Mr. Berkshire (Book 1 in the For Better Or Worst Trilogy)

Chapter 36

     The next night, outside of one of the most fancy restaurants in Seattle, Canlis, I wait for James to make an appearance. It's strange to think that i'm going on a date with James, but i'm still waiting for the day that I can have an actual date with Roman. A small part of me is worried this will ruin my chances with him. One way or another, this information will get back to him. I just hope i'm the one who tells him. However, a larger part of me needed answers and would do anything to get them. Standing there, the icy breeze brushing over my naked skin, i'm starting to regret wearing the mid thigh light blue satin dress. What if I over dressed? Between the dangly diamond earrings, light blue high heels, and the half up half down do, I wonder if I might have done a little too much. I don't want to send him the wrong idea. This date is purely informative, not romantic.

     Minutes later, James rounds the corner down the street and walks directly towards me. Once he's close enough, I see he's holding a bouquet of red roses. Well, maybe I was naive.

     "Hello, beautiful." He leans in and lays a peck on my cheek, handing over the roses in the process. "Sorry i'm late. I didn't want to show up empty handed. I know you expect all that southern charm." Hand on my lower back, he leads me to the hostess' station where a red headed woman stands.

      "Mr. Harrison, pleasure to see you again. Don't you look handsome." She gives him a once over, reminding me to do the same. Any woman would feel like they hit the jackpot with him as their date. He's wearing a white on white suit, creating the picture of an angel, but that grin is all the devil. But, instead of feeling lucky, i'm racked with guilt. "With an even more gorgeous date." She flashes me her best smile, grabbing two menus from behind her station. "Your table is ready. The best view in the house." James's hand on my lower back, we follow the woman upstairs to the second floor, around intimate table settings, to a table of our own with a beautiful view of Lake Union. We make ourselves comfortable, or as comfortable as I can be, as the hostess names off the specials. Once she's gone, James opens his arms wide. 

     "So, what do you think? Did I do good?" There's no questioning, this is the classiest place i've ever been to, especially for a date. The scenery is not like anything i've seen before. A place like this isn't cheap. So, I can't help, but wonder why would he put in all this effort? 

     "It's beautiful, but you really didn't have to do all this." My guilt is building. Between betraying Roman and leading James on, the twisting in my stomach is getting worse. A heavy sigh leaves my lips, as I prepare to spill my guts. "Look, I don't want you to get the wrong idea about this meeting." 

     "Date." He corrects, grinning like he's said the funniest thing ever. 

     "Meeting. I said yes to this because I think you know a lot more about Roman than he's willing to share with me. And I have a feeling that you're more than willing to share. I'm sorry if I might have led you on or gave you the wrong idea. I'll pay for half of everything. I just-" 

     Suddenly, he erupts into laughter, shaking his head. "You are funny. Sweetheart, you can't lead me on when we're both playing the same game. I know why we're here. All i'm doing is having a little bit of fun." He lifts my menu, handing it over. "Also, a gentleman never lets a woman pay." 

     "Wait, i'm confused. So, you knew this wouldn't be a date?"

     "Of course. You're all over Berkshire. I can see it in your eyes when you look at him. Can we put business to the side until we order, though?" He's already looking over the menu, while I sit there dumbfounded. What game is he talking about? And what did I get myself into? After ordering, James directs the conversation towards small talk such as the weather, our surroundings, the food. Basically, anything and everything, but what we're supposed to be talking about. 

     Fifteen minutes later, a handsome server with pale skin and warm hazel eyes, places out plates in front of us. Between him and the hostess, i'm wondering if they hire models to work here? Hey, maybe it encourages customers to order more food. Thanking him, I look between our plates with wide eyes. The small portions, between my salad and his lamb, surprise me. I can only imagine how much this all costs, for such a small amount of food. 

     "Wine?" He offers, even though he's already pouring me a glass of the red liquid. "The last time I seen you with alcohol, you were the life of the party." Blushing, embarrassed by the memory, I take the glass. Compared to last time, alcohol consumption will be low. I've proven that i'm a light weight. Won't be making that mistake twice. 

     "Speak of that night, you brought up Amelia. You said if I knew the truth, I would see the real bad guy. Then, you mentioned my attitude and how Roman has a type. What did you mean by all of that?" 

     "You have quite the memory." He pops a piece of lamb in his mouth, chewing much slower than needed. He knows i'm holding onto every word he's about to say and he's gonna make squirm in my seat, until he's ready to share. Maybe I had him all wrong. Following the lamb, he swallowed a large gulp of his wine. Smacking his lips, he released a heavy sigh. "Now, that is good. Have you tried your salad?" 

     "James." My tone is harsher than I'd like, but I don't want to play this game. "I asked you a question."

     Sighing, James dabs at the corner of his lips with his napkin. "You and Berkshire are made for each other. All business. No play." Clearly defeated, he sat up a little straighter. "Berkshire is not this man that the media portrays. He's not this clean cut owner of a publishing company like everyone thinks he is. He has a past that not even those gossip sites can get their hands on." The nervous gut feeling is back. Like on a rollercoaster, my stomach is flipping all around, waiting for the next wild curve ball. "Amelia, his wife, was quite the firecracker. She loved trouble. Attracted to it like a moth to light. Probably why she stepped out on your man so much. Too boring. Back then, he was just a boy. He was too soft for this world. She needed more." He chuckles, taking another piece of lamb between his teeth. "Rumor has it, the kid wasn't even his. Probably why he killed her." 

How do you feel about James? Do you believe him?

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