Chapter 15
“You look stunning.” Elijah seems to lose his ability to speak for a moment. I tuck a strand of hair behind my ear. “I hope I’m not too dressed up,” I mumble, glancing at the floor and feeling bashful under Elijah’s gaze.
“You look incredible. It’s exactly right. You’re perfect,” Elijah says, biting his lip and staring down.
Lucas dusts off his hands as if brushing away invisible crumbs. “Well, that wraps up my job. Enjoy yourselves!” He makes his exit, slipping past both Elijah and me as he leaves the apartment.
“Would you like to come in for a second? I still need to put on my shoes,” I offer, moving aside so Elijah
can walk in.
He gives a nod and steps inside. Even as I turn away, I can sense his eyes following me. I head to my closet and slide on a pair of black, strappy sandals. I grab a cardigan, just in case it gets chilly. When I turn around, I catch Elijah still watching me.
“So, what’s the agenda for tonight?” I ask.
With a sly grin, Elijah replies, “That’s a secret.”
I arch my eyebrows. “You’re not planning to murder me or anything, are you?”
Raising his hands in mock surrender, Elijah says, “Oh, you figured it out. My master plan was to save your life just so I could lure you into a date and finish you off myself.”
I laugh at that. “And yet, I’m still going with you. Your eyes must be casting some kind of spell on me.”
Elijah smiles, clearly pleased. “I’m glad I have that effect.” He takes my hand before I can say anything else. “Come on. Let’s get going.”
He leads me out of my apartment and over to his car. We buckle our seatbelts, and he starts driving. I gaze out the window, trying to guess our destination, but we drive into a part of town that’s unfamiliar
to me.
When we finally stop, we’ve arrived at a restaurant that looks far fancier than any place I’ve been before. The sun is just beginning to set, while strings of lights outside are already sparkling. Rich red curtains hang from the awnings, and men dressed in red and gold vests stand by the entrance.
Elijah gets out first and hurries around to open my door. Normally, I don’t wait for anyone to do that, but I sit frozen for a moment. He extends his hand, and after a moment’s hesitation, I take it.
This feels overwhelming; the thought of the prices alone makes me anxious. I step out, watching as Elijah passes his keys to the valet. Then, turning toward me, he offers his arm. I loop my hand through his elbow as we head inside together.
The restaurant’s interior is even more luxurious than its exterior. Elegant crystal chandeliers hang from the ceilings, and every table is covered with a pristine white cloth.
When we approach the hostess stand, Elijah gives her his name. She immediately begins guiding us toward a table. Elijah pulls out my chair for me as she lights the candle in the center.
“I’m Scarlett. Your server will be with you shortly, but if you require anything at all, please don’t hesitate to let me know.” She rests her hand on Elijah’s arm and flashes him a smile. The gesture makes my
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chest tighten uncomfortably.
Elijah returns her smile politely. “Thank you.” Scarlett lingers for a moment, then passes us the menus and leaves. Now Elijah’s focus is entirely on me. “Is this your first time dining here?”
I shake my head. “I don’t usually eat out, especially at places like this.” I scan the menu, anxiety creeping in. The least expensive option is a salad priced at thirty-five dollars. My throat tightens; that’s almost my whole grocery allowance.
Elijah’s eyes are on me, attentive. “Are you alright?”
I nod, unwilling to confess the truth. I don’t know if Elijah plans to cover the bill. He seems like someon e who would pay on a first date, though I’m not comfortable letting someone else pay for me at the
start.
There are too many strings attached, and I want to show I can stand on my own. When I glance up, Eli jah is frowning.
“Did I do something wrong?” His concern appears genuine.
Seeing his worried face, my heart aches. I shake my head. “It’s not you. It’s just this place-it’s so elegant and expensive. I feel out of place, and it’s not within my means.” Embarrassed, I drop my gaze to my lap.
Elijah reaches across the table and extends his hand. “I’m not expecting you to pay, and honestly, you fit in here better than I do. Please try not to let it bother you.”
I take his hand, feeling tentative. “Thank you, but I’m used to handling my own expenses. I know you’re being thoughtful, but I’m not accustomed to this. I’m sorry things got awkward.” Frustration tightens my chest; this evening was supposed to be enjoyable.
Elijah gives my hand a reassuring squeeze. “You haven’t ruined anything. I should have considered your situation. I just wanted you to have a special experience, maybe I went overboard. How about we make a compromise?”
I finally meet his eyes again. There’s no disappointment there-only warmth and a gentle smile. “A compromise?”
“I’ll cover dinner, and afterward, we’ll go wherever you choose for dessert-and you can treat us then. Would that work for you?”
I blink a few times, weighing his suggestion. It won’t completely balance things, but it does make me feel better and lets the night continue. “That sounds good. I can do that.”
“And don’t just go for the least expensive thing,” Elijah adds, raising his eyebrows at me.
It’s as if he can see right through my thoughts.
“Alright, just make sure you save some room for dessert.” I release Elijah’s hand, suddenly feeling infinitely lighter.
Elijah lets out a laugh. “Careful what you wish for.”
