Page 33 of The Date

There’s one small complication, though … Bronson.

There’s definitely something happening between us. The lingering looks, the tension, and the way my stomach flips whenever he gets too close. I’m fighting it with everything I have. I love my new job, and I don’t want to do anything that might jeopardise it.

Violet leans down, grabs her bag off the floor and stands. “You’re not leaving already, are you, Vi?” Callum asks with a frown. “You’re my ride home.”

“I’m going to the ladies, not like that’s any of your business.”

He chuckles and winks as he picks up his beer and takes a swig. I think he enjoys stirring her.

I reach for my own bag. “I’ll come with you,” I offer.

Violet hooks her arm through mine as we round the table, and I can feel Bronson’s eyes following me the entire way.

After I do my business, I meet Violet at the basin. While I wash my hands, she digs around in her bag, pulling out her lipstick along with a piece of pink paper. She unfolds it, then frowns.

I glance over and see it’s a short note.

Roses are red, violets are blue,

Why can’t you see what’s right in front of you?

“How the hell did that get in there?” she mumbles under her breath.

“Sounds like someone has a secret admirer,” I say.

“Or a stalker.”

“Do you find notes in your bag often?” I ask.

“No, never.”

“That’s weird then.”

She carefully refolds it and slips it into the front pocket of her cute designer handbag; the colour matches her shoes perfectly. Then she pops the lid off her bright red lipstick, glides it over her lips, and presses them together to spread the colour evenly.

She clearly has a thing for handbags and shoes. I’ve lost count of the different designs and colours I’ve seen her carrying and wearing since I started working for her brother’s company.

“For now, I think I’ll choose to go with the secret admirer option,” Violet says.

I smile. “Probably a wise choice.”

“Although if another note turns up, I’m changing my mind.”

It’s just the four of us now, Spencer and Delilah left half an hour ago.

Violet glances at Callum as he finishes the last of his beer. “Ready to go?” she asks.

He places the empty bottle on the tabletop and nods. “Yep.”

I watch them gather their things, suddenly acutely aware that I’m about to be left alone with Bronson, which feels like dangerous territory. I reach for my bag and pull out my phone. It’s late, and taking an Uber is a much better option than public transport.

“What are you doing?” Bronson asks.

“Ordering my ride home,” I answer.

“We can give Rose a lift,” Violet offers, but I see Callum nudge her the moment the words leave her mouth.

“I’ll take her,” Bronson replies quickly. “It’s on my way.”