After Watson left, Allison turned to Joshua and gave him a yful re. "Why do you two always start bickering the second you see each other?"

    Joshua just grinned, that familiar smirk tugging at his lips. "You should ask him. He''s the one who started with the attitude."

    "Enough already," Allison sighed, shaking her head. "You didn''t actually have something to ask me, did you?"

    "Allie, you catch on too quick." His eyes danced with mischief, voice low and irresistibly smooth. "Honestly, I just wanted an excuse to have dinner with you." "Knew it," Allison said, already making her way over to her white McLaren P1.

    Joshua''s smile widened as he watched her go. That car-he''d given it to herst year. After their breakup, he''d said things he regretted, and he knew if he tried to give her a car himself, she''d never ept it. So he''d had Brian do it for him. To this day, Allie had no idea it was from him.

    Since Brooklyn started working for her, Allison brought her everywhere. Brooklyn wasn''t just her bodyguard anymore-she was also her driver.

    As they got closer to the car, Joshua finally noticed Brooklyn behind the wheel. His smile faded. The McLaren only had two seats: Brooklyn driving, Allison in the passenger seat. Where did that leave him?

    Allison nced back at him, a teasing smile on her lips. "Sorry, Mr. Fisher, there''s no room for you. Guess I''ll be going on ahead."

    She was about to get in when Joshua casually leaned against the door, blocking her way. "Let me drive. Tonight, I''ll be your chauffeur and bodyguard."

    "Oh?" Allison raised an eyebrow. "How much do you charge per day, Mr. Fisher?" "On the house."

    Allisonughed. "You know what they say nothing''s more expensive than free. I''m not sure I can afford that."

    Joshua leaned in, closing the distance between them until thei breaths mingled. Their eyes locked, his gaze warm and teasing, voice low and inviting. "Then you name your price."

    Allison was in a good mood and shot back, "Fifty cents. That''s my final offer."

    "Deal." Joshua''s smile was full of amusement.

    He walked around to the other side and tossed his Maybach keys to Brooklyn. "Take my car."

    Brooklyn nced at Allison, waiting for the go-ahead. Allison nodded, and Brooklyn got out.

    Joshua slid into the driver''s seat. "What do you feel like eating?"

    Allison buckled her seatbelt. "I''m good with anything."

    The white McLaren pulled up in front of The Cloud Room, an upscale

    restaurant known for its in

    food. Inside, soft lighting and

    elegant decor set the mood, the air filled with the subtle scent of expensive spices.

    Allison had been there a couple of times before. Everything was flown in from overseas, the chef was from France, and every dish felt like a work of art.

    She ordered her favorites: bluefin tuna with ck truffle and a ssh of red wine reduction-so tender itz practically melted in her mouth. And a perfectly cooked medium-rare Angus steak, seared and topped with a rich, ssic French foie gras sauce. Every bite was pure heaven.

    She''d said she was fine with anything, but the truth was, Joshua had picked exactly the ce she loved.

    The whole ce felt romantic, with soft piano music drifting through the air, making everything seem just a little bit more magical.