Don't Love Me

Chapter 6

Kian and I cruised on the expressway, heading toward the restaurant in comfortable silence. Well, calm on the outside, at least. Inside, I was a bundle of tight nerves and raging hormones. He looked so damn good driving, leaning back one hand on the wheel, the other resting on the middle console. His cologne permeated the car, filling my senses and making it impossible to think of anything but him.

After a twenty-minute ride, in which along the way we ended up with his security guards driving a black SUV behind and in front of us, we ended up in downtown San Diego at Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar. I was glad I dressed up as much as I did, as Fleming's was a high-class restaurant. As soon as Kian pulled up for the valet, I started protesting. I said, "Kian, you didn't have to bring me to someplace so expensive." He waved me off with a soft smile and said, "Don't worry about it. I wanted to bring you here, my treat, no complaints." I opened my mouth to do just that, but he leaned over the seat and brought his finger to my lip, saying, "I just said no complaints. Don't worry about it." I rolled my eyes but didn't say anymore.

The valet opened Kian's side of the door and let him out, and when he realized who he was, the guy, who looked to be in his early twenties, geeked out, saying, "Yo, your Kian Harrison! I can't believe it! Everyone here was hyped when you decided to return home and play for the Lakers! Hey, can I get your autograph!?"

At this point, the few people outside who had heard the kid were now trying to crowd the car and Kian. His bodyguards had quickly gotten into position when they had converged. Kian laughed and said, "You got something for me to sign?" The boy ran over to the valet booth, grabbed a piece of paper and pen, and ran back. He said, "My name is Richard." Kian quickly scribbled on the piece of paper, gave the guy a pound, and then signaled to his bodyguards so they surrounded him, keeping the crowd back, which had gotten a lot bigger since he was first spotted.

Kian approached my side of the car and opened the door, helping me out while standing before me. It was wild outside now, with people all screaming his name and taking pictures. He tucked me under his arm, having me face into his chest as his guards led us inside the restaurant.

As we got inside, Kian whispered to one guard, who nodded and walked further into the restaurant while the rest of us stood in the lobby. He turned to me and said, "I'm sorry about that. I hoped no one would recognize me, but that plan was a bust." I laughed softly and said, "It's all right. I'd have been surprised if no one had. You're the talk of the city; everyone was excited to hear you were coming back home." He gave a soft chuckle and said, "Not everyone." I gave him an odd look, but he didn't bother to elaborate. His guard returned along with what I was guessing was the restaurant manager.

He walked over to us and held out his hand. Kian shook it briefly while the man said, "Good evening, Mr. Harrison. I'm Stewart, the manager here. We are thrilled that you decided to dine with us tonight. I've had my staff prepare one of our better tables near the windows. It's quite a view and will afford you some privacy from other guests." Kian said, "Thank you. I appreciate that. Please make sure no one can get close."

Stewart led us towards the back corner of the restaurant, where we attracted stares and whispers from the other diners. His bodyguards covered us discretely, so people trying to get pictures were out of luck, thank goodness. As Stewart said, the table had an excellent view but afforded us some privacy as it was slightly tucked and out of sight. Kian pulled out my chair for me before sitting himself, and after a brief whispered word with his lead bodyguard, the rest of them moved into position out of the way enough for us to not be overheard but still close enough to act and no one would be able to come and disturb us unless it was our waiter.