* * *
“We’re here,dude. Looks like the place is closed. You sure this is where you wanted to go?”
I looked up and smiled. “Yeah, positive, but thanks. I paid on the app.”
Grabbing my things, I got out and texted Preston.
Me: I’m here.
Preston: Finally
Before I could put my phone away, the front door swung open, and he reached for my portfolio.
“I didn’t think you’d ever get here.”
Furrowing my brow, I pulled my phone back out and looked at the time. “Am I late?”
“No, of course not. That’s not what I meant,” he chuckled as he locked the door. He turned and swept his eyes over me. “I’ve been anxious for you to get here. Next time, I’m coming to get you.”
There was no way to stop the smile that took over my face, so I didn’t even try. Preston took my hand in his and laced our fingers together.
“Come with me,” he whispered.
Leading me by the hand, we entered the kitchen and back area. Looking around, I could see what he was faced with.
“This is one reason we need to expand. There isn’t enough storage space for the amount of food we need to bring in to meet our menu.”
I nodded and took in the multiple sets of shelving that had been set up to hold their dry goods. Boxes were stacked along the walls and into the hallway.
“Yeah, I can see that. Adequate storage is a must. Alejandro struggled with that until he expanded the bar.”
We went back through the kitchen and out into the dining room area.
“Look around. I’ll be right back.”
Preston disappeared into the kitchen as I stood in the middle of the room and looked the space over.
He had maybe a third of the seating area Alejandro did, and the tables were close together. If he was at capacity, it was a wonder how they could move.
When Preston returned, he handed me a glass of wine. I looked at it, then back at him as he stared at me.
“What do you think?” He sipped from his glass and waited for my reply, his dark eyes glued to me.
“It’s a compact space, but it’s warm and inviting.”
“You’re being nice. I need honesty.”
I nodded. “Okay. It’s small as fuck and I have no idea why you chose this building. It’s a wonder the fire marshall doesn’t come in nightly to shut you down for being over capacity.”
We stared at each other for a moment, and I wondered if I’d done the wrong thing. But the smile that broke across those sexy lips drew my attention.
“I agree. Taste your wine.” His eyes sparkled as I swirled the white wine in the glass before finally tasting it. I was no sommelier, but I knew letting it breathe was a good thing.
“What do you think?”
I nodded, never dropping my gaze. “It’s good. But I know nothing about wine.”
Preston nodded and seemed to file that information away for later. “Are you ready to eat?”
