AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Ivy’s Restaurant had walked away with the award for Outstanding Hospitality, one of only two chain restaurants that won an award tonight. Esteban Galiano had “stolen”—Bruno’s words—the Outstanding Restaurateur award.
Marissa played with the bronze medallions around her neck. Garlique had won the award for Outstanding Restaurant and the Best New Restaurant award went to Oasis. Bruno went up on stage and collected each medal when his name was called, but somehow they ended up around her neck, and she couldn’t remember how. The entire night had been like that—a dreamlike blur.
Bruno rolled through his open gate and drove slowly up the driveway. At the top, he backed into the garage, and then the two of them exited into the first floor of the house.
“Tomorrow is an optional luncheon. We could go sightseeing instead and even stay an extra day if you like.” He led the way up the stairs, scraping tanned fingers through his messy hair in an attempt to tame the disruption of his normally well-coiffed tresses. He didn’t need to. The tousled look worked, giving him a rakish appearance.
“Sightseeing might be nice, but I need to leave on Monday as planned. I have to work,” Marissa replied.
“You could call in.”
“I can’t,” she said with real regret.
At the top of the stairs, they faced each other.
“All right, I’ll let you go to bed and get your beauty sleep. We can decide about the luncheon or sightseeing tomorrow.”
Bruno smoothed wisps of hair away from her face, and the light touch of his fingers sent electrifying sparks crackling across her skin.
“I must look like a mess,” Marissa said with a laugh. She smoothed her windswept hair with both hands.
“You never look like a mess. You look beautiful, as always,” he said, a rough inflection to his voice.
His words made her lose her breath, taunting her with their inappropriateness while at the same time teasing and making her long to hear more.
“You sure know how to make a woman feel special.”
He watched her intently, his eyes never leaving hers. “I never say anything I don’t mean. You know that.”
True enough, honesty was one character trait she could count on in Bruno. Honesty and candor.
“Well, since we’re being honest… you looked handsome tonight. You should wear tuxedos more often.”
“I might, now that I know you like the way I look.”
When he said things like that, it was tempting to forget the rules and submit to the cauldron of emotions that simmered inside her.
“I’m sure you must be tired. I, however, am a little wired. I’m going to make myself a drink. Good night, Marissa.”
She watched him walk in the direction of the kitchen.
“This late?” she called after him.
“Yes.” He continued walking.
She should go to bed, but instead her feet followed after him. “What are you drinking?”
“Tequila. Want some? It’s my father’s brand—Don Bene Tequila. High-end, smooth. A couple of my siblings invested, but I didn’t.”
“You missed out?”
“Big time,” he said, regret heavy in his voice as he poured a shot of the amber liquid.
“Don’t tell me Bruno Santana made a mistake,” Marissa said with exaggerated shock.
“Happens once every ten years. No one is perfect.”
She laughed. “Well, at least you have your other investments.”
