"No..." Eliza's voice trailed off as she blinked at him, caught off guard by the personal question. A faint flush rose to her cheeks as she regained her composure, adopting a formal tone. "Why are you asking me, sir?"
Dexter's expression softened, and a hint of warmth crept into his eyes. "I owe you a debt of gratitude, Miss Tanner. You saved my life, and I never properly thanked you. I thought I'd like to make it up to you... over lunch."
Eliza inhaled silently, forcing a polite smile. "Sir, you don't have to treat me to lunch. I would have helped anyone that day. And you also saved me that night. So, we're even."
She glanced at Dexter, expecting a reaction, but his expression remained unreadable. After a moment, he flashed a charming smile.
"Okay, I understand. I just wanted to show my gratitude. I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable, Miss Tanner."
Eliza felt trapped, unable to decline without appearing impolite. "No, Sir, your gratitude is more than enough for me," she said politely. "Please feel free to send me the date and venue, and I'll make sure to be available."
"Dexter's eyes locked onto hers, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "What about today? Do you have any appointments?"
"No, sir," Eliza replied.
-----
Dexter Driver pulled up to a renowned garden restaurant, and Eliza's eyes widened as she stepped out of the vehicle. The garden was a kaleidoscope of colors, with vibrant flowers swaying gently in the breeze. Their lunch table, beautifully set amidst the lush greenery, caught her attention.
Eliza paused for a moment, mesmerized by the stunning floral display. The vibrant blooms seemed to dance in the sunlight, filling the air with their sweet fragrance. She couldn't help but be captivated by the serene beauty of the garden.
Eliza joined Dexter at the table, where a staff member promptly pulled out a chair for her. "Thank you," she murmured in appreciation.
A chef arrived, pushing a cart laden with culinary delights. "What would you like to have?" Dexter inquired, handing Eliza the menu.
She sneaked a glance at the chef, impressed by the personalized service. The power and influence Dexter wielded were evident, she thought.
After selecting a simple yet appealing course, Eliza placed her order. Dexter opted for the same dish.
As the food was arranged on the table, Eliza's discomfort grew. She couldn't help but feel out of place, aware that Dexter came from a wealthy and influential family. The luxurious restaurant, with its exquisite decor and impeccable service, was far removed from her usual dining experiences. Eliza's nerves began to flutter, and she fidgeted slightly, unsure of how to navigate this unfamiliar world.
An awkward silence fell between them, with neither daring to break the stillness. Dexter snuck a glance at Eliza, and was surprised to see her devouring her food with gusto.
Having endured numerous blind dates orchestrated by his mother, Dexter was accustomed to women attempting to impress him by picking at their meals and exhibiting coy behavior. Eliza's hearty appetite was a refreshing change, and he found himself intrigued by her unpretentious nature.
The silence was finally broken when Eliza spoke up, "May I ask something?" Dexter looked up from pouring wine into his glass, his expression inviting. "Of course," he replied.
Eliza's curiosity got the better of her. "Will you be directly overseeing the Bay project?" she asked, her eyes narrowing slightly.
Dexter's gaze met hers, and he could sense the underlying reason for her question. As the CEO, it was unusual for him to be involved in a relatively small project like the Bay project. "Yes," he replied, his tone neutral, but his eyes sparkling with interest.
Eliza hesitated to ask any more questions and hastily finished her meal. All she wanted now was to bid him farewell.
After the meal, Eliza bid Dexter farewell. As he watched from his car, she hailed a cab and slipped inside. Dexter's gaze lingered on her retreating figure, his mind whirling with intrigue. Eliza was not only a beautiful young woman but also Natalie's best friend – and the same person who had coincidentally fainted in front of his car earlier. The coincidence was striking, and Dexter's curiosity was piqued.
------
As soon as Eliza walked into her home, she collapsed onto her bed, exhausted. Just as she was about to drift off to sleep, the doorbell rang. With a tired sigh, Eliza got up to answer it. To her surprise, Natalie stood on her doorstep, beaming with a bright smile.
Natalie was relentless in her persuasion, finally convincing Eliza to join her at the club. Eliza wasn't exactly the clubbing type, but Natalie was determined to get her to let loose and have fun.
As they arrived at the club, Eliza spotted Natalie's cousin, Damon, and their other friends. It didn't take long for her to realize Natalie's ulterior motive – to set her up with Damon. Natalie's subtle push encouraged Eliza to take the seat beside him.
Just as Eliza was starting to feel uneasy, a voice cut through the music, "Natalie, who's she?" The question hung in the air, and all eyes turned to Eliza.