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After she left, Casey continued talking. “Why did you become a chef?”
“Long story, but the short version involves me spending a lot of time in the kitchen with my stepmother. She loves to cook and taught me everything I know about preparing Southern cuisine. Eventually, I attended the Culinary Institute of America and then traveled to Paris to work for several years under an executive chef at a restaurant on the Left Bank. When I returned to the United States, my father gave me my first break by investing in my first restaurant—Garlique. From then on, the sky was the limit.”
“I have to check it out. I’ve always heard good things, but because the meals are on the high end, I’ve never been. Maybe now that I have an in…” She winked.
“You’re welcome to come by any time.”
“Do you own any other restaurants in town?” Casey lifted the white mug of coffee to her lips.
“Bruno’s Tavern.”
“Oh my goodness, my brother-in-law loves Bruno’s Tavern! He swears you have the best hamburgers, and they’re absolutely worth the price.”
Bruno chuckled. “I’m happy to hear that. Our burgers are the most popular items on the menu, but the chef takes great pride in the preparation of every meal. You’ve never been there?”
“No, I’m not much of a sports bar kind of girl.”
“What kind of girl are you?” Bruno asked.
His gaze quickly skimmed her fitted blouse with a sweetheart neckline. The top showed off her ample bosom without being revealing.
She let out an engaging laugh that lit up her face, and he relaxed as he watched her. This date might not turn out bad after all.
“I’m the kind of girl who likes to have fun. I enjoy hiking in the mountains. Being outside and soaking up all of nature’s glory is… exhilarating and a great way to work out—as you can see.” She swept a hand down her side.
A confident woman was very sexy.
“I see,” he said.
“I’m also the kind of girl who enjoys pleasing her man,” Casey purred in a lowered voice.
“Do you?” Bruno lifted a piece of cake to his mouth, keeping his gaze on her.
“Mhmm.” A mischievous glint entered her eyes, and she rested her chin on her hand. “Do you want to know where I really shine?”
“Yes. Tell me.”
“In the bedroom. I swallow.” She licked her lips.
The chocolate dessert caught in the back of his throat, and Bruno started coughing.
She laughed. “Are you okay?”
“Yes. Your answer took me by surprise, and I don’t surprise easily.”
“Well, I thought you should know, in case you’re into that.” She winked.
Mierda. Bruno hadn’t anticipated the conversation going in that direction, and suddenly he wasn’t sure about Casey. She had seemed perfect at the start of their conversation, but no longer.
The old Bruno would have appreciated a woman being forthright, but her forwardness didn’t appeal to him.
Why not? he wondered.
As time went on, the date continued downhill. While he wanted to get to know her better, Casey insisted on dropping sexual innuendo into the conversation too much for his liking. Furthermore, additional inconsistencies made him wonder who the real Casey was. Disappointed, he wrapped up the conversation minutes after finishing his cake and asked the server for the bill.
As they walked out of the restaurant, she tucked her hair behind her left ear. “Do you have plans when you leave here?”
“I do.” He didn’t see the need to elaborate. His “plans” were to go home and work.
