“Talk to her,” Luciano urged.
“I clam up around pretty women,” Teddy whispered.
“You don’t have to talk,” Jericho said. “My sister will.”
“Will what?” Georgia asked.
“Teddy wants to say hey,” Luciano said, then tossed his brother a nod toward Jericho’s sister.
Georgia beamed. “I’ve got a few minutes.”
Luciano folded two hundred-dollar bills, offered them to Georgia. “I know you’re the GM, but you took good care of us tonight.”
Georgia accepted the money, kissed his cheek. “You’re sweet. Thank you.”
After taking the elevator, Luciano spoke with the maître d’. As the attendant escorted him to Simone’s table, he glanced around the room until he found his target.
Simone was sitting across from a brunette and a man with military-short blond hair. As he approached the table, Simone glanced over. Their connection was unlike anything he’d ever experienced. A jolt of energy shot through him and the desire to touch her took hold. He hadn’t felt such an overwhelming need to protect someone in a long time, but he felt it now.
He thanked the maître d’, who’d pulled out his chair.
Simone rose, pressed her lips to his cheek and kissed him. “Perfect timing. We just ordered coffee.” He kissed her other cheek before turning to face the couple.
“This is my friend, Jerod, and his girlfriend Becca,” Simone said. “This is Luciano.”
Jerod rose, shook Luciano’s hand. “Red didn’t mention anyone joining us.”
“I hope I’m not interrupting,” Luciano said.
“Of course not.” Becca gestured to the chair. “Are you hungry?”
“I had a working dinner.” Luciano seated Simone before easing down next to her.
The server hurried over. “Sir, welcome. Can I bring you a menu?” She topped off Simone’s coffee.
“Espresso,” Luciano said.
“Did we decide on a dessert?” the server asked the others.
“The chocolate mousse cake sounds amazing,” Becca said. “Jerod, share?”
“Two forks,” Jerod said to the server.
After she left, Simone said, “Becca’s moving to the area from Atlanta.”
As Becca chatted about her decision, Luciano glanced at Jerod. He looked vaguely familiar, but Luciano had never met him and couldn’t place where he’d seen him.
When Becca finished talking, Jerod said, “How do you two know each other?”
“We met at a party,” Simone said.
“You look familiar,” Luciano said.
Jerod fiddled with his utensils. “I work in the federal space. You?”
“I run Santini International.”
Becca grinned. “Wait, no way. I love your chianti and have a subscription to your Once-a-Month Club.”
