Learning to Love You

5. Double Dinner Date

The steakhouse hummed with the chatter of diners, the clinking of silverware, and the sizzle of steaks grilling on open flames. Ava sat at the table with Stacy, Jeremy, and Nathan, her discomfort palpable as she shifted in her seat, exchanging glances with Nathan. Despite Ava's subtle attempts to dissuade Nathan from joining them, he had insisted on being there, introducing himself as her boyfriend to her friends against her wishes.

Ava's frustration simmered beneath the surface as she exchanged glimpses of annoyance and anger with Nathan. Stabbing her cutlery into the meat, she began to cut a piece. Dipping the bite in the Tarragon sauce, she began to chew. She had agreed to work with him on a case, but she hadn't signed up for him to intrude into her personal life, risking her job and her friendships in the process. Ava had already enlightened him about her conversation with Marcus. But he claimed that even if she ignored him, her job would still be at stake if Marcus was found guilty. Ava wanted to exclude herself from the case, but now that Ava was aware of his identity, Nathan would not let her go until Marcus was excused or found guilty.

Stacy, oblivious to the underlying tension, chattered away excitedly about her latest dance performance, her enthusiasm failing to lighten the mood. No one could tell that she had been dancing her ass off an hour ago. Jeremy, ever perceptive, picked up on the strained atmosphere, his gaze flicking between Ava and Nathan with growing concern. Nathan paused eating and placed his fork on the plate lightly.

As Nathan leaned in to whisper something in Ava's ear, she stiffened, her jaw clenched with resentment, and her senses filled with his musky, woody scent. She had no desire to engage in idle conversation with him, to pretend that everything was fine when it wasn't. She stopped midway, taking another bite as he spoke.

"Think before you walk away from me next time."

As he leaned back, Ava stared at him coldly. Was he an investigator or a

blackmailer? Ava creased her eyebrows and pouted. As she swallowed her food, she noticed Stacy looking at them in her peripheral vision. Ava sipped her red wine, smiled at Nathan flirtatiously, and leaned towards him. When their faces were mere inches away, she looked him directly in the eyes and spoke in a hushed tone, only for him to hear.

"Game on, James."

She noticed Nathan's gaze lowering to her lips and then, returning to her eyes. Ava smirked and sat back in her seat, sipping from her glass. Stacy cleared her throat to gain their attention.

"Look at those lovebirds!" Stacy began. "I guess you guys are giving this a go then?"

Ava pretended to blush as she covered her face with a hand. Fixing her hair, she entwined her hand with Nathan's as she placed their hands on the table. Nathan gave her an annoyed look as he was about to bring the fork to his mouth but had to place his food back. His hand felt warm and enveloped nicely around hers. But Ava chose to shrug the thought away. Looking at Nathan with anticipation, she faked a smile.

"Why don't you tell them about your job, James?"

Stacy's eyes sparkled with curiosity, and Jeremy stared at the two with interest. Nathan pursed his lips as he squeezed Ava's hand hard. Ava bit her lip and suppressed a laugh. Two can play this game. Nathan cleared his throat and shifted his gaze towards Stacy.

"I am a copywriter."

He paused before continuing.

"So, you can guess that I can be very persuasive."

Nathan flashed an annoyingly charming smile, his eyes meeting Ava's with

determination. "I was returning from a business meeting with a client when I met Ava on a flight," he explained, his voice smooth as silk. "Ava