Total pages in book: 95
Estimated words: 103819 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 519(@200wpm)___ 415(@250wpm)___ 346(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 103819 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 519(@200wpm)___ 415(@250wpm)___ 346(@300wpm)
Mr. Adams faced away from the room with his eyes focused on the front door. Kane mentally willed himself to remember if this was a dinner reservation for one or two. The best he could recall, the reservation was a party of one, but things changed. Perhaps that accounted for the delay in taking the dinner order. Kane looked up quickly toward the front, didn't see anything out of the ordinary, and turned his gaze down to the table. He saw a half-filled glass of wine and watched as Markie arrived again to take the dinner order. Good. Kane slowed his pace, letting the man give the waiter his order before he approached the table.
Chapter 3
The restaurant was packed, but not as thoroughly as Avery expected for such a prime piece of downtown property. The restaurant easily took up two, if not three, full lease spaces, with no table set close to another. Three of the inside walls were filled with luxury, oversized booth-style seating. Each was plush, covered in the softest leather and could easily seat a party of six, yet more than cozy enough to fit a lone patron. Large planters and hanging lanterns separated each booth with measurable space. The tables in the middle of the restaurant were situated in much the same way. They were easily ten feet apart. Plants, wine racks, and Italian décor had been placed strategically around the fine room, making sure every person encountered the same bit of privacy.
He could see why La Bella Luna had done so well. It wasn't the cattle call, serve as many as you could kind of establishment. Each guest experienced fine dining of a magnitude Avery had become accustomed to in other parts of the world, but had never chanced upon here in Minnesota.
By the looks of the price-less menu, this would be an expensive meal. Avery figured he'd be dropping a hundred dollars on his meal and bottle of wine, but if the food was anywhere close to the magic of the ambiance, it may be worth the cost. Honestly though, for Avery's taste, high-end elegance didn't hold much appeal. However, the view at the front door was a different story and easily held most of his interest.
Focusing on the greeter probably wasn't the best move for his see and be seen instruction. But the hot-greeter-guy would open the front doors to the restaurant every time anyone walked up, making himself a slide show of broad, beefy chest and then nice firm ass. Avery would hold his gaze in between those greeting responsibilities. They smiled at one another, winked, and as every minute passed, he was closer to sealing the deal for later this evening.
It sure seemed like a safe bet he'd be having greeter-guy sex in the next few hours. Perhaps if he worked things right, sex might even happen sooner. Avery loved the idea of being discreetly tucked away somewhere in this restaurant, getting to know the greeter a little more intimately. The chance of getting caught always added a bit of intensity, making the sex slightly frantic. He liked it hard and fast, and this place had more than enough darkened corners to pull something like that off.
His waiter popped into his line of sight, again rambling off several specials for the night. Avery figured he'd stalled long enough; they were ready for his order. He paid closer attention this time, and as the waiter spoke, Avery guessed Italian might actually be his second language. If not, he was trained well. Avery picked one of the three specials, easily letting the dish's name slide off his lips. After he finished ordering, he inclined his head, his eyes returning to the front door. Greeter-guy had vanished while he gave his order. That left Avery staring at an oak door with nothing else between his table and the entryway to occupy him as the waiter slid quietly away. Now the error of sitting in this direction sank in. This wasn't the best move for a man who sat alone.
More importantly, Avery's conscience finally made its presence known. He had to scold himself. Damn, he hated putting the reins on his good time, but United States senator wannabes, who already had a questionable past, sure didn't sneak off and have bathroom sex in a public restaurant. That came after he was elected, certainly not before.
"Good evening. I wanted to introduce myself. I'm Kane Dalton, owner of La Bella Luna. I wanted to personally thank you for stopping in tonight. Please let me know if there is anything you need." Avery looked up to see one of the best-looking men he'd ever laid eyes on standing before him. Fuck! He lost his breath, his heart slammed against his chest. He should shake the offered hand, but he couldn't move. All he could do was stare stupidly as the man continued to speak. He had never expected to find this restaurant's owner so young and handsome. For some reason, he'd pictured a much older, portly gentleman, maybe a transplant to the region. God, had he been wrong.
Kane Dalton was masculine, yet incredibly refined. Long and lean and very well groomed, not a strand of his dark hair out of place. His face held a strong chiseled jaw, high angular cheekbones with a smooth, clear complexion all leading to a perfect nose and extraordinarily kissable lips. Kane's eyes were downcast; he'd withdrawn his hand and was working something at the table now. Avery felt denied with those eyes not on him as he stared openly at Kane, taking in all that he could of the gorgeous restaurateur.
He could see hints of a fine sculpted body underneath a suit that looked handmade just for him. He should say something; maybe compliment him on his fine establishment and the delicious smells coming from the kitchen. What he really wanted to do was learn more about this man who just completely captivated him. Kane had stunned him. So much so Avery paused again; his words wouldn't come. He spoke to people all day long, every day. But for the first time in his life, the easy flow of conversation eluded him.