I Refuse to Be Your Second Choice novel Chapter 24

As the courses were served, Alexander picked up a tender, boneless piece of fish fillet. He had just lifted his fork when Camila smiled sweetly.

“Alex, I can’t believe you still remember I only like the belly cut.”

Natalie also preferred the belly of the fish. When they had first gotten together, Alexander had told her, “From now on, the best part of the fish is all yours.”

It turned out she and Camila shared the same taste. Natalie lowered her gaze and served herself a piece of pork, eating in silence.

Throughout the meal, Camila chattered on about their childhood. “Alex was so funny when we were kids. A bunch of us were playing house, and I was the bride. Bruce Ward was supposed to be the groom, but Alex wouldn’t have it. He beat Bruce up until he cried, stole the role of the groom, and declared he would make me his real bride when we grew up.”

“Then I suppose I’m in the way,” Natalie remarked with a dry laugh.

Ignoring the comment, Alexander placed a piece of fish into Natalie’s bowl. “I don’t remember that,” he said to Camila.

“You might not,” Camila replied, “but I’m sure Bruce does. You hit him pretty hard.”

There was now a piece of tofu in Natalie’s bowl as well, but after Alexander added the fish, she lost her appetite for both. She put down her utensils. “I’m done. You two enjoy the rest of your meal.”

She stood up. To her surprise, Alexander dropped his own fork and rose as well, looking as if he intended to leave with her.

Camila quickly grabbed her purse. “Alex, you don’t have to see me home tonight. I can handle my father; it’s just a few lectures. You should take care of Natalie.”

Her words were thoughtful and considerate, making her sound more like Alexander’s wife than Natalie was. But she needn’t have bothered. Alexander’s first choice had always been her.

“Aaron will take you. Your father won’t dare say a word,” Alexander said coolly. Aaron was his executive assistant; Mr. White wouldn’t risk offending him.

Camila froze. She had only been feigning consideration, never expecting him to actually take her up on it.

By then, Alexander had already picked up Natalie’s coat. “Don’t you recognize me?” he asked, a corner of his mouth lifting in a smirk as he saw the surprise in her eyes. He gestured for her to put her arms out.

“I never said I was taking you home.”

Natalie’s heart sank.

Alexander settled back into the driver’s seat and started the engine. “I’m taking you somewhere.”

The black Rolls-Royce glided through the bustling city, past a kaleidoscope of neon lights, finally stopping at a moonlit beach.

“We’re here,” Alexander announced, unbuckling his seatbelt and getting out.

Natalie remained in the car, confused. His behavior tonight was completely out of character.

Seeing her hesitate, Alexander walked around to her side and opened the door. “Didn’t you want to see a sunrise? This is the perfect spot.”