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I was so nervous the first few nights. However, it’s become a favorite. I had to double the seafood order for the scallops.
I can’t wait to talk to Dario and tell him about its success. Maybe I can hide my excitement about the baby with news about the restaurant.
I run an arm across my brow and look up at the clock, it’s almost closing time. I can’t wait to get home and take a nice bath. Hopefully, I’ll get a call tonight.
“Okay, guys, that was the final ticket. That’s a wrap for the night,” Apollo calls out.
I give a clap. “Great job, guys. Another awesome night.”
“Yo, chef, Jace is out front looking for you.”
I wipe my hand on a towel and start out of the kitchen. As soon as I step into the dining room, I find Jace at the back table near the kitchen.
“Hey, Jace.”
He nods and stands. Without a word, he hands me a phone. I look up at him in confusion.
“Dario will call you on this line. I’ll see you home tonight too. Take your time, I’ll wait here.”
“O…kay. Can I get you something to eat?”
He gives a small smile. “A couple out front raved about a new dish as I walked in.”
“Ah, the scallops and pasta with herbs. I got you.”
“Thanks.”
He shrugs out of his black leather and retakes his seat. Not for the first time I note how handsome he is. His eyes are a light green tonight. He has his hair in a topknot and his black jeans and green thermal speak volumes to the broad and chiseled body he carries so well.
I head back in the kitchen and go to make Jace something to eat. Starving myself, I make two servings. Thankfully, Apollo and Anthony are handling cleanup tonight. I’ll check everything after I get some food into my system.
“Here you go,” I say to Jace as I place a plate in front of him. “Do you mind if I join you?”
He stands and nods for the seat next to him in the booth. I smile and take it, not expecting him to say much. Once I’m seated, he retakes his seat and we both tuck in.
“This is amazing,” he says, surprising me.
I swallow and smile at him. “You know, I’ve never heard you say much for as long as I’ve known you. I used to think you didn’t talk at all.”
“Remember when I told you about my parents?” I nod. “Well, I had a heavy accent as a child, my mother didn’t speak English well and my father spoke it when it suited him. I was teased a lot in school, so I refrained from talking. I would only speak to Gio.”
“That makes sense. It’s a shame though. You have such a soothing voice.”
“So I’ve been told.”
The phone he gave me rings in my pocket. I pull it out and answer.
“Hello.”
“Hey, baby,” Dario replies cheerfully.
My face hurts from smiling so hard. “Excuse me,” I say to Jace and get up to pace the restaurant while the staff cleans the dining room. “I was hoping I’d get to talk to you. How are things?”
“They are much better than I thought they would be. I miss you like crazy though. How’s the restaurant?”
“Things are great. My dish is a hit.”
“I saw the sales from last week. You’re doing amazing. I told you, you would.”
“I must say, I’m proud of myself.”
“I’m proud of you too, baby. How you doing? This isn’t too much for you, is it? I mean, with the renovations and all.”
“I’m fine. A little tired tonight, but I’m great.”
“Are the guys still closing the kitchen? Do you need to go?”
“You hang up and I’ll be on the first flight to Italy to slap box you,” I tease.
He groans. “I wish. Just hearing your voice has me hard.”
I stumble to a stop and look around as if someone has overheard him. I cross my legs to squeeze my thighs together. Bath time will definitely involve a little flicking the bean tonight.
“I wish I could do something about that for you.”
“Soon.”
“Does that mean you’re coming back?”
“Not yet, but I was thinking... You should come join me. This is a beautiful place to talk about and plan a future.”
My heart races. I would love to join him. However, I know it’s not possible. I have to be here for the restaurant and to oversee my place.
“I can’t. I want to so bad, but I can’t.”
“I know. I’m coming off a high from a great day. It’s wishful thinking. Carleen?”
“Yes?”
“Nothing. Go finish up so Apollo can get you home.”
“Oh, Jace is here. He mentioned seeing me home. You know, you don’t have to have someone escort me every night.”
“But I will. Keep this phone. I have some things I want to talk to you about.”
“Oh, yeah, like what?”
