He led me toward the building's entrance. In a hushed voice, I asked, "Is that man still inside?" I had no desire to see him again, nor did I want another confrontation.
"No, he was escorted to the meeting he was scheduled to have," Callum replied as he opened the front doors for me, allowing me to step inside. I mumbled a small thank you as we reentered the lobby.
He began walking in the direction of the elevators, and I followed closely behind, clutching my notebook and bag tightly, determined not to drop them again. We entered the elevator, and Callum pressed the button for the basement floor, likely the garage area of the building.
"No driver today? " I inquired, curious about his absence of a chauffeur.
"No. Believe it or not, Gianna, I can actually drive and quite enjoy it most of the time," he smirked down at me, then turned his attention back to the elevator doors as they opened on the ground floor. I surveyed the garage, noticing an array of fancy cars and vehicles.
They were all impressive, even to someone like me who knew little about cars, except for the fact that they were undoubtedly fancy and expensive.
He led us to a sleek gray sports car parked in a reserved corner spot, with the word 'CEO' inscribed on the pavement. I smirked at that, the privilege of a wealthy upbringing.
Callum unlocked the car doors, allowing me to climb into the luxurious, expensive vehicle. The interior was adorned with the finest leather, and the console resembled that of a modern spaceship. It was truly remarkable.
"How about dinner? I'm hungry, and I'm sure you are too. We can discuss everything over a meal," he proposed after starting the car, turning to face me. I couldn't help but notice the limited space in this small, expensive car, making his proximity feel much closer than expected. His eyes scanned my face, awaiting my response.
I should probably decline, but I genuinely wanted answers, and my stomach was growling.
"Okay," I relented. He smiled in response, fastening his seatbelt and checking that I had mine on before putting the car in drive and heading for the exit.
"Do you have any preferences for where to eat?" he inquired while keeping one hand firmly on the steering wheel and the other gripping the gear shift.
Had his hands always been that large? And why was I finding that so attractive? His long, slender fingers and wide palm clutching the shift sent a wave of heat through me. I was utterly captivated.
"Gianna?" he prompted again, turning his head ever so slightly to catch my eye. My cheeks blazed with embarrassment at my silence.
"No, anywhere you'd like is fine," I managed to reply, shifting in my seat, pressing my legs together, and leaning against the door as I turned my head to watch the passing scenery.
"Alright, Italian it is," he decided, smiling and turning his attention back to the road as he headed to the Italian restaurant he had in mind.
We arrived in no time, and he got out of the car, handing the key to the valet before proceeding to open my door for me. He extended a hand, which I gratefully accepted, using it to help myself out of the car. His hand fell to the small of my back, and goosebumps erupted on my skin at his touch.
Approaching the restaurant's entrance, he held the door open for us and guided me to the front desk. An older man and a young woman were behind the counter, the woman occupied with taking a reservation over the phone, and the older man looking up to greet us as we approached. He smiled at me and then turned his attention to Callum, also smiling, but with an undercurrent of surprise when he recognised who stood before him.
"Mr. Black, to what do we owe the honour?" the man asked with a slightly nervous voice, but a wide smile nonetheless.
"Just a table for two, please," Callum requested.