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Chapter 13
His gaze flew to Sarena over the menu. She had a soft smile on her lips as she stared across the table. The candlelight highlighted her beauty in the dark restaurant. The atmosphere of Lucarelli’s screamed romance and love. Deep down, he knew he wanted to continue showering her with all the things she deserved.
He hadn’t thought he would be able to experience these feeling anymore. His little nurse was burrowing into his heart.
“Really?” He cocked an eyebrow at her.
“I love when you smile and laugh. I find it sexy.” She tilted her head to the side, waiting for his response.
“Is that an order?”
“Yes, sir.”
Desire slammed into his chest for the woman who returned his heated gaze. He reached for his water and took a sip, needing to clear his throat that suddenly went dry. The need to please her was apparent in his chest. He didn’t know what it was about Sarena, but he wanted her. Not just for a few steamed-filled, passionate nights, but forever.
The thought had the air escaping his lungs.
Forever with Sarena?
She was a woman that any man would be a fool to pass up.
“Sergeant MacArthur!” a strong voice called out.
Mac turned and found Sergio, the owner of Lucarelli’s, headed his way.
“Excuse me,” he murmured and stood from the table. “Sergio.”
Sergio arrived and engulfed Mac in a tight, manly hug with a few pats to the back.
“I’d thought you would never stop by my establishment.” Sergio laughed. He was a large, burly Italian gentleman, who lit up the room with his laugh.
Mac smiled and shook the restaurant owner’s hand. “Well, I have an excuse now.” He nodded to Sarena.
Sergio’s eyes lit up as his attention landed on Sarena. “What a beautiful excuse. Please let me introduce myself.”
Mac shook his head. Sergio took Sarena’s hand in his and pressed a kiss to the back of it. She giggled, introducing herself.
“I’m Sarena.” She smiled. “It’s so nice to meet you. I love your restaurant.”
“I have been trying to get Sergeant MacArthur and his men to come enjoy Lucarelli’s.” Sergio turned to Mac and laid a hand on his shoulder.
Mac knew the older man wanted to offer his gratitude for them saving his daughter, but Mac never felt right about cashing in on something that was his job.
“Your meal is on the house.”
“Oh, we couldn’t—” Mac tried to object, but Sergio cut him off with a squeeze of his hand on Mac’s shoulder.
His eyes met Mac’s, and he knew when to shut up. The elder man’s eyes were locked on him, and Mac got the silent message. Mac had prevented him from having to bury his only daughter. The night they had first met, Sergio was haunted with the possibility that his daughter would die at the hands of her coked-out boyfriend. It had been Mac who’d carried Bella out of the house and placed her into the waiting hands of her father.
“Your money is no good here, Sergeant. I mean it. Enjoy the wine and meal with your beautiful lady.”
Mac jerked his head and gripped Sergio’s hand in another firm shake again.
“Thank you.” He patted Sergio on the back before settling down in his seat as the owner walked away.
“That’s so nice of him,” Sarena murmured.
“It is,” he replied.
