I Refuse to Be Your Second Choice novel Chapter 181

Natalie asked Samuel where he wanted to eat.

He suggested a late-night snack, something less formal than a restaurant.

"Well, if you don't mind, Mr. Thompson, I know a place that should be perfect."

Natalie gave him an address, and Samuel started driving.

"Arianna and I used to come here all the time in college," she explained as they settled into a booth at a small barbecue joint. "Their grilled meats are incredible." She slid a menu across the table to him.

The place was bustling and lively, filled with the enticing aroma of barbecue.

Samuel pushed the menu back to her. "You're the expert. I'll have whatever you're having."

"Alright, then I'll take the lead."

Just after they ordered, her phone rang. It was Arianna.

"Natalie! You have to come get a late-night snack with me. I've been working overtime and I'm about to pass out from hunger!" Arianna's frantic voice came through the speaker.

Natalie said, "Hold on," and covered the microphone to ask Samuel, "Mr. Thompson, would you mind if one more person joined us? It's Arianna. She just got off work."

Since she was treating him, she felt it was polite to ask.

Samuel leaned back, draping one arm casually over the adjacent chair. "No problem at all. She's my employee and your friend. Of course, she can come."

Natalie gave Arianna the address and hung up.

"Could I make a request?" Samuel asked after she put her phone down.

Natalie looked up, puzzled.

"We've known each other for a while now. Besides our professional collaboration, I'd say we're friends, wouldn't you? You don't have to call me Mr. Thompson. You can just use my name."

Under the warm orange light of the diner, a smile played on his lips. His handsome features and refined air had already drawn the attention of several women in the restaurant, but his gaze was fixed solely on Natalie.

"In that case, you should call me by my name, too," Natalie replied with a nod.

"Still calling me Mr. Thompson?"

A little embarrassed, Natalie smiled. "Samuel."

Just as their food arrived, so did Arianna. She spotted Natalie as soon as she walked in, but when she reached the table and saw Samuel, she froze in surprise.

Samuel got out of the car as well and walked over to her. The sudden proximity made Arianna feel short of breath. She lowered her head shyly, wondering what he wanted to say.

"How exactly did Natalie injure her left hand?"

"Huh?" Arianna looked up abruptly to see his expression was completely serious.

She hesitated for a moment, then recounted everything that had happened at the Prestige Properties Group charity auction.

"Mr. Thompson, Natalie didn't tell you because she doesn't want too many people to know. Please, you have to keep it a secret. And don't ask her about it," Arianna added quickly, feeling a pang of guilt for betraying her friend's confidence.

Samuel smiled. "Don't worry, my lips are sealed."

"No, no, that's not what I meant… I…"

Arianna was at a loss for how to explain herself.

"It's alright. It's getting late. Go on inside and get some rest."

Samuel turned and got back in his car. As she watched it drive away, Arianna stood frozen in place for a long time. She took out her phone and sent a text: "I agree, see you this weekend."