Chapter 38

FREYA

Mr. Warren welcomed us as we entered the restaurant. Connor said, "Table for two," in a tone that was somewhere between a request and an order. The manager eagerly nodded.

"Please, this way."

Connor stepped back and slightly turned toward me. "After you."

Offering a tentative smile, I followed the manager to our table. The restaurant was very fancy, and I felt seriously underdressed. As soon as we were seated, a waiter arrived.

"Would you like to place a drink order?"

His eyes flickered nervously between us. Connor looked at me expectantly. I shrugged, leaving the decision to him.

"Bring us a bottle of your best red wine and the menu," Connor said.

"Right away." The waiter disappeared quickly, seeming relieved to leave. I was certain his nervousness stemmed from Connor Knight. Judging by the manager's and waiter's demeanor, people were clearly nervous around him. That meant

"You're a regular here," I said impulsively.

He considered me for a moment before leaning back. "The food is good here."

After a few seconds of silence, I broke the quiet.

"So, you wanted to talk business?"

He stared again—he did that a lot—but his gaze didn't bother me. It did, however, make me self-conscious, as if he were trying to read me.

"Let's order first," he said.

Exhaling, I leaned back. "Well, I'm not too hungry."

"It's lunchtime. The seared scallops here are delicious."

Suddenly, I felt a little hungry. And who doesn't like good scallops?

I decided to try them.

He smiled—a charming smile with dangerous potential. The waiter returned with the wine, and we ordered our food.

Once we were alone, he said, "As you already know, I own Inks and Pages."

"I've been going there since childhood," I replied, picking up my wineglass and taking a sip. The rich wine was delicious; I realized I'd been missing out.

"No, I recently acquired it," he said nonchalantly, as if buying a renowned bookstore chain was nothing special.

I blinked. "Oh, okay."

"I plan to remodel some of the city stores and add cafes."

"A bookstore-cafe? That sounds amazing!" I exclaimed. It would be a booklover's paradise, especially for longtime Inks and Pages customers.

He set down his glass. "That's where you come in. I'm offering you a partnership."

I was stunned. He wanted me to be involved with the cafe aspect. I wondered if this was a prank, but no—on my way here, I'd discreetly Googled him and confirmed he owned Inks and Pages.

I leaned forward in my seat. "I don't know it's huge. Are you sure?"

He rubbed his jaw. "I never do anything I'm not sure about. I liked your work at Meringue. You're good at it."

"Gee, thanks, Dad?" I couldn't help myself. His tone was familiar; he wasn't usually good at giving compliments.

He smiled again, dramatically placing a hand on his chest. "Forgive my lack of appreciation skills."

Smiling, I looked away, just as our waiter arrived with our food. The aroma was mouthwatering. "God, this smells delicious!"

"It tastes as good," Connor stated, taking a bite.

I took a bite, almost moaning with pleasure.

"Yeah, it's good," I said. "Good" was an understatement. I knew I'd be back, even if it strained my finances.

After a few minutes, he asked, "And what's your decision?"

I took a sip of wine. "Well, I can't say no to such a big opportunity." I'd be a fool to refuse. I was financially stable enough to consider expanding, and this collaboration would bring huge exposure for my cafe.

"Great. We'll start with one store, then the rest." His plan made sense: if one remodel worked, the others would follow.

"Perhaps you can come to my office this week. I'll have the paperwork ready."

"Sounds good." I clinked glasses with him.

I never expected a new business venture when this incredibly handsome man wanted to talk to me. It was one of those days.

"This is really exciting! A bookstore-cafe is so close to heaven!"

He looked up from his plate and stared. "It is."

"Yeah, so many people are going to love this."

Connor's eyes glinted; he seemed distant. I had the feeling he had ulterior motives for this venture and cared little for the general public. Whatever. I had no idea how corporations worked, and I wasn't interested in learning.

I ate a few more bites, then realized I needed to speak to avoid awkward silence.

"You said you own Inks and Pages, among other things. What else?"

He seemed surprised I'd picked up on that. "Real estate."

"Ah."

"Do you have a family?"

I was surprised; I'd thought he wasn't interested in small talk. I considered his question. Family

"I have a daughter. She's—" My brows furrowed in confusion as Aiden strode to our table.

He was in his business attire from that morning. I remembered Erica's words—they had a lunch meeting. They were here, in this very restaurant!

I stood, looking past Aiden's shoulder until I found Erica. A familiar sour taste filled my mouth; the excitement I'd felt moments ago vanished.

"Am I interrupting?" Aiden's cold voice cut through the air. He looked angry, his eyes fixed on my face.

"No worries, Knight. We were just finishing up."

I'd forgotten Connor was there, silently observing. I shifted my gaze to him; he was standing, too.

"Mr. Warren and you know each other?" That wasn't unlikely, given their similar circles.

"Acquaintances," Aiden replied curtly. Very polite!

Connor gently touched my arm. "Please, it's just Connor."

Aiden's eyes burned where Connor's hand had touched me. If I'd had more wine, I would have assumed it was jealousy.

Aiden glared at Connor. "Warren," he gritted, displeasure radiating from him. Connor seemed unfazed; a slight amusement played on his lips as he dropped his hand.

"We're leaving. Come on," Aiden said, ordering me.

I frowned. "What? I'm in the middle of something."

"Oh, no, it's fine. We can talk later. In fact, we will, when you come by later."

I sensed Aiden's continued displeasure. His eyes held a dangerous glint. Connor didn't look threatened, at least not judging by the smirk on his lips. The men stared silently at each other, and I had no idea what the conflict was about.

"Uh, can you ask for the bill?"

Connor smiled charmingly. "Don't worry about that. I brought you to lunch. It's only fair I pay."

Before I could protest, Aiden put a hand on my back and guided me out.

"Thank you, Connor," I said over my shoulder.

"The pleasure's mine," Connor's amused voice followed me as Aiden led me out.