Snorty yips with excitement.
Antoine pops out from the shadows to shake Rio's hand. "You both look camera ready. Marco and Ben are already stationed inside.”
Marco will be taking still photographs, while Ben will beoperating the video camera. Make sure you annunciate so you can be heard clearly."
"Video? For what? A documentary?" I ask.
"Perhaps. Right now, we're just going to use the video as snippets for social media."
When the Maître D' shows us to our table, I notice guests turning to watch us.
It could be because Rio Wilder is a famous name. Even in his retro silk jacket, he gives off those sexy Rio vibes.
But with a jolt I realize that people also gaze at me.
I'm far from the 'schoolmarm' who entered this hotel earlier this morning. My silky blonde hair brushes against my shoulders. And the lingerie Antoine gifted me feels naughty beneath my dress.
My nipples tingle as I wonder if Rio can even guess I'm wearing such provocative undies. Antoine assured me that any man could sense the secret.
"Would your dog prefer to dine at the table, or should we make this a romantic duo?" the Maître D' inquires after he pulls out my chair.
"Family affair tonight," Rio declares with a saucy wink at me. He speaks loudly enough for Ben to capture his words on video. "Please make a place for dear Snorty at the table."
Snorty yips with delight as a waiter seats him gently in a booster seat.
"Look at that," says Rio, sounding pleased.
"He's wearing a replica of my bandana! But if you're going to give him the 'Rio signature look,' you've got to tie the knot the right way. Like so," he says, retying my knot so it flares around Snorty's neck in a jaunty fashion.
Though my Frenchie is notoriously fussy, he sits still while Rio makes the adjustment.
Marco snaps his photographs while Rio performs this act of grooming.
"You don't mind my dog sitting with us, do you, darling?" I ask loud enough for Ben to capture the question on his video camera.
"Snorty is part of our little family," Rio replies easily, flashing that thousand-watt smile at the camera lens.
The preset menu arrives. Snorty digs snout-first into a miniature version of steak tartare, while Rio and I enjoy the human equivalent.
Aware of the cameras on us, Rio and I pretend to chat politely and fake a smile at the lens.
"This is torture," I whisper, as I lift a fork to my lips. "I feel like Louis XIV."
"Why is that?" Rio asks, sounding genuinely curious.
"Louis XIV ate elaborate ten-course meals every day while his courtiers watched. Like a performance."
Rio chuckles. "Spoken like a true schoolmarm."
Marco and Ben circle, capturing our "flirty" exchange. Rio glances at Antoine.
"Hey, can we take a break? This constant grinning is killing me."
"Sure," Antoine says. "We will pick up at dessert. Enjoy your meals."
He gestures for the camera crew to follow him out, leaving us in relative privacy.
I exhale, glancing at Snorty. He is sleepy after his rich appetizer, head resting on the crisp white tablecloth, snoring comfortably.
