Chapter 15
SHANELLE
-Thank you, Liam. And please, don’t call me that in public -I whisper to him as the host hands us the menus and walks away.
-Understood, Miss Shane -Liam replies with a playful smile as he opens the menu and starts looking for what to order.
I look at him because what else can I do? What is all of this about? I don’t understand. I sigh as I glance around.
-This is wrong in so many ways.
-Name one of them?
-Let’s start with my clothes, for example.
-What’s wrong with them? -he asks casually, leaving me baffled.
-Are you kidding? Haven’t you seen the outfit I’m wearing? -he raises an eyebrow while observing me closely.
-The one you deliberately chose to scare me into withdrawing my invitation to dinner tonight? Is that what you mean? -I nod because I don’t dare open my mouth to say what I think – Let me tell you something, you look beautiful to me even dressed in your pajamas and with messy hair. And I know you would look even better without any clothes on and your hair all over my pillow. -I can feel my cheeks heating up.
-Mr. Liam, please behave if you intend to have a decent conversation with me. We are not in the right place to talk about that kind of thing.
-We can always go somewhere more private if that’s what you want. -I’m about to raise my fingers to snap them in the air, but I stop myself.
-No! Just let’s talk about whatever you want to talk about, please.
-Alright. But just to be clear, I don’t care how you dress, I’ll always want to be with you. Always. -A shiver runs down my spine as he emphasizes the last word.
-You’re not a damn crazy stalker, are you?
-Do I seem like one to you? Do you go sleeping with any madman who crosses your path?
-You’re insulting me and I won’t stand for your insults. If we’re going to start this way, I’ll leave. -I’m about to get up, but he grabs my wrist, preventing me from continuing.
-I’m sorry, please sit down and let’s talk calmly.
I sigh.
-Alright, let’s talk.
-Why are you rejecting me now and not before? -the question makes me tear my gaze from the menu on the table and look at him.
-Is that what this is all about? -I reply, searching his gaze for the truth-. Is it that no one has ever rejected you before and that’s why you now decide to “stalk” me?
-If that’s the impression I’m giving you, then let me clarify things. First of all, I’m not stalking you, I’m just trying to date the woman who has captivated me. Secondly, I don’t usually sleep with just any woman who crosses my path; I’m not allowed to either. And third, that brings me back to the first, I’m not stalking any woman; I’m interested in getting to know my partner and having her get to know me in turn.
Because I felt that his words confused me more rather than giving me clear answers. My partner? This leaves me even more confused; it feels like he’s talking about this like an old-fashioned man or that he belongs to some kind of religion… That’s it, the guy belongs to a religion!
-Do you belong to some cult or religion? -Liam looks at me before bursting into genuine laughter, drawing the attention of several diners in the restaurant.
I feel the heat rise up my neck, spreading across my cheeks.
-By the Norse gods, I’ve never really laughed before.
-I’m glad to know you’re having fun. -I say, fixing my gaze on the menu without really reading anything and rather wishing for a portal to open and swallow me.
-It’s not so much that, it’s that out of everything I’m telling you, you’re interested in knowing if I belong to a religion or cult?
-Don’t flatter yourself; I’d like to know what you mean by “partner”. -Liam stops laughing, slowly raises his gaze, and I find his bright blue eyes staring intensely at me.
-Because you are my partner. Let’s talk.
-Alright, then let’s do that. Don’t let me stop you, Mr. Thomas.
-Let’s start by using first names, please. -he says to me, and this time there is no playfulness in his voice; he has switched to serious mode-. First, let’s eat. -Liam raises his fingers and snaps them to call the waiter, who approaches to take our orders-: What will you have?
-Whatever you want, I’m not picky. -If he orders a bunch of vegetables, I’ll leave without regret, without looking back.
-Get us two steaks with rice and mashed potatoes. And a bottle of wine, please.
-Right away. -says the waiter before leaving again. Shortly after, he returns with a bottle of wine and two glasses. It was so quick that we didn’t even have time to say a word. He uncorks the bottle, pours two glasses, hands one to Liam, who tastes it first before giving the waiter the thumbs-up. The man leaves again, leaving us alone.
-What’s wrong with being with me? -Liam breaks the silence, challenging. As I take a sip of wine, his eyes search for an answer in mine.
-Are you seriously asking me that? Forget it, of course. As I mentioned in the parking lot, it’s not that there’s something wrong with you, at least not visibly. You’re a mogul who has given a small design firm the chance to remodel your penthouse, and you’re also considered one of Chicago’s most eligible bachelors. But what would happen if the press found out we were dating? It would be a scandal! They might think I got the job for a reason other than my talent, and my career would be at risk. No one is going to believe that your mother is the one who recommended that place because she is a regular client, with whom I’ve worked several times. No one is going to believe that you don’t usually come to the city. No one is going to believe all the things you want to say. Do you understand what I’m saying?
My cheeks flush as I explain my concern, taking a long sip of wine. Liam looks at me in silence, swirling the glass elegantly as I think about my response. But I know we don’t have a future together, at least not without consequences.
-It doesn’t matter what others think. -he states confidently, defiantly.
-You have nothing to lose, but I do. You understand, right? Our Friday night was wonderful, but that’s it.
-What if I weren’t the millionaire that everyone thinks I am? Would you still go out with me in that case? -he challenges me.
After considering it carefully, I reach a clear conclusion.
-Yes. I would go out with you. You caught my attention the first moment we met. But right now, I’m sorry; we can’t move forward. My career is at stake.
-Thank you for being honest. But let’s forget about that and enjoy the food, alright? -his words confuse me, but I can’t help feeling attracted to him as we eat together.