Total pages in book: 52
Estimated words: 49968 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 250(@200wpm)___ 200(@250wpm)___ 167(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 49968 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 250(@200wpm)___ 200(@250wpm)___ 167(@300wpm)
A few days later, still unsure what to do, I was sitting in a coffee shop in Toronto when I heard two women discussing the hotel in Niagara Falls and the opportunities to work there. Curious, I leaned over and asked them about it, and they were happy to share their experience. “I got on in the kitchen,” one enthused. “I’ve been applying here for months and got nothing. The place is huge—four restaurants. I’m sure you could get something.” After they left, I checked out the hotel. I made the decision and put what few things I had left in the car and drove down to Niagara. The landlord was going to kick me out in short order anyway, so I figured I had nothing to lose.
And today had been a good day.
I had a job, a place to live, and I was safe.
A low voice, deep brown eyes, and wide shoulders came to mind. Mr. Ricci.
Aldo.
I’d seen his name on the forms I filled out. I recalled how I’d felt when I walked into his office and saw him.
Taken aback. He stood as I walked in, his presence filling the room. I felt a shiver race down my spine.
He was incredibly tall. Broad and muscular. He towered over me and, given my height, that was something. His eyes were a rich brown, and his hair was dark. His features were strong, and he had a cleft in his chin. He had an air of authority about him. His handshake was firm, his skin warm. He was intimidating, yet I wasn’t afraid of him.
I wondered if I should be.
He’d also been kind. Directed me here. Assured me all the employees were looked after.
But I saw how he looked at me. The glimmer of desire in his eyes before he shut it down. He stared at my legs when the slit in my skirt opened a bit too far, his gaze lingering. He’d cleared his throat before speaking.
I found him very sexy. But he was one of the managers. Off-limits.
Still, I found him intriguing. He had an aloofness surrounding him. Was that real or a front he put on to keep people at arm’s length?
I sighed as I looked around. I guessed I would find out tomorrow at the meet-and-greet.
There was a knock on the door, and I opened it. Fran stood there, smiling. “I thought you could use these until you’re settled,” she said, thrusting a small pile toward me. There was a pillow and blanket, as well as a couple of towels. “I know a good warehouse where you can buy necessities,” she added. “Salvage, buyouts, that sort of thing. Good prices.”
Her kindness was unexpected, and I had to blink at the surprising moisture in my eyes. “Thank you.”
She nodded. “Our daughter is on her own too. I would like to think if she needed help, she would be offered it.”
“I’ll get these back to you as soon as I can.”
“No rush, dear. I’m glad Mr. Ricci sent you our way. Brian and I like going to the casino, and he arranged a lovely night for our anniversary a few months ago. He is always kind to us. We were happy to help a friend of his.”
I smiled. I was hardly a friend since I had only met him today, but I kept that to myself. “I’m glad he did as well. I’ll be a good tenant.”
She looked pleased. “I have no doubt. Now, if you need anything, we’re number 101, all right?”
“Thank you.”
She left, and I made up the sofa and got ready for bed. I was eager for tomorrow and getting into a schedule.
And if I was being truthful, getting another chance to see the mysterious Mr. Ricci.
I studied the menu, committing it to memory. It wasn’t complicated. Sandwiches, burgers, soups, salads. Good, hearty fare—again, a nod to the fifties. Malts and milkshakes were featured, and I had to admit, my mouth watered reading the descriptions. I already decided I would have a Reuben and a vanilla shake for dinner.
I got ready and headed to the casino for the meet-and-greet. I wore my uniform, adding a belt and black sneakers. I wore my hair pushed back from my face with a scarf and put on some makeup.
I guessed there were about fifty people at the event. Cold and hot beverages were offered and even some finger food. I fixed a plate and took a cup of coffee, looking around the room. It was sumptuous and grand. I had a feeling everything in this hotel was top-notch.
I introduced myself to other newcomers, meeting a few more people who were going to be working at the Rolling Dice Deli. I had just put down my plate and wiped my mouth when I felt a shiver run down my spine. I turned slowly and met the gaze of Aldo Ricci. He was across the room with another man I assumed was Mr. Costas. He looked every inch the powerful tycoon I had heard he was. Tall, broad shoulders that tapered to a lean waist, and I was sure his suit cost more than my car. He had chestnut-colored hair and a stern expression on his face. Mr. Ricci said something to him, and he smiled, but even that looked stern. His expression was set to serious, and I had the feeling he didn’t relax very often. Mr. Ricci was taller than him, bigger as well. Even across the room, I could see his muscles rippling under the tight sleeves of his jacket.