Total pages in book: 63
Estimated words: 57943 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 290(@200wpm)___ 232(@250wpm)___ 193(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 57943 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 290(@200wpm)___ 232(@250wpm)___ 193(@300wpm)
Three years later, after I had built up Ron’s business—which was now mine—I was ready for a change of scenery. After some research, I found that a small town nearby was growing at a steady pace and could use some housing development. I was Jonestown bound and never looked back.
THE LONG DRIVE into town was extremely uncomfortable. Sam was such a quiet person and it unnerved me. Every so often, he’d look over and smile, which would extinguish my anxiety.
I am such a social imbecile.
This ‘friends dinner’ was way out of my depth and I was having trouble knowing what to say or do to ease my nerves.
When we arrived at the restaurant, Sam ran over to my side of the car and opened the door with a grin like a true gentleman. I kind of wish he’d just treat me like a friend, not a date, but I wasn’t going to hurt his feelings again—although I really hoped he wasn’t getting the wrong idea.
The Italian restaurant was one of the newer ones in town, and it boasted an authentic menu. They advertised an extensive wine list, and I was eager for a glass to help soothe the unease that was just below the surface, waiting to rear its ugly head at any moment. The lobby was very swanky and the garlicky smells were to die for. As the hostess led us to a private table in the corner, I glanced around the room, noticing that there were few patrons this evening. For some reason, it gave me an eerie feeling. I really had to get out more.
Once seated, the server brought us some bread and filled our wine glasses with the house wine. After we were alone again, Sam finally decided to speak. “Lia, thank you for agreeing to have dinner with me. I already feel like I know so much about you”—he paused—“but I can’t wait to learn more,” he rushed quickly.
“Uh, me too,” I replied, not really sure what else to say.
Yep. Social imbecile.
“I know you said we’d just have dinner as friends, but I can’t help but feel a connection between us. It’s like we’ve known each other for so long. You’re so beautiful that, sometimes, I have a hard time looking at your perfect face.”
Um, okay. Maybe I’m not the only social imbecile at this table.
Things were just about as weird as they could be at the moment.
Before I could form a response, Sam grabbed my hand and brought it to his lips. I tried not to jerk my hand away, but my responses to this sort of thing were second nature at this point in my life. As I quickly yanked my hand back, suppressing a frown, I realized that I’d upset him.
Again.
Damn, I really needed to quit doing that. His expression was almost unreadable, but I could sense that he was angry with me.
I decided to let it all out at once. “Sam, I’m sorry. I told you I don’t date. This is all new to me. I thought we were coming here as friends, so you can imagine my surprise with the way you are behaving. You brought me roses, you opened all the doors for me, and now, you’re kissing my hand. I really don’t want to give you the wrong idea, but I am in no way interested in forming any kind of relationship other than friendship. I’m sorry if I’ve hurt you.”
I thought this might bring clarity to our dinner, but instead, he angrily slammed his fist on the table, causing the glasses to slosh their contents and me to nearly jump out of my skin. He took a deep breath before pinning me with his glare. The muscles in his neck were tightening and untightening as he clenched his jaw together.
“Lia, I have waited three long years for this night. I expect you to respect me enough to not insult me as you’ve just done. Now, we’re going to enjoy this dinner and that’s the end of that,” he replied coolly as he proceeded to butter his bread as if he hadn’t just attempted to scare the crap out of me.
What in the world is wrong with this guy?
I grabbed my wine glass with a trembling hand and emptied its contents in one swift gulp, fighting the tears that were forming in my eyes.
“Excuse me. I need to go to the ladies’ room,” I whispered, not making eye contact with Sam. He nodded as I stood, but before I could get past him, he grabbed my hand again, this time rather roughly so I couldn’t pull it away.
“Lia, don’t be long. I don’t want to have to come after you,” he spoke calmly as I shivered. Then he released me and went back to buttering his bread.
With that, I slung my purse over my shoulder and tried to appear composed as I made my way to the restrooms.