Kayla winces. “Full house tonight. Did she make a reservation?”
“No, but friends of mine don’t need to. Give her a table on the terrace that overlooks the ocean. That corner one I like, with the killer view.”
“I believe there is a couple there who just sat down about twenty minutes ago.”
Too fucking bad. I promised a table, and I’m going to give her the best one in the house.
“Give them an incentive to leave. A champagne bottle and a charcuterie board sent to their room, whatever it takes. I just want them gone.”
Kayla nods. “Of course, Mr. Andriani. I’ll arrange it.”
And I know she will too. Sad Hot Blonde will be in good hands. Our staff is top-notch.
“Thank you.” I’m about to turn away, and then something occurs to me.
It’s stupid.
I shouldn’t do it.
Best man, on my best behavior.
But when have I evernotdone something I wanted? I’m off duty tonight. Priest is doing some romantic shit with Luna, Scorpion and Lucky are off scoping out a nightclub we’re thinking about acquiring, and Sad Hot Blonde is hot as fuck. Ican think of worse ways to pass the time until I pass out in my bed.
“Make that a table for two, please,” I tell Kayla. “I’ll be joining her.”
“My pleasure, Mr. Andriani.” A new energy surges into Kayla. “We’ll get the table prepared right away.”
Looks like I have a dinner date with Miss Hard Nipples.
Chapter 2
ISLA
It’s a good thing I didn’t finish the lemon drop the gorgeous bartender made me, because I’m feeling a little wobbly when I slide off the stool and follow the friendly server leading me to my table. I leave the martini on the bar, knowing I need some food and some water and a break from vodka. The two of us have never gotten along all that well, and I have a scar on my right arm to prove it. Ah, sorority days.
The hostess stops and places menus on the table. “Here you are.”
The table is on the terrace, overlooking the ocean.
It’s also set for two.
“I only need one place setting,” I tell her politely.
“The reservation is for two,” she says, giving me a puzzled look.
“There must be some kind of mistake. It’s just me. Party of one.”
Forever, I think bitterly, but I keep that part to myself.
“No mistake,” says a deep voice behind me.
One I recognize before I even turn around.Him.The bartender. Alessio.
“Thank you, Kayla,” he adds. “I’ll take it from here.”
“Of course,” the hostess says with a warm smile and a nod. “Enjoy your dinner.”
Before I can object, she’s gone, leaving me staring at the bartender who’s no longer behind the bar. I’m confused. I mean, I did see him walk away a few minutes ago. Not that I was watching him or anything.
