Built to Last: A Grumpy Sunshine Romcom (Riverbend Romance Book 1) by C.G. Murray
Author:C.G. Murray [Murray, C.G.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-08-21T00:00:00+00:00
The table Phillip booked is at an upscale Italian restaurant I have never been to before. Gold accents adorn the walls and bright white tablecloths blanket the tables like the first snow of winter. The portly host wears a sharp suit and tie, greeting us with a wide smile before leading us to a quiet corner table, and Phillip pulls out my chair for me before the host has a chance to. Maybe he is a gentleman after allâjust one with a secretly filthy side I hope to make the most of later.
Nobody I dated in the past ever pulled out my chair for me. It wasnât something I thought I needed from a man, I was perfectly capable of pulling out my own chair and holding my own doors, but now Phillip is treating me to his old-school manners I find myself singing a different tune. Itâs another layer to his charm and I enjoy basking in the glow of his attention.
Weâve just been presented with drink menus, and as I look up to thank the waiter I spot a man I never wanted to see again, let alone while on a first date, walking towards us. My stomach drops like Iâm on a rollercoaster, taking my appetite with it. If this moment were a ride Iâd be screaming for someone to let me get off. My heart beats frantically as brown eyes meet mine, a smug smile transforming what would otherwise be a handsome face.
âRose, Iâm surprised to see you here.â
Phillipâs head snaps up from his drink menu, questioning eyes looking between me and the stranger at our table.
âMalcolm.â I greet him with a curt bob of my head. In my peripheral I notice Phillipâs posture stiffen at the name, his grip on the menu tightening.
âThis is Angelica.â Iâve been so distracted by Malcolmâs presence that I only notice heâs not alone when he introduces me to the stunning woman standing just behind him. Sheâs short with voluptuous curves and deep-brown, tightly coiled curls that frame her face perfectly.
âNice to meet you.â I smile at her politely. Itâs not her fault Malcolmâs an irredeemable arsehole. Before she can respond Malcolm dominates the conversation again and her brown eyes dart to him in annoyance.
âAnd whoâs this?â He sneers at Phillip, making me bristle with irritation.
âPhillip.â The man in question does not offer Malcolm his hand to shake, choosing instead to fix him with a hard look.
âInteresting. Mother mentioned running into you just the other week and told me you werenât seeing anyone.â
âItâs new,â I grit out through clenched teeth.
âAh, I see.â He smiles smugly and I notice Angelica frowning as she looks between the two of us. âDid you know Rose fancies herself an artist?â
âShe is an artist,â Phillip states blankly.
âOh, come on Rose, tell the man the truth. You canât start a relationship based on lies,â he tells me with a condescending smile that makes me want to throat-punch him. Discreetly, I practice making a fist under the
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