The Secret Billionaire

Chapter 7

ERIS

"Eris? Are you still there?"
"Yes, sorry, I never had anyone ask me such a straight-up question,"
"You don't have to answer,"
"I can't say I am, but I wouldn't mind being open about it," He stayed quiet for a few minutes. Did I say the wrong thing?
"Would you like to have dinner with me tonight?"
"Oh, Uhm yeah, sure, I would love to. Where? I'll meet you there,"
"You don't sound convinced,"
"Of course, I'm sure!" My heart started racing. Stop yelling into the phone. "Where are we meeting up?"
"It's a private restaurant. It's quite far from here. How about I go pick you up?"
"I'll meet you outside your building. It's not far from mine. I don't mind,"
He sighed, but I hoped he understood why I didn't want him to know where I lived.
"I have to go. I'll text you the details later,"
"Yeah, sure,"
He hung up before I could say bye. It was a little weird, but maybe his boss showed up. I have a date tonight. I did a little happy dance on the couch.

~

Nathan said it was a semi-formal restaurant. It was good that he told me because I was about to wear jeans. Just imagine. I showed up to this date in jeans. How embarrassing. I got a text from him saying he was almost done. That was my cue to go if I wanted to be there before he was.
I checked myself in the mirror one more time before heading out. Don't worry. It'll be okay. I put my coat on as I tried not to fall down the stairs and crossed the street carefully. I got to the front of the building just as he walked out. He was wearing a nice button-up and slacks. He looked excellent. My heart started racing as he walked over to me.
"You look amazing," I blurted out. He laughed and called for his car.
"Thank you, you look stunning as well," His voice was so hypnotic.
I felt my cheeks warm up and looked at the car heading towards us. I needed to distract myself from him. I was expecting someone to get off the driver's seat, but Nathan opened the back door for me.
I thanked him before stepping into the car, and he sat right next to me. Luxurious vehicle and personal driver? This job of his must be fantastic.
"I might've asked the boss for a favor in lending me this car," He leaned over and whispered.
"Are you trying to impress me?" I turned over to look at him, and our faces were so close to each other.
"Is it working?" He said, almost in a whisper. Oh, it's working.
He looked down at my lips and didn't say anything. He looked out the window, and the rest of the drive was silent. It was a short ride, but it was a far walk.
Once we arrived at the restaurant, he stepped out and helped me out of the car. He grabbed my hand and led me in. There was a reservation for us already, and they took us to a table upstairs.
It was a private balcony with one table and dim lights. They took our drink orders and gave us menus as soon as we sat down. I looked at the prices, and my eyes widened.
"Don't worry about the pricing,"
Crap, I think he saw my reaction. Keep it together.
"No, it's fine, I'll pay for half of the dinner," I didn't take my eyes off the menu. I was trying to find something within a reasonable price.
"Eris," He grabbed my hand, and I looked up at him. "Don't worry about it,"
I smiled and nodded. They took our orders, and I took time to admire the place.
"It's beautiful," I said.
"Yes, it is," I turned to see that he was smiling at me.
"I have never been to a place this fancy before,"
"The food is spectacular. Trust me. You are going to love it,"
They brought us our food, and it smelled amazing. As soon as I tasted the food, it was like a party was going on in my taste buds. I had to stop myself from moaning from how amazing it tasted.
"So, you said you were interested in starting a relationship with me, but you were looking comfortable with that ex-boyfriend of yours at the club,"
Shit, I didn't want to bring him up. I cleaned my mouth and smiled.
"I had too much to drink," I laughed nervously. "How did you get into the club? I know it's new, and it was hard to get in," drink water and stay calm.
"My boss invited me. It's his club,"
I almost spit out my water when he said that.
"Who is your boss?"
"You're on a date with me and asking about my boss?" He chuckled. I quickly shook my head, and he waved it off. "My boss is a very reserved man. Which is why I take care of most of the in-person meetings,"
"You have a secret boss?"
"Basically," He shrugged, "He keeps to himself,"
"Do you?" I took the last bite of my delicious meal and looked up at him. "Earlier, you said you only give your number to important people,"
He finished his meal as well and had someone take our plates.
"Yes, I have worked with him for years. I learned that it was better to be lonely than to be friends with people who will let you down or leave you,"
My heart felt warm. I smiled and blinked away the few tears that formed in my eyes.
"I was just telling myself that a couple of days ago." I played with the napkin on my lap. "And are you? Lonely,"
"No, as I applied that rule to my life, I learned who were acquaintances and who were my real friends,"
Wow. He is an entirely different person from what I thought. The way he talks is different from the way he presents himself. I didn't expect him to be all unicorns and rainbows because I'm pretty sure his job is tough.
"I hope I am not scaring you away,"
"No,"
He smiled and grabbed my hand.
"Eris, we have lived near each other for who knows how long. I knew I had to have you when I laid eyes on you at that coffee shop. I can tell you're a very kind and amazing person,"
The warmth of his hand on mine was like electric sparks. His smile was sincere, but his eyes were saying something else. I couldn't make out what it was. It was similar to the look Darius gave me at the beginning of our relationship. Am I ready to get into a relationship again?