Free Reveal: A Contemporary Romance (Billionaire Rock Star Romance Book 2) by Bella Love-Wins, Bella Wild Page A

the door behind the driver’s seat. “I’ll sit with Clint.”
    Back in his seat, he looked at them in the rearview mirror to break the bad news. “Guys, I hate to do this to you, but it may just be the three of us tonight.”
    Clint leaned forward. “What happened to meeting your new girlfriend? I thought that was the whole reason for dinner?”
    Sebastian hesitated. “I’m still not sure if she’ll come out. Something came up, and it might overlap with our plans. She said she’d call and tell us where to meet if she gets freed up in time, but—”
    His phone rang just as he was finishing his explanation for Alex’s absence. The anticipation shot through him when he answered.
    “Hello?”
    “Hi, Bash. I just wrapped up what I had to do. Are your friends at the house yet?”
    “I just picked them up at their place. Are we still on?” he asked tentatively. The way she left earlier in the afternoon, he had no idea what to expect.
    “That’s why I was calling. Sorry about the last minute changes, but do you think we can make it just drinks and a few hors d'oeuvres tonight?”
    “Hang on, let me ask.” He turned to Clint. “Are you guys okay if we only do drinks and appetizers?”
    “Sure. We’ve already ate. We’re used to having dinner by six, buddy.”
    Sebastian held the phone to his ear again. “No problem.”
    “Great. Thanks for understanding, Bash. I’m at a restaurant patio downtown. Check your text messages in a minute. I’m sending you the address. There’s a friend here I want you to meet, too. When you get here, ask for Eva’s table, okay?”
    “Got it. See you soon.”
    The text came in shortly after the call ended. Sebastian keyed the address into his GPS. Although it was on a familiar street, he could not remember ever eating there. It was not until he made it downtown and parked out front that he recognized it by name. Tucked between similar establishments, Salutto’s was one of the city’s finest restaurants.
    “Now, this is fine dining,” Clint said, letting out a low whistle. “Beth, didn’t we hear about this place winning that foodie award?” She nodded. “It was on TV, I think. It sure isn’t one of those cookie cutter franchises.” Clint tapped on Sebastian’s shoulder from the back seat. “Your friend has good taste.”
    “Yes. By the way, dinner’s on me. Tonight is my treat, even if I didn’t pick the spot.” It occurred to him that he should explain a few things before they went inside. Clint and Beth did not know they were about to meet Alexandra while she was dressed as a guy. He scrambled for the right words to prepare them. “About my friend. There’s something I need to tell you. First of all, when you meet her, please don’t stare.”
    Beth and Clint looked at each other, then back at Sebastian. “Of course, we won’t,” Beth answered. “Who would be so rude?”
    He could tell they wanted details, but he could not say much more. His eyes darted to Clint, who gives him a reassuring nod. “I guess I didn’t have to say that, did I? I just want you to know in advance. I can’t describe her, other than to say she’s a great looking girl with a lot of personality, once you get past the surface…She might take some getting used to. Just don’t point out that she’s…different from what you expected. I’ll explain everything after you meet her.”
    Clint guffawed. “More and more, you’re making her sound like a secret agent, Bash. What did I tell you, Beth? She’s some kind of mystery woman. Let’s just get in there so I can see for myself.”
    The three of them entered the restaurant, and the anticipation was growing. A hostess smiled pleasantly as they approached. She asked about their reservation.
    “Eva’s table, please,” Sebastian said, to which the young woman nodded and motioned for them to follow her.
    Soft sounds of a live pianist played in the background. It underscored the hush of conversation from the well-dressed patrons.