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“Starving,” I say and he glances down at me. There’s no mistaking the heat in his emerald eyes and I swallow hard, trying to ignore my nerves.
Vin clears his throat and we head down to his car. It’s the same Mercedes I rode in before and I slide in, settling on the soft, buttery leather seat. Suddenly, I feel so very much like my fairytale is coming true. No one has ever spoiled me like this before and it’s nice. But I don’t want to get used to it. As far as Vin and I are concerned…well, I’m going to offer him myself tonight, but I don’t expect anything more than one night. We’re clearly from two different worlds and I don’t belong in his. However, for the time being, it’s going to be really nice to visit. I’m harboring no illusions, though, and I’ll be ready when the Mercedes turns back into a pumpkin.
Vin pulls the car right up to the valet and my door instantly opens. A young man helps me out as Vin circles around. I could swear, he sends a glare at the valet before tossing his key fob over and possessively placing a hand on my back and steering me away.
We walk up the stairs and pause at the podium where the hostess recognizes Vin right away.
“Hello, Mr. Rossi. Your table is ready. Please, follow me.”
Wow. Talk about a reception. As we walk through the restaurant, skirting other tables and diners, I look around and I’m beyond impressed. Candles flicker on each tabletop and large crystal chandeliers emit a low light giving the whole place a very romantic atmosphere. Soft music plays from hidden speakers and the smell of the food is delicious.
Vin keeps his hand firmly on my back as the hostess escorts us over to a private, corner table. A candle flickers in its center and the silverware practically sparkles. After pushing my chair in, Vin sits down across from me, studying me in the dim lighting.
“What?” I ask softly, feeling self-conscious.
“Nothing. Just admiring how beautiful you look tonight.”
Blushing again, I look down and start fussing with the edge of a knife. “Oh, um, thank you. You look very nice, too.”
“Hannah?”
“Hmm?” I look back up and see the desire flare to life in his green eyes.
“I’m serious. When you first opened your door, you took my breath away.”
Oh, my God. What do I even say to that? I clasp my hands together and try to wrangle my nerves. Before I can respond, a short, slightly overweight man with a big smile and friendly eyes walks over and shakes hands with Vin.
“Good evening,” he greets us warmly. “It’s so nice to see you again.”
“You, too. Mario, I’d like you to meet Hannah,” Vin says. “Hannah, this is Mario Agresti, the owner.”
“It’s so nice to meet you,” I say and we shake hands.
“The pleasure is all mine.”
He and Vin talk for a minute and then food starts arriving at the table before we even order. A waiter pours a glass of red wine for each of us and my eyes must go wide as saucers because Vin and Mario chuckle.
“Only the best service for my dear friends,” Mario says. “I hope you enjoy the sampling and, of course, the wine from Rossi Vineyard.”
We thank him and then I look at all the plates of food, not sure where to start. Once again, Vin steps in and serves me then himself. He explains each dish as we make our way through them all and by the time we’ve tasted everything, I have my favorites. I’ve also finished a glass of wine and I’m feeling lighter than I have in years.
Licking my lips, I look across the table and smile at Vin. My Prince Charming is going to be well-rewarded tonight for treating me with such kindness and respect. I’m going to repay him with my virginity and I look forward to spending the night in his arms.
He just doesn’t know it yet.
8
VIN
Watching Hannah eat, drink and delight everyone around her makes me happy. Happier than I’ve been in a very long time. She’s artless, sincere and gorgeous as hell. I think the most attractive thing to me is that she doesn’t even know how amazing she truly is.
When I think back over my time with Cynda, it never felt like this. Not even in the beginning when things were new and fresh. Cynda always had this worldly air and she was quite aware of her beauty. She wielded it with a cool power to get whatever and whoever she wanted. I didn’t recognize it at first, but she used me, too. Unfortunately, I caught on to her deception too late.
Hannah, on the other hand, is a much-needed breath of fresh air. She’s a goddamn delight. We talk over our meal and the conversation never lags. She’s witty and smart. Maybe refreshing is the best adjective to describe her. The total opposite of Cynda who turned out to be conniving and deceitful. I learned my lesson, though. The hard way. I’m not stupid enough to ever give my heart to another woman again, but Hannah tempts that notion sorely. She makes me want things that I’ve made off-limits. Hannah Everson is a temptation that I wasn’t expecting, but I’m enjoying every moment with her thoroughly.
After we finish eating far too much food, Mario’s wonderful staff removes the dishes and brings out an array of desserts. It’s all way too much, but it all looks so good. Utterly decadent and I pick up my fork.
“Ready for some dessert?” I ask Hannah and she places a hand over her stomach.
