“I’ve never stopped him. I probably could have, you know.”

“One thing in life you need to learn, Robin, don’t take credit for other people’s screwups. Let them accept them themselves. It’s not your problem, so don’t take it on.”

He pulled into a parking space, and she couldn’t believe how happy she was. She had expected to be upset because Bishop hadn’t spent any time with her, but in fact, she was happy. With Preacher she didn’t have to be tense or worried about upsetting him.

Bishop held high expectations from her, and she could never keep up with him, even if she wanted to.

“Are you hungry?”

“Starved.”

“Next time, call me. Don’t feed yourself a lettuce sandwich.”

“My cell phone broke today. I dropped it, and it shattered.”

“You could have used the house phone, but no worries.” Preacher pulled out his cell phone and typed. “A new one will be waiting for us when we get home.”

“Wow, you really can snap your fingers and get what you want, can’t you?” she asked.

“You bet your sweet ass, baby, I can.” He winked at her. “Come on, let’s go and have some food.”

He didn’t remove his leather cut, and she followed him into the restaurant. He took her hand, and they stood out like sore thumbs. Everyone she saw was dressed in beautiful cocktail dresses and suits while they wore scruffy clothes.

The maître d’ didn’t push them out the door or threaten to phone security. They were seen to a private table.

“Anything you want, sir, please ask.”

Preacher moved the maître d’ out of the way so he could help her sit at the table.

“Why are they so afraid of you?” she asked.

“I’m a scary person.”

“You’re not a scary person at all.”

He raised a brow as he sat. “You want to reassess that statement?”

“I know you do bad things. I’m just going to shut up. How are we even here? Don’t they have dress codes?”

“I own this place.”

“You do?”

“Yes. I’m a silent partner. I told you I love good food.”

“I had no idea.”

“There’s a lot of things you don’t know about me, sweetheart.”

She picked up the menu. “I have to say, I’m impressed.”

“I’ve got a lot more than this, believe me. It’s your birthday, order whatever you want.”

She looked over the menu. “Is this all expensive?”

“Yes.”

“Oh, I don’t think I should.”

“You totally should. You’re only eighteen once. The earrings look beautiful.”

She touched her ear. “Thank you.”

“You deserve pretty things.”

She couldn’t believe on her birthday, one of the pinnacles in her life, and Preacher was the one who was with her.