Chapter 33: Dinner Together
Sherry hastily hung up the phone, her behavior somewhat suggestive of a guilty conscience.
Jaden pondered deeply. Although he had probed during the conversation, his girlfriend's words remained watertight, leaving him without any solid answers.
However, one thing was clear: Sherry was indeed at the resort. To avoid being discovered, Jaden resolved to limit his movements around the property, minimizing the chances of an unintended encounter.
With another day left at the resort, caution was the best strategy.
Jaden spent the rest of the day in his room, refraining from wandering about. After sending the roses to Jenny earlier, he adopted a strategy of feigned indifference, avoiding her until the agreed-upon dinner time at 7 PM.
When the clock struck seven, Jaden changed into more formal attire and once again carried a bouquet of roses to Jenny's door.
Not long after he knocked, the door opened. Jaden smiled warmly as he presented the flowers.
"I hope these roses will brighten your mood and earn your forgiveness for my mistake."
Jenny's eyes lit up with delight as she took the bouquet, though she leaned playfully against the doorframe, feigning a lingering annoyance.
"Alright, don't stay mad at me. I came here to apologize, didn't I?" Jaden said soothingly, subtly observing her outfit.
Jenny had clearly dressed up, donning an elegant outfit that signaled she had been ready and waiting for his dinner invitation.
Hearing Jaden's words, Jenny placed the flowers inside and smiled, asking with a hint of mischief, "So, am I really that important to you? For you to make such a sincere apology?"
"I just don't want to miss out on the right person. But can I be candid?" Jaden replied earnestly.
"Hmm? Go ahead," Jenny said, her curiosity piqued.
"To be honest, I like you. I think we're both practical people who might make a great match. But for now, we're only getting to know each other - we're just friends.
Whether or not I had a valid reason for looking at another woman, your outburst earlier, especially in front of so many people, felt a bit... much.
If we were in a committed relationship and I stepped out of line, I'd deserve any consequences. But men care about saving face. If there's a problem, let's discuss it privately - keyboard punishments or whatever at home are fine. Don't you think?"
Jaden's seemingly blunt remarks were delivered with sincere logic, prompting a thoughtful nod from Jenny.
"Alright, you're right. I shouldn't have overreacted earlier. But girls have their moments of being unreasonable, you know? You men are supposed to pamper us. Let's call it even and not dwell on this anymore. How about that?"
"That's perfect. So, my lady, may I have the honor of taking you to dinner now?" Jaden said with a gentlemanly smile, extending his hand and tilting his body slightly in invitation.
"With pleasure…" Jenny laughed, placing her hand in his. She followed his lead, affectionately linking arms with him as they left.
Though they appeared close, a subtle emotional distance remained.
Jaden's carefully chosen words had conveyed his message: their relationship was still casual, and there was no obligation to continue if things didn't feel right after the resort.
This forthright approach impressed Jenny. She appreciated Jaden's practicality - it was a refreshing change from manipulative or disingenuous men.
Under Jaden's strategic efforts, he had successfully "gambled" on Jenny's mindset.
Wearing the sunglasses Jenny had given him, Jaden escorted her to the resort's restaurant while avoiding crowded areas. They found an inconspicuous corner and took their seats.
After signaling the server to bring some simple dishes and drinks, Jenny looked around with slight puzzlement.
"Why are you still wearing the sunglasses? And isn't this spot a bit too secluded?"
"It's a gift from you. I like it a lot, so I wanted to wear longer," Jaden replied smoothly. But after glancing around, he took it off, knowing it would look strange to eat while wearing sunglasses.
"You're just good with words. I think you're hiding from someone. Was that woman earlier really your client's wife?" Jenny asked, raising an eyebrow.
"I'm not sure. She looked familiar, but her appearance was different. You know how makeup can drastically change a woman's look," Jaden explained.
"Oh? Are you suggesting I use makeup tricks too? Do you want to see me without it?" Jenny teased, tilting her head.
"Not at all. I believe you're beautiful with or without makeup - makeup just enhances it," Jaden said, shaking his head.
"That's not necessarily true. Are you sure you don't want to see for yourself? But I only remove my makeup when I'm ready for bed," Jenny said, her tone laced with playful flirtation.
"Well, that's precisely why I chose this discreet corner," Jaden quipped, changing the subject abruptly.
Jenny froze momentarily, processing his comment before bursting into laughter. Her cheeks flushed as she leaned forward shyly. "Are you suggesting…"
As she spoke, she subtly extended her long legs under the table, using the tablecloth for cover as she playfully brushed her leg against Jaden's.
Sensing her bold move, Jaden smirked. Leaning closer, he murmured, "Careful, you're playing with fire."
He reached down, gently catching her ankle and running his fingers teasingly along her smooth calf.
Jenny's face turned scarlet as she felt the tingling sensation from his touch. She bit her lip, leaning back slightly, her eyes brimming with shyness and allure.
Yet Jaden's cautious instincts reminded him of their surroundings. He stopped abruptly, releasing her foot and sitting upright as if nothing had happened.
Jenny pulled her leg back, casting him a curious glance. How could he just stop so suddenly?