Page 25 of Ruin

“Well…that is…lovely,” she said as she clapped her hands together and made a puzzled expression in Claire’s direction.

Claire’s body leaned toward mine. I could feel the satisfaction radiating off her in the sexiest way. I wanted to throw her on this reception desk right in front of Jennifer and have her in the most unhinged, animalistic way just to prove my point.

“I was just talking to Lorenzo about a little staff get-together happening tonight. It’s someone’s birthday…don’t know who, but I’ll find out, I’m sure,” Jennifer said with a nervous smile. “You two should come. Wouldn’t that just be fun?”

Claire cut in, “Nope. We have plans. Date night.”

Jennifer looked at Claire, puzzled. “I see. I must say, Long Island, going above Antonio. You do fight…dirty.” And with that, Jennifer grimaced and turned away from us, walking through the lobby in an exaggerated huff as her hair flicked back and forth like a horse’s mane.

Claire’s head cocked back in confusion as her brow furrowed. Her eyes turned to me. “What did that mean?”

I laced my fingers with hers again, pulling her into my embrace. I looked down upon her face—her beautiful face that was now freckling across her nose and cheeks thanks to the sun from the day. She was glowing, and I sincerely hoped part of that glow was from me.

“She’s obviously having some kind of fit,” I whispered as I brushed a strand of hair behind her ear.

Would it be awful if I were to steal a breadbasket from the restaurant, skip dinner, and carry you to bed this very second? I would feed you while caressing every inch of your body until your eyes can no longer stay open.

Claire’s stomach growled, causing us to laugh in unison before I pulled her in the direction of the restaurant. “The usual table, Vin,” I called him as he approached the host stand from seating the party before us.

Vin glanced at Claire, then back at me, a slow smile spreading across his round face. He gave me a knowing nod; the kind men give when they understand something unspoken and approve. Twenty-four hours ago, I walked into this restaurant alone for what felt like the millionth time. Chasing a scent, a mystery. Now I was walking in with my love.

The sights and sounds of the restaurant blurred by as I took Claire’s hand in mine, guiding her to my private table. Shrouded with overgrown plants that disguised the alcove in the furthest corner, my table sat as an unknown mystery to the patrons that passed throughout the night. The large, circular table had one chair, flanked by nothing but emptiness. Business meetings I took elsewhere, but here, this was my solace.

As Vin used his arm to direct us to the table, I looked upon the setting with delight. Where my singular chair once stood alone, a second chair now joined it—side by side, just like us.

Instrumental violin wafted through the air, leaving a sense of deep passion in its wake. The dim light from a trio of ivory candles illuminated the table, and the glow of Claire’s face as she took her seat. Without pause, I found myself next to her, basking in her presence.

I plucked the menu from her hands as she turned to me in surprise. “I have it taken care of. No attempting to read Italiano for you.” I laughed lightly as my eyes wandered to her lips.

I could not stop myself from placing my hand just under her chin and pulling her into my kiss as her body trembled with anticipation. But before my lips could meet hers, her phone rang, pulling her attention away from me.

“Hi, Mom.” She smiled as she turned her head away from me.

I could hear a delicate whisper slowly coming out of the phone, too low to interpret. Claire’s voice filled the air as she spoke.

“Yeah, I’m doing good. How are you? How’s Dad?” She paused and nodded silently as I heard a long monologue from the whisper on the other end.

“Yeah, it’s been amazing. We’re just at dinner now.”

Claire’s expression turned back to me, her eyes widening and heartbeat picking up speed.

“Um…yeah. I have been spending time with someone I met here…and we’re at dinner.”

Claire’s hand gripped the end of the phone, covering the microphone. She mouthed apologies before attempting to stand from the table. I swiftly placed my hand around her forearm before whispering in her ear, “You don’t have to leave…please stay,” as desperation tingled in my words.

Claire’s eyes focused on mine before she nodded in acceptance and turned her focus back on the call.

“It is…it is a man.” Her cheeks blushed as she pressed her hand against her forehead and lowered her eyes.

“Uh, he’s nice,” Claire said as she looked in my direction, shrugging and looking embarrassed.

“Yes, I can call you tomorrow. I love you.”

Moments later, her attention returned to me as she placed her phone face down on the white tablecloth and spoke. “I am so sorry.”

“There is nothing to be sorry about. I would hope your parents are checking on you when you are in a foreign country by yourself,” I replied, my expression filled with understanding and reassurance.

“Well, thank you. I know it’s not polite to take calls at the dinner table.” She smiled back at me, and I felt the warm touch of her hand against my arm.