Thanks so much for the reviews... They keep me going and sometimes give me some extra ideas so keep 'em coming! :) A short chapter tonight but hope you enjoy it none the less!
CHAPTER 8
CC followed a step behind McMann as he entered into the quaint but exclusive, new, French restaurant. Usually men would let her lead.
Well... Niles would, she thought.
She liked the confidence she had when it looked to other people as if she were in control. Even when she was feeling especially self-conscious and vulnerable.
McMann led them to a table in a secluded corner of the room, where a fire was sizzling and offering heat to the slight chill of the restaurant. She hoped the warmth would make her feel more at home with this man. She wasn't yet convinced that there would be any chemistry between them.
Give it a chance, CC! When last has a man been this interested in you?! She thought to herself.
When Nanny Fine had reminded her that McMann had decided to back their show for so much money just for her, she hadn't let the money convince her he'd be a good match. If she was being honest with herself, she was impressed that any man could like her that much and show it with such a grand gesture.
Of course, Niles thought the man's wealth was what pushed her into it but how could she go against the persona that Butler Boy had created for her? He'd know his zingers would no longer work and she'd secretly hate for the barbs to stop.
A waiter pulled out her chair for her as McMann removed his own coat and sat in a booth-type seat opposite her. CC sat and looked around.
"I've never been here before. The decor is stunning!" She said.
"I'm glad you're impressed. I was worried you'd been to every exclusive restaurant in New York." He replied absentmindedly, scanning his menu.
CC eyed him. She wasn't sure if that was a compliment at her breeding or a snipe remark at her spoiled lifestyle. Whichever it was, she didn't like the comment for reasons she couldn't quite pinpoint. So she said nothing.
The waiter arrived once more, this time offering his name, bread for the table and a review of the chef's specials for the day.
CC was about to order a drink when Damon cut in and ordered for her.
"The lady and I will be having brandy," he said.
"Um," CC smiled, confusion written across her face, "brandy?" She asked. The waiter stopped from walking away and looked at her, ready to change her order.
"You know what they say. Brandy makes you randy!" He winked at her and laughed. She laughed too at his sudden brazenness.
His confidence that they would hit it off that well amused her and gave her some confidence in herself at the same time. It had been so long. At least she knew he wasn't with her for her money. An equal playing ground made her feel more at ease. And made her feel more wanted on a personal and physical level.
"Brandy will be fine," she said to the waiter with a smirk. McMann grinned at her and moved his leg toward hers, slowly grazing his calf along hers.
She looked up at him but his eyes were on his menu once more. She decided she liked the physical contact. In any case, Niles always said she never got any action on her dates. This one seemed to be going somewhere, and fast.