Love By Happenstance

Prologue

*A/N* 
Hey guys, I'm back. I recently asked what you guys would like to see from me next and everyone that responded said they wanted to see a new one of our guys. Well, here it is. I've changed their names but will make sure you all will be able to distinguish between them. I hope you all will enjoy it and please, let me know what you think.

Retying his tie for the fifth time, Lanier blows out a frustrated breath as he pulls it from around his neck and tosses it on the bed. He has no idea why he let himself be talked into going to this dinner anyway. No, that's a lie. He readily agreed to the dinner because he wants to spend time with his dad and he loves to eat but he really didn't want to meet his father's friend or his daughter. He has a feeling that his father and his friend are trying their hand at matchmaking. So here he is, getting ready for a dinner that he agreed to because he wants to please his father. Taking a deep breath, Lanier picks up the tie and puts it on. Putting on his suit jacket, his watch, and one of his favorite rings, Lanier grabs his wallet, phone, and keys before going downstairs. As he's leaving the house, he sets the alarm and goes to his car. Getting in, he cranks it up and exits his driveway, heading to the restaurant. Turning onto the main highway from his neighborhood, Lanier let the balmy breeze flowing through the windows to caress his face as the idea of this dinner turned over in his mind. He felt that his father has an ulterior motive for inviting him out but he was eager to spend time with him getting to know him better so he decides to let it go and just enjoy it.

Twenty minutes later he exits the car and enters the restaurant handing the valet his keys. Stepping inside, he's greeted by the maitre' d and immediately taken to the table. He greets his father and they chat for a few minutes until the waiter comes to take their drink order. Lanier lets his gaze travel around the restaurant and what he sees is amazing. Pendant chandeliers and lights hang throughout the restaurant showcasing the marble-topped tables and plush coral-colored chairs as well as the booth-style seating along two of the restaurant's walls. He notices that each table is adorned with artsy plants in small gold-necked bottles. But the most impressive feature is the tree-shaped metal trellis wrapped in faux flowers in the center of the restaurant. While waiting for the waiter to return with their drinks, Lanier and his father, Laurence, are discussing work when Lanier notices a young woman and an older gentleman approaching their table. 

Laurence nudges Lanier and nods toward the two. They reach the table and the two men greet each other before the introductions are made by Laurence. "Son, I'd like to introduce you to one of my oldest and dearest friends, Beckett Francois, and his lovely daughter and my goddaughter, Legacy. Beckett and Legacy, my son, Lanier Nelson Bourgeois." Handshakes were exchanged and everyone took their seats. The waiter came over carrying the bucket containing the champagne Laurence previously ordered, sitting it on the table. Laurence gave a brief nod to Lanier who picks up the champagne and opens the bottle, pouring each of them a glass. Sitting the bottle down, he watches as his father raises his glass, proceeding to make a toast. "To dear friends, old and new and possibly more. Cheers." He glances between Lanier and Legacy before taking a sip and it's at this moment that Lanier realizes that his suspicions were correct. As the two fathers converse, Lanier leans over to Legacy and whispers, "Well, this is awkward. I'm sorry about this, I had no idea what my father was up to. Did you know about this?" 

Legacy picks up her glass, taking a sip as she studies Lanier's face. Sitting her glass down, Legacy smiles as she says, "I did but I did it to humor my father and I get a free meal out of it so I figured, why not." A look of understanding passes between the two of them and Lanier visibly relaxes. They begin to converse like two old friends and are getting along charmingly when something, or someone, catches Lanier's eye. As he's laughing at something Legacy said, his attention is drawn to the maitre' d podium. A most beautiful man is standing there talking to the maitre' d as he scans the restaurant. Lanier can't seem to look away and when their eyes lock, he feels flutters in his tummy and an odd pull towards him. Keeping his eyes on the man, Lanier lifts his glass to his lips and takes a sip. With his eyes still on the man, Lanier sets his glass down and licks his lips seductively. In the next second, he watches as the man makes his way to the table.