I lean back in my chair, watching as she studies the wine menu with the same focus I use when analyzing data after a race. It’s almost funny. Any other girl would’ve picked the most expensive bottle without a second thought, but she actually cares about what she’s choosing.

"Ready?" I ask after a moment.

She looks up and nods. "Yeah, I picked one."

I don’t ask which. I trust her, and honestly, I already know it won’t be anything outrageous.

The waiter comes back a few minutes later with the bottle, and the second I see the label, I suppress a sigh. The cheapest one on the list. Of course.

Before he can pour, I lift a hand. "Actually, bring us the best wine you have."

The waiter nods and steps away, but the second he’s gone, she turns to me, eyes flashing.

"That’s not what I—"

"Just let me spoil you," I interrupt, smirking as I swirl the empty wine glass in front of me.

She crosses her arms. "It’s just too expensive."

"Don’t worry," I say easily, reaching for her hand. "I can buy many more of them. Expensive is not in my vocabulary, darling."

She exhales, shaking her head. And when the new wine arrives, she takes a sip—reluctantly at first.

As she takes another sip of wine, I watch the way her lips curve ever so slightly, like she’s trying not to admit she’s enjoying it. I knew she would. She just hates the idea of me spending money on her.

I lean in, resting my elbow on the table. "I’ve got a little surprise for you at home."

She sighs, already shaking her head. "Carlos, I don’t need anything. I just want you."

I smirk, tilting my head. "That’s the one thing you never have to worry about, darling." I pause for effect, then add with a grin, "You can have all of me—even in the car as soon as we leave."

She gasps, her eyes widening as she nudges me under the table. "Carlos!"

I just laugh, sending her a playful wink. "What? Just saying, the option’s there."