Taking a drink, he considered his father’s enthusiasm over the project, but it didn’t sit right with him.
The hostess signaled them to a quiet table where only four other tables occupied the anteroom.
“I hear wonderful things about this place,” Giles said. “I’ve been dying to come, but the six-month wait list is insane!”
“The Darcy name has sway,” he admitted.
“Then, I think I’m going to enjoy entering a relationship with the Darcy family. I’m looking forward to all the perks that come with our collaboration.”
“That’s good to hear. My father speaks highly of your idea and is eager to have the Pemberley team do the research. I believe you gave him a sample garment for my mother?”
“It’s the least I can do. I’m sure she’ll appreciate the quality and fashionable classic lines.”
Picking up the menu, he tried to hide his irritability, hating to be in this position. Either this wasn’t going to go as his father had hoped, and he would have to face the fallout for single-handedly losing the client, or he’d plunge Pemberley into the toilet. Either way he was screwed.
“Hi! Welcome to Cavalleria. I’m Lizzy, your server tonight,” the waitress said.
He lowered the menu, ready to order a bottle of wine but suddenly drew a blank at the attractive brunette wearing a black vest, skirt, and red tie. “You?” he said.
“You!” she replied with a million-watt smile. “The nude model from my anatomy class this afternoon.”
Embarrassed, he looked over at the astonished expression on Giles’ face.
“I ... I wasn’t nude! I swear! My mother is the art professor ... she made me,” he attempted to laugh off.
Lizzy laughed, and what a laugh! “I’m just teasing. He wasn’t nude?maybe next time, though.” She bit the corner of her lip.
“I ... um ... how about a bottle of 2006 Château Mouton, Bordeaux?” he blurted, feeling the burn on his cheeks.
“Very good choice.” Then, to his horror—or maybe delight—he was too mortified to ponder it, Lizzy winked at him before walking away.
Covertly, he watched her, which became a habit for the entire dinner. Everything about the girl undid him, and damn if she didn’t look so enticing wearing the suit and tie. He could spend hours imagining her wearing the tie and nothing else.
Ninety minutes later, over dessert, Giles prodded. “So, what do you think? Do we have a deal?”
“To be honest with you, Cliff, I’m not sure about the trend’s endurance. Yes, recycling is an environmental necessity but as a fashion statement? You have a big, noble dream, and we admire ambitious entrepreneurs who think outside the box, but I just don’t know that Pemberley is looking to invest in ecological initiatives at this time.” He glanced at Lizzy standing near the bar. “I’ll tell you what ... maybe it’s the vintage or I’m just feeling generous, but I’m going to hedge my bets.” He signaled the object of his interest. “Let’s ask a female consumer who has no financial skin in the scheme.”
“How is the cheesecake, gentlemen?” she asked with a broad smile.
“Delicious,” he replied thinking more about her sultry lips as the dessert. “Lizzy, we have an unconventional question for you.”
“It’ll cost you.” Her pink mouth twisted.
“Whatever the price,” he said with a smile.
“Miss, would you purchase a quality garment made from superior woven recycled fibers from a planet-focused family business committed to sustainability and value?” Giles asked.
“Fibers made from plastic,” Darcy added.
“You mean like polyester?”
“Exactly like polyester, only woven with recycled plastic bottles,” he said.
“That’s sorta ew-ish.” She crinkled her nose, then graciously smiled. “I’m sorry. I don’t think I’m the right person to ask about this.”
“Why’s that?” he asked.
“Because it’s none of my business.”
