“So, would it be a mistake to tell you how pretty you look with your hair wet like this?”
“Of course not,” she said, the air charged with a sudden tension that hadn’t been there before.
What in the world was happening to her?
“I have to leave,” she said suddenly, putting her hand on the door just as he unlocked it. “Thank you, for the ride and for everything. I hope to see you on Monday.”
“I’ll think about it,” he said, winking at her. “Have a nice night, Kayla. Take a hot shower and snuggled up with a book. You’ve earned it.”
“A hot shower sounds heavenly,” she said. “But the building manager hasn’t fixed the water heater yet, so I’ll have to settle for a tepid one.”
She was already getting out of the SUV, and she wasn’t sure that he heard her. It was better that way; she hadn’t meant to complain. She was luckier than most, and she had everything she needed. She waved to him and thanked him again, keys in hand and jogging up the steps to the lobby door.
She needed to put some space between herself and Dylan before she shared more than just her thoughts on the water heater situation.
***
Kayla was stepping out of the cool shower, already shivering when the buzzer for her apartment rang. She rushed to the intercom, not sure she wanted to know who was there. In her experience, late night callers had never been a good thing.
“Yes?” she said, pushing the button.
“It’s Dylan.”
Her stomach clenched and she pulled her robe a little tighter around her naked body, even though he couldn’t see her.
“What do you want?” she asked.
“I thought you might need your purse. I got halfway home and realized that you’d left it in my car.”
Kayla turned and looked over her shoulder at the table. Sure enough, her purse wasn’t there.
Dammit.
“I’ll be down in a minute,” she said.
“No hurry. I was wondering if maybe you want to just go to dinner?”
Was he serious?
“Um,” she stammered.
“You can say no, but I think you should give it a chance. Not a date. It’s just dinner.”
“I’m not dressed.”
“I don’t mind.”
She laughed.
“I’d have to get dressed.”
“Or, you could come like you are now,” he said, his tone wicked.
“I don’t socialize with customers.”
“I don’t socialize at all so I think we’ll manage. I’m not asking for you to do anything more than join me for dinner. You’ve got to eat; I’ve got to eat. We might as well eat together, right?”
His logic was winning her over.
“Okay. But I just got out of the shower, so I need a few minutes.”
“I’ll wait in the car. You know which one it is.”
“I do. Give me like fifteen minutes.”
“You got it.”
Kayla’s hands were shaking with excitement as she left the room and hurried to get dressed. She opened her closet, biting her lip and looking at the pitiful offerings. She only ever went to work and stayed home, so she only had one dress.
She pulled it out, shaking the wrinkles out and wondering if it was too casual. The off-white cotton was stretchy, and the little purple roses almost faded with too many washes. But it was comfortable, and she had a lavender cardigan she could wear with it that would dress it up a little. She settled on the dress, grabbing her only pair of strappy, white heels and getting dressed quickly.
Dabbing makeup on and brushing her hair, she was out the door in record time. She took the stairs slowly, trying not to break her ankles and willing her heartbeat to slow down.
His car was at the curb and he was standing by the passenger door. He opened it for her, and she was thankful that the darkness concealed her blush. She wasn’t used to that kind of treatment, and now that the rain wasn’t beating down on them, she was really looking at his SUV. It was sleek, almost seductive, and definitely not cheap. She thanked him and got into the passenger seat, buckling her seatbelt and moving her purse so that she didn’t forget it again.
He was already getting into the driver’s seat when she got herself situated.
“Do you have anywhere that you prefer?” he asked.
She shook her head.
“You don’t go out much, do you?”
“Not at all. I work and sleep.”
“Doesn’t sound like much of a life,” he said casually, putting the car into gear and easing onto the street.
“I’m doing it for the end result. It’s not about what I get out of it now.”
“You are quite determined. I admire that. Have you always wanted to be a nurse?”
“No,” she said, being honest. “I want to be a doctor, but medical school is really a pipe dream.”
“If that’s what you really want, why wouldn’t you go for it?”
She laughed.
“I could never afford it. And even if I could, I would have a hard time convincing anyone to take a chance on me with my GED.”
She stopped herself. Now wasn’t the time, and she didn’t know Dylan well enough to share her past. It was better to let it drop. She would get through dinner and focus on small talk. It wouldn’t do any good to reveal her sad past to him anyway.
They passed the time for the rest of the trip talking about the crazy weather over the last few days, and the patrons of the diner. Dylan seemed more than a little interested in James, but she reassured him that he was harmless.
“I don’t know,” Dylan said. “That look in his eyes was crazy. I’m not saying you should be scared to go back to work, but please keep your eyes open. It worries me that you’re walking there alone so early in the morning with a man like James around.”
“I really don’t think he’ll show his face again,” Kayla said. “Really, after what you and Nick did, I would be surprised if he hasn’t left the greater Seattle area.”
“You never can tell with men like him. Just promise me that you’ll be careful, and if you think he might be hanging around, call the police.”
“The police have better things to do.”
“Then call me,” he said. He parked the car in the restaurant’s parking lot and fished a business card out of his wallet. “Put it in your purse and don’t hesitate to call me, even if you’re not sure.”
She opened her mouth to argue, but his finger was on her lips, shushing her.
“Please,” he said. “Just be careful and promise me that you’ll call me if you need me.”
“I promise,” she said, eyes locked on his lips, which were only inches from her.
“Good,” he said, turning off the key and opening the door. “I w
orry about you.”
He shut the door and went around the car to open her door. Kayla took the moment alone to let out a heavy sigh. She had thought he was going to kiss her, and for some reason, she was upset that he hadn’t.
Get it together, Kayla, she thought. It’s just dinner.
***
The host opened the door to the restaurant, and Kayla’s breath caught in her throat. She turned to Dylan, pulling him aside to a quiet spot in the lobby.
“This is too much,” she said, whispering.
“No it’s not,” he said. “Trust me, the food is delicious.”
“I’m sure it is. It’s also about two hundred a plate. I can’t let you pay for my meal here.”
“Then I’ll let you try to stop me,” he said, smiling.
“Don’t be ridiculous. I can’t let you do this.”
Dylan sighed.
“Look, just don’t worry about it. For one night, please? Besides, it’s not just dinner. Think of it as an interview.”
“What?” she said, but the host was walking towards them with a broad smile and Dylan was already stepping out to shake the man’s hand.
“Dylan,” he said warmly. “So nice to see you.”
He smiled at Kayla.
“Right this way, Miss,” he said, his tone still very warm and friendly.
“They know you here?” she asked when they sat down at a quiet booth in the back of the restaurant.
“They do.”
“Did you work here or something?”
“Or something,” he said, chuckling. “Let’s just enjoy our dinner.”
“No,” she said. “You know about my life, but I don’t know a thing about you. I have questions,” she said, arching an eyebrow and smiling. “And you’re going to answer them.”
He smiled back and Kayla’s heart fluttered. His broad, genuine smile was heart stopping. He was so handsome, and the muted, golden glow of the romantically lighted restaurant only enhanced his good looks.
“Fair enough,” he said. “You’ve answered five of my questions, so I’ll give you five.”
She rolled her eyes, holding her comment while the waiter went over the drink specials and took their order before she continued.
“I won’t argue with you about paying the bill if you give me six,” she said, leaning forward so the tables a few feet away wouldn’t hear her.
Chuckling softly, he reached across the table and squeezed her hand.
“You drive a hard bargain. Alright, six it is. What’s the first one?”
“Why do you leave me hundred dollar tips?”
“A big one right out of the gate. I like your style. Because you give top notch service, and I believe in paying people what they’re worth.”
She nodded.
“What’s your middle name?”
“Dylan.”
“Oh,” she said, a little surprised. “Why do you go by your middle name?”
He shrugged.
“I kind of grew out of my first name. That’s three. Choose wisely, you only have three left.”
“What did you want to be when you grew up?”
“A good man.”
“That’s it?”
“Yes, and that’s question five.”
She blinked.
“Wait, that’s not fair.”
“Sure it is,” he quipped, smiling wryly.
“Fine, I’ll make the last one a good one, and there’s no dancing around the truth.”
“No dancing, got it.”
“You’re a smart ass,” she said, but she couldn’t help the grin that spread across her face.
Dylan was fun, and she liked how he treated her. He talked to her without looking her up and down when he did, like most of the customers at Nick’s Diner did. She felt as if they she and Dylan were standing on an even playing field and that he genuinely liked her, and not just her looks.
“Why does everyone here seem to know you?”
He looked at her, letting out a big sigh.
“Is that a personal question?” she asked, shocked by the long pause for what seemed to be such simple question.
“I was hoping that wouldn’t come up. I’m not really ready to share that information.”
“You promised,” she said.
“I did.”
“Then you have to tell me. Does the answer have something to do with why you brought me here?”
“In a roundabout way, yes.”
“So spill it. You promised.”
“You have to promise not to make a big deal out of it.”
“Promise.”
“I own it.”
“The restaurant?” she asked, incredulous.
“Yes.”
“Wow,” she said, sitting back and looking at him. “But you’re, what, twenty-six?”
“Twenty-five, but you’ve run out of questions.”
“How are you twenty-five and you own a fancy restaurant like this?”
“Question time is over,” he said, winking at her. “Now, it’s time for dinner.”
The waiters showed up just then, food in hand. They set Kayla’s plate in front of her and her eyes glazed over. Heavenly scents that she had only ever imagined drifted up and teased her. Her mouth watered and it was all she could do to thank the waiter before she took the first bite.
She was not disappointed.
Dylan watched her with thinly veiled appreciation as she savored each bite.
“This is delicious,” she said.
“I’m glad you’re enjoying it. This is my favorite restaurant.”
“Because you own it, of course.”
He shook his head.
“No, I meant of the ones that I own.”
“You own more than one?”
“I have a few businesses, but yes, I own…” he stopped as if counting, “eleven restaurants.”
Kayla was floored.
“Why did you bring me here?” Kayla asked.
“I wanted to offer you a job.”
“As a waitress here? I can’t. I work at a mom and pop diner.”’
“Not as a waitress,” he said, smiling.
“Then what?”
“I attend a lot of charitable events and fundraisers. Being a prominent business owner with a heart for charity comes with some responsibilities that I don’t really enjoy. I have a reputation for being a little rough around the edges. I need to soften my rough image in order to fit in with polite society a little better.” He rolled his eyes a little at the last statement. “Not that I really care what others think, but my most precious charitable project needs more attention, and I think that my reputation for being a bit of a pain in the ass is getting in the way of my goals.”
“I still don’t understand.”
He took a slow sip of his wine, watching her with so much intensity that Kayla was struggling to hold still under the heat of his gaze. The suspense was killing her, but Dylan was in no hurry to answer the question.
When he finally spoke, Kayla couldn’t believe her ears.
***
“I don’t want much,” he said softly. “And I’m prepared to pay you ten grand per gala and they happen once or twice a month. You can even keep the dresses. I just need someone to show up on my arm and pretend I’m as witty and charming as I think I am.”
She stared at him, still trying to piece together what he was asking. He misread her silence, his smile faltering.
“I’m not asking you to sleep with me. I just need to be more relatable, and people like you. You sweet and funny, and smart as a whip. You could even still do your crappy waitressing job, though I don’t know why you would.”
Kayla felt instantly embarrassed by his words. Sitting there in the fancy restaurant in her plain dress, she suddenly felt exposed. She leaned forward, angry that he had been so flippant about her hard work.
“I’m damn good at what I do, and it’s not a crappy job. I managed to save over ten grand this year working that ‘crappy’ job.�
��
He arched an eyebrow, smiling despite her obvious anger.
“And you could make that much in one night of work. If we have two events in one month, which happens a lot around the holidays, you could make that and pay your bills for a few months in two nights of work.”
He’s not even sorry, Kayla thought, her ire rising.
“You’re a pompous ass,” she said, sitting up and glaring at him across the romantic candle light. “And arrogant.”
He chuckled, the sexy sound grating on her nerves. How was he still smiling when she was so angry?
“I’m an ass; there’s no question about that. I’m far from arrogant, though. It’s a legitimate job, Kayla. And you could afford your actual dream instead of some half assed version of it. Don’t settle for okay. You want to be a doctor, so be a doctor.”
His words stung. She pushed her plate away, the last few bites not worth the price they would cost her pride.
“I want to go home,” she said. “Please take me home.”
“Kayla, don’t be ridiculous. You haven’t had dessert and the lava cake is-”
“I want to go home,” she repeated, cutting him off. “I don’t think you want me to make a scene in the middle of your fancy restaurant.”
He shrugged.
“It might be fun to watch,” he teased. “I like a woman with a little fire.”
She took a deep breath, trying to get her emotions under control.
“If you want people to start liking you better, you’ll start by being a gentleman. I don’t want dessert. I want to go home. If you don’t take me, I’ll take public transportation.”
He was suddenly serious.
“Not in this part of town, you won’t. And it will take you more than one hour to get back home, just so you can walk two miles in the dark.”
“Exactly.”
She glared at him, her deep brown eyes serious. He stared her down for a long time, then blinked, looking away. His jaw clenched almost imperceptibly a few times, and then he shook his head.
“I didn’t mean to upset you. I thought you would appreciate the offer.”
“Did you think I was just waiting around at that diner for some man to come save me?”
“I guess not,” he said wryly.
“I can take care of myself.”
“I’m not trying to take care of you. I’m offering you something better than you have. It’s not like I get nothing out of it. And your presence would be helping-”
