Chapter 57
A date?
Veronica’s POV
“Orthon!” I stood up immediately. “I didn’t expect to see you here.”
“Why?” He smirked. “Did you ban me from coming here? Afraid you wouldn’t be able to concentrate?”
“You just got here and you’re already teasing me,” I snickered. “How is
randpa?”
That’s one of the reasons I came here,” he said and my breath hitched. “Don’t panic yet. I wouldn’t be here teasing you if it was bad news, would 1?”
A little relief washed through me.
“Carter got released today and I know it was your Father’s doing so I am here to thank you. I know without you, he wouldn’t have lifted a finger to help Carter…” he said.
“Don’t say that. Even if I wasn’t there, my father would do it because of
say that. Even if I wasn’t there, my you. You are like a son to him,” I stated.
“Don’t me modest, Vee. You’re not going to die if you just accept my gratitude. Grandfather is slowly recovering. I’m sure he will be a lot better when he sees Carter,” he told me.
A big smile broke out of my face.
“I am grateful I could help.”
E
“So… are you busy now?” he asked.
“Why?”
“Yes or no would have been an easier answer but I’ll tell you. I want to take you to lunch,” he said. “So, may I?”
I hesitated, my heart skipping a beat at his sudden proposal. Orthon had always been charming, but he rarely expressed himself so directly.
“Lunch?” I repeated, trying to keep my voice steady.
“Yes, lunch,” he said with an easy grin. “Unless you have other plans. In which case, I’ll have to settle for being disappointed.”
I couldn’t help but laugh softly. “Quite the gentle man, huh?”
“What can I say?” he smirked, leaning against the doorframe with a playful glint in his eyes.
I glanced at the stack of papers on my desk. There was work to be done, of course, but the thought of spending time with Orthon was far more appealing. Besides, it had been days since I allowed myself to relax.
“Fine,” I said, standing up and grabbing my coat. “But don’t think this means I’ve forgiven you for barging in unannounced.”
“I wouldn’t dream of it,” he said, offering his arm.
I rolled my eyes but took it, letting him lead me out of the room.
The restaurant he chose was cozy and surprisingly cheap. It didn’t look like the style of the rich and classy but the food was amazing and definitely worth it!
“You know, I half–expected you to take me somewhere overly luxurious to show off,” I teased as we settled into our seats.
Chapter 57
He smirked, his eyes gleaming with mischief. “Where’s the fun in being predictable? Besides, I wanted you to feel comfortable, not suffocated.”
I couldn’t argue with that. As the waiter poured our drinks, I studied Orthon, nothing the way he seemed more relaxed than usual.
“So,” I said, breaking the silence. “What’s really on your mind? You don’t usually invite me out for casual lunches.”
“Right, usually they’re dates which you pretend to be unaware of,” he noted and I laughed.
“Is that what this is? A date?” I asked and he shook his head.
“No, sweetheart. But if I wanted you on a date, it wouldn’t be what you are expecting. I’m more of the ice–cream date kind of guy. I want something where we can both have fun, not sit in one place and pretend to be fancy,” he said. “Lila a car–drive or something…”
“So I’m not fancy, point noted.”
“If you didn’t pull out the least important thing in everything I just said, you wouldn’t be Veronica,” he sighed and I couldn’t even contain my giggling.
“I promise you, I have no idea of what you’re talking about.”
“Brilliant liar, Vee,” he snorted. “Are you free this weekend?”
“Why?”
“You should really go back to middle school. I don’t think you were thought the basics of answering a question,” he said with a feigned frown. “I want to take you somewhere, I thought that was obvious.”
“Would it be way past my bedtime? My baby needs lots of rest, remember?” I shrugged. The idea excited me but he didn’t need to know
j
that
“You know I keep forgetting you’re pregnant,” he chuckled. “Don’t worry, I’ll book us a room.”
My eyes widened and for a second, he stared at me with a puzzled expression.
“What is wrong with you? You were the one who said you needed to go to bed early or we could just come… fuck, wait… you don’t think…” he paused and my face went bright red.
He burst into laughter. “Oh my God, Vee! You have a very wild imagination.”
I felt even more embarrassed and I couldn’t even look him in the eye. I forced a forkful of food into my mouth.
Orthon’s laughter echoed across the cozy restaurant, drawing a few curious glances from nearby diners. I glared at him, my face burning.
“Will you stop laughing?” I hissed, shoving another forkful of food into my mouth to keep myself from saying something regrettable.
He wiped an imaginary tear from his eye, still chuckling. “I can’t help it, Vee. That was priceless. You really thought…”
“Don’t you dare finish that sentence,” I interrupted, pointing my fork at him like a weapon.
“Fine, fine,” he said, raising his hands in surrender, though his grin didn’t falter. “I’ll behave… for now.
I rolled my eyes and focused on my plate, willing the embarrassment to fade. But Orthon’s amused gaze was hard to ignore, and I could feel the heat creeping back into my cheeks.
Chapter 57
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“So,” I said after a long moment, desperate to change the subject, “what’s this mysterious plan of yours for the weekend?”
He leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. “It’s a surprise.”
I raised an eyebrow. “You know I hate surprises.”
“Which is exactly why I’m not telling you,” he said with a wink. “Trust me, you’ll love it.”
“Trusting you is a lot to ask,” I muttered, but a small smile tugged at my lips despite myself.
“You wound me, Vee,” he said dramatically, clutching his chest as though
I’d shot him.
“Good,” I replied, smirking. “Keeps you on your toes.”
The rest of lunch was pleasant with slight banter and there and I found myself wishing it wasn’t coming to an end.
Unfortunately it did and we had to get back to our lives.
“Thanks for this,” I said softly, glancing at Orthon.
He smiled, his expression unusually sincere. “Anytime, Vee. You deserve it.”
I didn’t know how to respond to that, so I settled for a small nod.
“Now,” he said, breaking the moment, “let me walk you back. I’m not risking your wrath if you end up overexerting yourself.”
I laughed. “Wise choice. You’ve clearly learned how to survive me.
“It’s a skill,” he said with a grin, offering me his arm again.
57
As we walked, I couldn’t help but think about how different Orthon was when we were alone like this. He was such a a charming tease and it was so easy to forget everything else when I was with him.
And as much as I hated to admit it, I didn’t mind the idea of spending more time with him. Even if it meant enduring his endless teasing.
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