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 all—just 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 wasn’t 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. It’s another layer to his charm and I enjoy basking in the glow of his attention.

We’ve 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 I’m on a rollercoaster, taking my appetite with it. If this moment were a ride I’d 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.

“Rose, I’m surprised to see you here.”

Phillip’s head snaps up from his drink menu, questioning eyes looking between me and the stranger at our table.

“Malcolm.” I greet him with a curt bob of my head. In my peripheral I notice Phillip’s posture stiffen at the name, his grip on the menu tightening.

“This is Angelica.” I’ve been so distracted by Malcolm’s presence that I only notice he’s not alone when he introduces me to the stunning woman standing just behind him. She’s short with voluptuous curves and deep-brown, tightly coiled curls that frame her face perfectly.

“Nice to meet you.” I smile at her politely. It’s not her fault Malcolm’s an irredeemable arsehole. Before she can respond Malcolm dominates the conversation again and her brown eyes dart to him in annoyance.

“And who’s this?” He sneers at Phillip, making me bristle with irritation.

“Phillip.” The man in question does not offer Malcolm his hand to shake, choosing instead to fix him with a hard look.

“Interesting. Mother mentioned running into you just the other week and told me you weren’t seeing anyone.”

“It’s new,” I grit out through clenched teeth.

“Ah, I see.” He smiles smugly and I notice Angelica frowning as she looks between the two of us. “Did you know Rose fancies herself an artist?”

“She is an artist,” Phillip states blankly.

“Oh, come on Rose, tell the man the truth. You can’t start a relationship based on lies,” 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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