Chapter 178
Olivia
The building turned out to be an exclusive restaurant. A host greeted Alexander by name and led us through a dimly lit interior to a private terrace. A single table waited, surrounded by twinkling fairy lights and potted olive trees.
“Mr. Carter, your table is ready as requested.”
“Thank you, Miguel.” Alexander pulled out my chair.
As I sat, the full impact of the view hit me. The entire city of Los Angeles lay before us, a sea of lights stretching to the horizon.
“Alexander, this is…” I trailed off, searching for the right word.
“Too much?” He settled across from me, his features softened in the candlelight.
“Breathtaking,” I finished. “How did you even find this place?”
“My grandfather brought me here when I turned eighteen. It was his way of showing me what could be mine someday.” He gazed out at the view, something wistful in his expression. “The restaurant has changed hands several times, but I keep a standing reservation.”
“Just in case you need to impress someone?” I teased.
his eyes intense. “Just
I could respond,
he said, placing them on the table with practiced elegance. “He hopes you’ll
dancing across my
Pérignon Rosé. One of my favorites.” Alexander’s eyes never
Alexander. Marketing executives
bring all your dates to secret restaurants perched on
“What makes you think I
the clouds looking down at Los Angeles like gods on
devious plan. Next, I’ll have the violinist appear and play
“We have a song?”
His eyes sparkled with mischief.
that looked like it belonged in
god,” I moaned after the first bite. “I
Alexander teased, his
dare. You’d miss my
eyebrows shot up. “Now that would be
courses, each paired with a different wine. The chef appeared briefly to explain each creation; terms like “yuzu emulsion” and “truffle soil” floated past my comprehension as I focused more on Alexander’s reactions than
stem of my wine glass, “most people
His tone was serious, as if he’d immediately call for dough and cheese if I
I gestured at
Alexander suggested we
small trail that leads to an even better
Without hesitation, Alexander removed his jacket and draped it over my shoulders. The warmth of his body
“Better?” he asked.
The jacket smelled like him, expensive cologne with underlying notes of
stone path illuminated by small lights embedded in the ground. His hand rested at the small of my back, guiding me around corners until we
“Oh wow,” I breathed.
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