The Billionaire's Promise (BDSM Erotic Romance) (His Submissive, Part Eight) by Ava Claire Read Free Book Online

favorite restaurants in the city," I said with a wink. "And I asked if casual was okay."
    "Sure, but I had no idea that this was what you meant," he said, eyeing the room skeptically.
    "It's got character!"
    "Not the word I'd use."
    The hostess spun to face us and when she saw Jacob, her whole demeanor changed from her usual clipped, ‘I’ve got much better things to do’ attitude. “How may I help you ?”
    So apparently she was capable of acknowledging a person’s existence--if that person was male, gorgeous, and significantly overdressed for the cantina fare Lucy’s served.
    I ignored the slight and scanned the room until I saw Megan. “Our friend already got us a table.” I breezed past the pouting woman, Jacob at my side and completely oblivious to the fact that he was drawing every female eye in the place.
    “Friend?” Jacob repeat ed, his deep voice edged with wariness. “You didn’t tell me someone would be joining us.”
    “She’s very important to me, Jacob--and this meeting is long overdue.”
    Whispers hissed around us as the diners realized Jacob wasn’t just a sexy guy in a suit and tie. Megan looked up from the menu, her olive eyes registering us before she gave a wave. Cameras were already flashing by the time I made it to the table and leaned in to hug her before beginning the introductions.
    “Megan, this is Jacob.”
    She held out her hand, regarding him slowly before quirking her lips into a smile. “I was starting think I wouldn’t meet you until you two walked down the aisle.”
    Jacob gave her a hand a hearty shake and from the smile teasing his lips, I could already tell he liked her. “And what if we decided to elope?”
    She didn’t blink. “I would have met you when I boarded your fancy jet on the way to some exotic locale. Leila and I have been plannin g our fictional weddings since freshman year and while our themes and grooms have changed, we’re always standing by each other’s side.”
    Jacob glanced at me, his eyes warm. “Leila’s lucky to have you.”
    “I am,” I said, still blushing furiously at the shout-out to PJ clad nights with some Lifetime movie on in the background and a pint of Ben and Jerry’s between us as we talked about how lavish our dream weddings would be. “So we should probably order drinks--”
    “I’d love to hear more about Leila’s dream wedding,” Jacob interjected. “For research purposes.”
    I tried to send Megan a silent plea, but she ignored it, tilting her head and drumming her fingertips o n her chin, lost in thought. “She had a couple of mainstays--married at the beach and married in the country.”
    Jacob’ hand found my thigh beneath the table and he stroked the inner seam, making me tingle around his touch. “Beach, huh?” The way his voice strummed the words, I could almost imagine myself on some private oasis, sand beneath my feet as the sea breeze whipped my dress around me. The sultry heat would glisten on my warm skin as I made my way to him, standing beneath the stars. But that was the only appealing part of my hypothetical ceremony. The rest was the teeth-rottingly sweet musings of a girl who watched way too many romantic movies.
    “Ti ki torches,” Megan continued, recounting my beach fantasy. “A crapton of them, lining the aisle. And the rose petals would decorate the runner and flutter across her massive train--”
    “A train?” Jacob said with a look of surprise. “I wouldn’t have guessed Leila was a tr ain kind of bride.”
    “That’s because I’m not!” I said , my cheeks red-hot with embarrassment.
    “News to me,” Megan said playfully , not letting up. “I seemed to remember that was on your must list. Along with a peony tiara and a full veil made of French silk tulle. And no ‘Here comes The Bride’ for Lay,” she added, shaking her head firmly. “She wants a ukulele to pluck out Etta James.”
    I’ve never been so happy to see a waiter in all my life. We ordered a round of drinks