“How do you mean?”
“Like it’s your last meal.”
She giggles. “Wait until you see what I can do with spaghetti and meatballs.”
I follow her lead, digging into the appetizer. We both sip our wine and make small talk about my property and the weather. She rarely says anything about herself, which means she’s either ridiculously humble or hiding something.
Twenty minutes later, Georgie serves us two generous portions of amandine, trout with a lemon butter sauce and topped with toasted, slivered almonds. I shovel a forkful into my mouth and express my satisfaction with a growl.
“Oh my God,” Serafina sings. “It melts in my mouth.”
We finish with cheesecake and raspberry sauce. As I dig money out of my wallet, Georgie returns with the bill.No chargeis scribbled across the front. I frown and look up at the old man.
“Come on, Georgie.”
“No. No.” He waves his hands. “Your money is no good here today.”
We just spent two and a half hours in his café. I’m not going to let him get away with it. “All right,” I pretend to give up. “Next time, you charge me double.”
“Next time,” he repeats, “you bring this angel back.”
Serafina makes a funny face when he compliments her. I shrug it off, starting to believe the girl doesn’t know how flawless she is. It won’t take me long to show her once we get back to the cabin. I don’t think I’ve ever wanted a woman more.
She embraces Georgie and thanks him for his generosity. While they’re talking, I drop a hundred-dollar bill on the table. Exceptional food and service deserves to be rewarded.
We exit the resteraunt together and walk to the four-wheeler.
* * *
Eagle parks in the driveway and motions for me to go inside. “Everything you need for a shower is in the bathroom, baby,” he says in a low tone. “Grab your bag and get ready for me, Serafina. I have some work to do around the property first. I’ll be back in a couple hours.”
I can feel him watching me as I get my backpack out of my car. I bend over dramatically, pushing my ass high in the air as I reach for my bag in the back seat. I close my door and turn around and he’s still staring, undisguised hunger in his deep blue eyes.
“See ya soon,” I say casually and saunter to the front door, knowing full well how crazy I’m making him.
Once inside, I rush to the bar for a shot of something strong to settle my nerves. My heart is racing. There’s not even a hint of doubt in Eagle’s stony expression. He knows he’s going to fuck me soon. Where does that kind of confidence come from? That arrogance men only seem to have? I’m fighting to keep it together because I’m about to live out one of my fantasies—to make love to the man I’ve always wantedandtake care of that little virgin problem. Hopefully he won’t notice that big elephant in the room.
I find a fresh bottle of Crown Royal and crack it open like an alcoholic. With shaky hands, I pour a shot in a glass. It goes down hard, burning my throat. I’m not a big drinker, but it does what it’s supposed to. I feel steadier. I put the bottle back and turn my attention to the bathroom. I could use a relaxing shower.
Just as he said, there’s an array of feminine shampoos and soaps available in the bathroom closet. Not sure how I should feel about it. How many women has he brought here? Banged here? Jealousy zings through me. In another life, he would have been mine. Not all one percenters are man whores. In fact, when truly in love, brothers are protective and dedicated. And if another man disrespects his lady . . .
I turn the water on in the stand-up shower. It’s a small but clean bathroom, fitting for a hunting lodge. I shed my clothes and climb in, letting the hot water wash away my self-doubt. I have a firm plan. One I can’t deviate from or Eagle will notice I’m a virgin and freak out. Any man would.
My plan? Get buzzed together first. Whiskey relaxes me. Then I’ll wait until dusk or later and make sure the bedroom is dark. We’ll make love, and once he’s asleep, I’ll leave. It’s the safest way, the only option. Yeah, unfortunately, he knows where I live. But I can’t imagine Eagle chasing after a girl who blew him off. If anything, he’ll be glad to be rid of me.
