Chapter 70
Olivia
“That would be nice,” I said, ignoring the triumphant look on Emilia’s face. “Let me just settle our tab first.”
Alexander placed his hand on the small of my back. “I’ve got it.”
“No, really, I can pay,” I protested, reaching for my purse.
“Olivia.” His voice was firm but gentle. “I interrupted your evening. Let me take care of it.”
I hesitated, not wanting to seem like I was taking advantage of his wealth, especially after Madison and Stella’s accusations. “It’s just a few drinks.”
“Exactly,” he said with a small smile. “A minor expense.”
“For you, maybe,” I muttered.
Alexander leaned closer, his breath warm against my ear. “Let me do this.”
“Fine,” I relented. “But I’m paying next time.”
His eyes sparkled with amusement. “Next time?”
I flushed, realizing what I’d implied. “I mean, if there is a next time. With my friends. Not that you’d want to-”
“I’d love to join you and your friends again,” he said, cutting off my rambling. “They seem… protective.”
“That’s one word for it,” I said, glancing at Emilia, who was watching our interaction with unabashed interest.
Alexander signaled the waitress, who practically sprinted over. I’d like to close out their tab.”
“Right away, Mr. Carter,” she said, clearly recognizing him.
“Add a hundred percent tip,” he added.
The waitress’s eyes widened. “Yes, sir. Thank you, sir.”
As she hurried away, I raised an eyebrow at him. “Show–off.”
“Generous,” he corrected.
you have your
that made something warm unfurl in my chest.
me. “So, CEO, are you whisking our girl away
“Emilia!” I hissed, mortified.
beat. “I’m taking Olivia home so she can change out of her stained clothes. After that, it’s entirely
to her.”
Emilia nodded approvingly. “I like him,
1/4
waitress returned
“Ready?” he asked me.
nodded, grabbing my purse. “Let me just
to our table, watching the exchange with
I told them, leaning in for quick
part,” Claire laughed. “Your
I stopped myself, remembering our
Ariana whispered, making me roll
following us
“Not happening,” I replied.
relief from the crowded bar. Alexander guided me toward a
Ariana followed us out, huddling together against the evening
your friends a ride home,” Alexander
boyfriend Jake is already
asked, feeling
Claire insisted. “Go get
“If you’re
a wink. “Take good
door of his sleek black car. The leather seat welcomed me as I slid in, careful not to
side. Through the window, I could see my friends huddled together,
friends seem nice,” Alexander said as he
muttered, but couldn’t help smiling. “But yes, they’re
the curb. I watched my friends waving
“I’m
that.”
his eyes fixed on the road. “They had no right to approach you
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