Chapter 431
“How is it?” Dane spooned some food onto Claire’s plate.
Everyone else kept their eyes on their meals, pretending not to notice a thing. Only Tilda wore a knowing smile, watching them with that unmistakable auntie grin.
Claire took a bite of the shrimp Dane had peeled for her, then nodded. “It’s great,” she said. “What’s really special is how the original flavors come through. This shrimp, for example-it’s so fresh and sweet p>
She didn’t need any dipping sauce. It was perfect just as it was.
Dane leaned in a little. “I’m glad you like it p>
Watching Claire enjoy her food, Nathan the one who’d brought everyone together —suddenly realized Claire wasn’t just any guest. She was someone Dane cared about, someone he was willing to spoil. Nathan had never seen Dane this attentive with anyone before. Normally, girls who tried to get close to him were lucky if he didn’t just send them away with a cold stare or a cutting remark.
Tilda didn’t really join the conversation. She already knew the guys were here hoping to get Dane interested in their business ideas. All she said was, if they ever had a really promising project, she’d be interested too. Not that Tilda needed the money.
Dane wasn’t exactly enthusiastic when he talked about investments. Most of the time, he looked like he’d rather be anywhere else. The entire meal went by without him giving any sort of promise.
But when he noticed how happy Claire was, he paused before leaving and tossed Nathan a line. “Write up your proposal and bring it to my office sometime p>
That was enough to spark hope in Nathan. Maybe Dane would actually consider it.
He knew Dane had been bored and grumpy about this dinner right up until Claire showed up. Her smile and satisfaction with the food seemed to change everything. Dane only softened because of her.
After Dane left, everyone crowded around Nathan.
“So, is this happening or what p>
“I think we just got seriously lucky tonight,” Nathan admitted. “If it wasn’t for that girl, Dane wouldn’t have given us a chance p>
“Who is she, Nathan? I don’t think I’ve ever seen her before p>
“Has anyone ever heard about Dane having a girlfriend? I sure haven’t p>
“She’s really something, though, isn’t she? Any guy would be interested p>
The table turned into a low-key debate, everyone talking over each other. If Claire hadn’t come with Dane, the guys would definitely have tried flirting with her, maybe even fought over who’d get her number.
But since she was clearly with Dane, no one dared cross that fine.
“She’s gorgeous, but don’t even think about it,” someone warned. “Didn’t you see how Dane took care of her during dinner p>
“Anyone who tries to hit on her can kiss their business plans goodbye. Dane would ruin them,” another added.
Most of these guys were rich kids trying to prove themselves, hoping to finally win some respect at home If Dare actually helped them out, it would be huge. Maybe their families would finally take them seriously.
“We know,” someone laughed. “You don’t mess with the king p>
Outside, Tilda was the first to say goodbye. “I’leave you two alone now,” she said with a smile “Dane make sure Clare gets back to the Churchill family safe and sound, OK? If she comes back with so much as a scratch, I’m blaming you*
Dane could tell she was half joking, but he answered seriously. “I promise p>
After Tilda left, Claire turned to Dane. “I was planning to visit the Green family tomorrow morning. But what if we go now and check on Baldrick for his follow-up?” “Are you sure? Aren’t you tired? We could wait till tomorrow.” Dane sounded genuinely concerned. He could see how busy and drained she already was.
Claire smiled. “It’s fine. Tomorrow I’ll catch up on sleep before heading back to Apex p>
Dane hesitated, then glanced at her face. “Hey… what happened to your face?” He hadn’t brought it up during dinner. He’d seen the mark, but didn’t know how or when to ask.