But those eyes still mesmerized me. “Her eyes are the exact color of this amber bourbon. I could easily lose myself in them.” I studied the liquid in my glass.
“Yes, I know.”
I cut my gaze at Paolo. “You’ve looked into her eyes?”
“Ciro, are you serious or drunk?” Paolo poured a little more bourbon into his glass. “I’ve known Isla for some time.”
“Okay, okay.” I raised my hands. “I need to take a leak.” And on that note, I made my way to the bathroom and triumphantly didn’t fall.
An hour or so after my irrational outburst and silly musing about Isla’s amber eyes, I quietly ate the pizza Paolo had ordered for us. He didn’t question me, but I felt like I should say something. Not apologize, per se, though I probably should.
“I don’t know what got into me,” I said, finally breaking the silence.
“Too much bourbon.”
“Possibly.” I nodded in agreement. No question the alcohol had hit me hard and fast. Normally, I would limit myself to two drinks. I couldn’t drink massive amounts anymore. Being with Isla had sobered me and turned me intoa social drinker. I didn’t need booze or drugs to numb me, so I feltnothing.
But I hadn’t taken her rejection well. People didn’t tell meno, so walking away without causing a scene had been uncharacteristic of me.
Exhaling a deep breath, I cut my gaze at Paolo. “I shouldn’t have yelled at you.”
He shrugged. “You were blowing off steam like an emotional teenager.”
“Excuse me? I don’t have emotions.”
“Maybe the rest of the world believes that, but I know better.”
“Pfft. You know nothing.” I grabbed my glass of water and gulped.
“You’re right.” He picked up the pizza box and dirty napkins and took them to the bar for housekeeping to take in the morning.
“Are you placating me, so I’ll go to bed?” I checked the time on my Rolex. It was almost ten. With the three-hour time difference, my body felt like it was one o’clock in the morning, the same time I had been waking up and wearing the rug thin with my pacing the past couple of weeks.
“No, boss. Just got tired of looking at the mess.”
“You don’t need to call me boss when we’re alone.”
“But you’re my employer.” He brought me a new bottle of water.
“Thanks. But you’re also family, although I’m sure it hasn’t felt like it.”
“You’re not wrong. I’m used to it, though.”
“Shit, Paolo. You shouldn’t have to be used to it.” There had to be a way to give him more freedom and independence. He was a Remotti, after all. But I couldn’tthink about that now. Isla was my number one priority while in San Francisco.
“So, tomorrow.” His voice trailed and I sensed he wanted to change the subject.
“Yes, what about tomorrow?”
“Are you going back to the bistro?”
“Yes, after I meet with Remo and Fabio. Hopefully, she’ll be there.”
“She will be.” He squared his shoulders as if preparing for my backlash. “I took the liberty of calling the restaurant and asking when you were in the bathroom.”
“I’m shocked, pleasantly so.” I stood from the sofa and clutched his bicep in appreciation. “I’ll retire for the night now.”
“Good night.” He nodded and I could tell he almost saidboss. “Tomorrow will be a good day.”
