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.
have your
that made something warm unfurl in
me. “So, CEO, are you
“Emilia!” I hissed, mortified.
“I’m taking Olivia home so she can change out of her stained clothes. After that, it’s entirely
to her.”
nodded approvingly. “I
1/4
waitress returned polite
“Ready?” he asked me.
“Let me just say goodbye
and Ariana had moved back to our table, watching the exchange
quick hugs. “Thanks for a fun night,
part,” Claire laughed. “Your boyfriend swooping
I stopped myself, remembering our arrangement.
whispered, making me roll my eyes.
us later,” Emilia said, following us toward the door. “Details
“Not happening,” I replied.
the crowded bar. Alexander guided
us out,
home,”
my boyfriend Jake is
I asked, feeling
“Go get
nodded. “If
are,” Ariana said with a wink. “Take good care of our
passenger door of his sleek black car. The leather seat welcomed me as I slid in, careful not to let
see my friends huddled together, whispering and giggling like teenagers.
said as he slid
ridiculous,” I muttered, but couldn’t help smiling.
purred to life, and we pulled away from the curb. I watched my friends waving in the side mirror until they disappeared
“I’m
that.”
his eyes fixed on the road. “They had no right to approach
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