His Sweet Reward Read online

  I turn to ask the woman taking us to our table to transfer the bill from the bar to our table, but I run right into a suited wall of chest. I’m regretting the yoga pants at the moment, but I’m sure I’ll be happy about them when I clean my plate.

  “That can be arranged,” his deep voice rumbles against me, and although I know I should step back, I don’t. I lean my head all the way back to look up at him. He makes no move to put space between us and if anything he plants his feet so he can’t.

  “You shouldn’t walk so close to people. I could have tripped.” I tilt my chin up higher. My stepmom does that when she thinks she’s right and it always makes me super mad.

  Crap. I should wait until after we order to be rude. If he ditches me now I won’t get my food. He stares down at me and his eyebrows pull together. I’m guessing he’s wondering why I’m on this date in an oversized hoodie and yoga pants, but I don’t care.

  “I’ll get your chair.” He pulls out the chair at the table next to us, not moving his body an inch from mine.

  “Ah, thanks.” I have to slide past him so I can sit down. “I mean, you should.”

  His lips twitch as he pulls out the chair next to mine and sits catty corner to me instead of across.

  “Aren't you supposed to sit there?” I point to the other chair.

  The hostess’s eyes bounce back and forth between us. They are wide and I can tell she’s waiting for his reaction. I’m guessing she knows him and he comes here a lot with his dates. If he’s a dick, why would she be falling all over him?

  “I sit where I like.” He holds his hand out for the menu without taking his eyes off me. She hands it to him quickly and he passes it to me before taking one for himself. I openly roll my eyes at him thinking this is all just a big show.

  “Clark is your server tonight. He'll be right with you,” the hostess says, giving Dash a giant smile. One he doesn't see because he’s staring at me.

  I try not to fidget in my seat under his gaze. I look down at my menu to get away from his stare, but then he reaches over and opens it for me. Oh my god. I was staring at the front of it, pretending to do what? Read the name of the restaurant over and over again? Wake up, Brooklyn!

  “I was trying to see what kind of script that was on the front. It’s pretty.” I flip it back to the front of the menu as I again pretend to look at it.

  “Would you like me to ask the owner?” I can tell from his voice he is fighting a laugh. I don’t look to see if I’m right because I know my face is already three shades of red.

  “Nope.” I flip it back open and actually read over what they have as I fight my embarrassment. I don’t think he’s buying it, and why do I even care? I’m here for free food and that’s it. Oh, and to be mean as payback for the girls.

  “I’m Dash,” he says, and I look up to see he’s holding his hand out.

  “Well, I hope so. That’s who my date is with.” I look back down at my menu, not taking his hand.

  It’s not that I’m trying to be rude, even though I am, but it’s really because I’m scared to touch him. I’m already acting like a weirdo and turning into one of those guys who sees a pretty girl and they can’t even talk. Actually, that’s kind of adorable when I think about it.

  When I peek up at him, I see he’s lowered his hand but now he’s smiling at me. Why is he smiling? Am I not being rude enough? My friends might be right about me not being mean. I’ll have to step it up a notch.

  “Have you been on a lot of dates on the app?” He asks when I don’t say anything else.

  I shrug. Not as many as him, I’m sure, since he’s gone out with all of my friends. That helps cool some of my attraction, until the next time I look at him and it’s there all over again.

  “I hate dating, to be honest.” His tone is light. Is he trying to make small talk?

  “You wouldn’t know it,” I mumble. He gives me a confused look but I’m saved by the server bringing me another glass of the same wine I’d had at the bar. I didn’t order another but I’ll take it.

  “How are you doing this evening, Mr. Belmont?” the server asks.

  “I’m good,” he answers as the server puts down a drink in front of him too. He really must come here a lot. “Eyes on me, Clark.” The server looks away from me and back to Dash.

  “Bring out a few appetizers while my girl here looks over the menu.” Did he call me his girl? I shake my head.

  “No, I know what I want.” I looked over the menu before Dash got here. “I mean, bring the apps but I’m having the filet Oscar style with a loaded baked potato.” I close my menu and hand it to the server. “Cooked medium rare please.” I wonder if they can make a dessert to go. I saw a dessert cart wheel through the lobby when I walked in.

  “You know what I’ll have,” Dash says and hands over his menu.

  I don’t know why, but it bugs me that he brings all his dates to the same place. I don’t understand—if he hates dating so much, why do it? I’d ask him but I’m trying to be rude so I’m not doing small talk. I reach into my purse and pull out my phone to text the girls an update. I can feel his eyes on me the whole time as I fire off one text after another.

  “Is something wrong?” he says, and I look up from my phone. Suddenly it starts going off like crazy in my hand.

  “Checking some stuff.” His chiseled jaw flexes and I can see I’m getting to him. I look back at my phone and continue to text the group chat about what’s going on.

  Cherry: He’s trying to get some.

  Blair: Damn, he’s talking?!

  Harlow: Yep! Totally trying to get laid.

  Me: Wait. Did any of you sleep with him?

  A bunch of nos come through with reminders of how they all ditched him.

  “Are you sure everything is okay?” he asks again, staring at my phone. “Are you checking the dating app? Do you have another date after this one?” His nose flares.

  “Depends on how this one goes,” I say dryly, then pick up my wine and take a long sip. “Are you picking up the tab? I saw creme brûlée on the dessert tray.”

  By the way his eyes widen, I wonder if maybe I went too far.

  Chapter Four

  Dash

  For the first time since I can remember, and maybe ever, a woman has knocked me speechless.

  The way she keeps playing on her phone is not only annoying, but it’s making me jealous of a piece of technology. Why is she giving it her complete focus instead of me? What did I do wrong?

  Flashes of me sitting in this very same restaurant with other women hit me like a jolt of electricity. Me on my phone ignoring them completely, and then me getting up and walking out without so much as a backwards glance. Jesus, could she potentially do this to me?

  The second I saw her, something was different and now I’m beginning to second-guess every decision I make. Should I try and push for more conversation, or should I just let her talk? Do I tell them to bring the dessert cart around now, or does she want to wait? Doubt is something I’m not familiar with and I don’t fucking like it.

  Every time I see her tuck her dark hair behind her ear, I ache to be the one to do it. The delicate movement of her fingers as she texts on her phone makes we wonder what that would feel like on my chest. The way she bites her bottom lip when she’s self-conscious is driving me crazy and if she doesn’t turn those big brown eyes on me in the next two seconds, I’m going to flip this table over.

  My blood boils the longer she taps on her phone and sips her wine like I’m not even here. If this is the game she wants to play then she’s going to be upset, because I won’t take a gamble. Not when I’ve finally found her.

  “Put your phone down,” I say, my voice low and laced with an order.

  She looks up and raises an eyebrow at me. “Excuse me?”

  I lean close and speak in a punctuated sentence so she doesn't miss it this time. “I said. Put. Your. Phone. Down.” Her mouth closes and she audibly swallows as she lowers her phone to the table. When I l
ook up, the waiter is standing close by and I point to him. “You, we’re taking our food to go.”

  I push away from the table and he runs off quickly; I assume it’s to do as I’ve told him.

  “Wait, what’s happening?” She looks at me and I hold my hand out.

  “You’re coming with me.”

  “B-but…wait.” She looks around the crowded restaurant and I’m sure there are people watching, but I don’t give a shit.

  I grab her phone and lean in close to her. “You are going to get your cute ass up and come on a real date with me. We’re going to start over, and you’re going to like it.”

  She stares at me with wide eyes as I swipe open her phone and see the group text she was on going crazy. I sigh as I type out my message.

  Me: This is Dash Belmont and this is my number. I’m taking Brooklyn to dinner, and then I’m bringing her home at midnight. I’m sharing her location and mine too. She’s going to be with me until I bring her home and then she can respond to you. Until then, have a good night.

  I turn her phone on silent and tuck it into my pocket with my own cell.

  “Get up.” I hold out my hand once again and she blinks a few times. “Now.”

  With that one word she pops out of her chair like she sat on a porcupine and slips her small hand in mine. Without a word I pull her behind me as I make my way through the now-silent restaurant. No doubt we put on quite the show for them, but I’m hoping everyone got a look at the stunning woman on my arm. Now they’ll all remember she’s with me, and that puts a smile on my face.

  My driver is by the curb, and when he sees me he comes running around to the side of the car. I hold my hand up and shake him off.

  “We’re going to walk,” I say as I nod back to the restaurant. “The food should be out in just a second. Get the creme brûlée and meet us in the park.” I look over at Brooklyn and then back to the driver. “Near the zoo.”

  “Will do, sir.” He nods as he goes into the restaurant and I tighten my grip on Brooklyn’s hand.

  “Are your feet okay in those shoes?” I look down at the little flats and think about just carrying her.

  “I’m literally in yoga pants and flats. I think I can manage a stroll through the park.” She tries to tug her hand from mine, but I end up entwining our fingers so she can’t.

  “I’m afraid you’re going to run.” I look over at her and smile as we cross the street and walk down to the next block where the park entrance is.

  “You’re probably right. I don’t even know you,” I hear her huff as I slow my pace next to her.

  “It looked like you did from that group chat.” She brushes her hair out of her face and I can see the blush on her cheeks.

  “Oh, um, that was nothing.”

  “Hmm.” I decide not to dig too deep on that response. “Is Brooklyn what everyone calls you?”

  “Yeah, and you’re Dash.” She fights a smile and looks away as we walk into the park.

  “What’s your favorite animal?” I nod toward the park and she smiles, but this time she doesn’t try to hide it.

  “Definitely the sloths.”

  “Because they like to sleep?” I chuckle, and she nods.

  “They are just so chill. They like being cozy and I really respect that.”

  “I can tell.” I look over at her sweatshirt and raise an eyebrow.

  “Oh, so yeah, about that—”

  “I wish I would have worn one.”

  “Really? You don’t strike me as the sweats and chill kind of guy.”

  The sun shines through the canopy of trees and I see streaks of auburn in her dark hair. “I wear a suit for the office, but I hate it.”

  “That doesn't sound like fun. Why work somewhere doing something you hate?”

  “Family obligation?” I shrug as we walk a little farther down the path. “But I do know that as soon as I get these last few things settled I’m stepping back.”

  “For someone else to take over?” She looks up at me and there’s genuine curiosity in her eyes.

  “No, I think I’m ready for it to become something else.” I squeeze her hand. “Tell me about you. Do you get to be cozy all day?”

  Now it’s her turn to laugh as we walk over to a bench and take a seat. I don’t let go of her hand as I turn my body to face her as she talks.

  “I’m a kindergarten teacher, so yeah, I guess I get to have fun most of the time.”

  “Do you like kids?” I try not to think about the implications of her answer, but instead enjoy just being next to her.

  “I love them.” She blushes as she looks down at our joined hands and then quickly away. “I don’t think we’re supposed to talk about this on a first date, but yeah, I love babies and children. It’s the reason I became a teacher.”

  “We can talk about whatever we want on a first date.” I reach over and brush a stray hair out of her face and place it behind her ear. “What do you like most about being a teacher?”

  “Feeling like I’m making a difference in the world.” She shrugs. “Seeing the kindness in my kids helps me see kindness in others. And they see the world through innocent eyes.”

  “I like that.”

  I ask her question after question about her work and where she went to school. She talks excitedly about certain kids in her class and funny things that have happened to her. There is a fire inside of her that makes me feel warm. She has a passion for life that I’ve yet to taste and the longer I sit with her, the fuller I feel. I didn’t know how hungry I was until she stepped in front of me, and suddenly I feel starved for it all. For her touch, her smile, her words.

  The sound of someone walking up to us startles me and I realize I’ve forgotten the time. My driver is here carrying a picnic basket over one arm and a blanket over the other.

  “Arrangements have been made, sir.” He nods as I take the things from him and he walks away.

  Once again I grab Brooklyn’s hand, but this time I ask instead of demand. “Shall we?”

  “Can we go into the zoo? I think it’s already closed.”

  I wink at her as I tug on her hand and we walk toward the entrance. There’s a young woman in a khaki uniform waiting for us as we approach.

  “Mr. Belmont?” she asks, and I nod. “Welcome, where would you like to dine this evening?”

  I look at Brooklyn and then smile. “How about in front of the sloths?”

  “Perfect, right this way.”

  Brooklyn leans in close to me as the park worker goes ahead of us.

  “Are we seriously allowed to do this?” she whispers, but I can feel her excitement.

  “Your wish is my command.” I let go of her hand and wrap my arm around her waist so she stays at my side.

  When we get to the sloth enclosure I see that an area has been set up close by for us to use. I let go of Brooklyn as I spread out the blanket on the grassy lawn and place the picnic basket down on top of it. We take a seat on the blanket, and when she looks up she gasps.

  “What?” I look around like maybe she sat on something sharp.

  “I see them!” she squeals and then covers her mouth quickly. “Oh god, I didn’t mean to scare them.”

  I laugh as I watch her eyes widen in both excitement and pleasure. The park attendant comes over and places a battery-powered lantern on our blanket for us.

  “These are our sloths Mango and Rocky. Normally sloths don’t have mated life pairs, but these two were rescued from the wild together and brought to us for medical treatment. We’ve tried to introduce other females to Rocky, but he’s only got eyes for Mango.” Brooklyn makes a little soft sound like she’s loving this story. “Every time we brought in another female, Rocky threw a fit. We are a sanctuary for these animals while they rehabilitate and we hope one day to be able to release them back into their natural habitat.”

  “Thank you,” I say to the attendant, and she nods.

  “Have a good evening and take your time. I’m here for the night on the prope
rty and I’ll see on the cameras when you exit. Enjoy.”

  I open up the basket of food and start laying it out on the blanket between us.

  “I have a confession,” Brooklyn says.

  “Have you decided not to run away?” I tease and she laughs.

  “I thought this date was going to be terrible. But you’ve somehow proven me wrong.”

  I lean in and smile as she bites her lip. “I hope to keep proving you wrong.”

  With those words I close the distance between us and give her a quick kiss. Her lips are so damn soft and warm against mine and I don’t want to stop. I force myself to sit back and not rush this. It’s not enough but it will do for now.

  That one kiss was enough to whet my appetite. As I’ve already discovered, when it comes to Brooklyn, I’m starved.

  Chapter Five

  Brooklyn

  I lick my lips as he brings another bite of creme brûlée to my mouth. For the first time in my life I hate the dessert because it takes away the taste of him. The kiss was over too fast but I’ll never forget his flavor.

  “I think we’re supposed to eat dessert last.” I open my mouth for him to give me another bite.

  “We can do whatever we want.” This time he steals a bite for himself.

  That seems pretty apparent after being inside of a closed zoo. They’re treating Dash like he’s the owner.

  This cannot be the same man my friends all went on dates with. There is no way. He’s charming in the most aggressive way, which I didn't know was a thing until now. Clearly I’m into it, because here I am with a missing phone and letting the thief spoon-feed me dessert.

  “Isn't that how they do it in France?” He gives me the last bite.

  “I don’t know, but I’ve always wanted to go there.” Charlotte went after graduation, but I'm pretty sure the only reason she got her degree was because Dad gave the school a giant check.