Let Me Stay The Night

The pair arrived at a nearby restaurant famous for local delicacies. The waiter appeared with the menus, from which Christina ordered several items. Soon after, the table was filled with a myriad of delicious- looking food.

“I didn’t order these. Did you get the wrong table?” Christina asked curiously.

The waiter checked the receipt. “No,” he confirmed. “The last few items were added later on.”

While Christina was in confusion, a series of footsteps sounded ahead before heralding the appearance of a tall, strapping figure. The surrounding atmosphere became stern.

What’s Nathaniel doing here? How did he know I was having lunch here with Sheridan?

Arriving at their table, Nathaniel seated himself casually next to Christina. “Is this your first time here, Mr. Stone? Allow Christina and me to be gracious hosts.”

Although he was wearing a friendly smile, Christina could not help noticing how insidious it looked.

His arrival caused the atmosphere at the table to tense up.

Sheridan was no fool. He knew Nathaniel was staking his claim. “Then let me thank you in advance, Mr. Hadley. I will be sure to take you up on that offer.”

Nathaniel picked up his fork and slipped Christina some cod. “You must be tired after last night,” he said. gently. “Have some protein.”

Christina’s pupils dilated. What is he talking about? Why would he mention what we did yesterday while we were eating? There’s someone else here, for God’s sake!

Her ears turned red. Hanging her head, she continued eating, not daring to make eye contact with Sheridan.

It was not because she cared about what other people thought but because she found it difficult to be frank about that subject.

Having achieved his goal, Nathaniel was satisfied. “How long will you be with us, Mr. Stone? Let me make the arrangements for your accommodation.”

Sheridan knew very well what Nathaniel was suggesting. His expression did not change. “I’ll be heading back after the meal.”

“So soon?” Christina was certain that Nathaniel’s words must have made Sheridan uncomfortable.

realization made her feel

to attend to at work anyway. There’s also the matter of our secret…

Christina chided herself for forgetting

at their easy conversation and the blatant

me sitting right

“I want a glass of freshly squeezed lemonade.” Then, his unfathomable gaze flickered toward

the hell is he on about this time? Sometimes

shin

finally fell silent.

meal, Nathaniel had his driver

driven off. “Was that fun for you, Nathaniel?” she demanded, furious about the way he

about you. Why am I getting yelled at?” Nathaniel did

her eyebrows.

at case while Nathaniel’s only irritates me? He revealed the

loud and clear. I saw what you were up to.” At that, she stood up abruptly without deigning to argue with him

with got into

“Get out.”

car. Besides, why can he get a ride but

glanced at the time and decided she should be getting back as the children would be waking

they were stuck in a jam on their way home.

time and slammed the

As he spoke, Nathaniel played some music and wound down the windows to allow the afternoon breeze in.

the window, Christina massaged her temple and hummed along to the upbeat music. She felt slightly better.

at the passenger seat. The sunlight poured in through the window and onto the side of Nathaniel’s

then, the sudden blare of a honk yanked her out of

the gas when she