Total pages in book: 101
Estimated words: 97371 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 487(@200wpm)___ 389(@250wpm)___ 325(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 97371 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 487(@200wpm)___ 389(@250wpm)___ 325(@300wpm)
“All a part of being in the right place at the right time.”
“Fuck outta here.” He tosses the rest of his sandwich down and sits back as he folds his arms over his chest.
I look away as his muscles stretch his polo. I’ve been doing my best not to stare. Dario is about half an inch shy of six-six. While the leaner of the twins, he’s still a bulky man. Every inch of him is sexy, especially the kiss the chef tat on his neck. I know for a fact he has other distracting tats along his ribs and across his pelvis.
For years, Dario has spent time in the gym with me. Because of him, I’ve continued kickboxing and started lifting. I’ve sculpted this body with him at my side, pushing me to be my best, even on the days I’ve wanted to give up. Most times in hope that our sweaty workouts would turn into more.
Someday.
Heck, a girl can hope, and dream, can’t she?
“You know, you annoy me sometimes.”
I tilt my head to the side and laugh. “Really? Wow, and I thought we were best friends.”
“And that’s exactly why. I know you can’t believe the crap that comes out of your mouth, but I also know you’re not the type to fish for compliments. So, I’m still trying to figure out where this all comes from.”
I mirror his posture. “Not everyone is as confident as you are. People put on a brave face, but most are faking it until they make it.”
“Please, miss me with that shit. You know how my family is about our legacy. You would never have been granted a position, least of all a restaurant, if you didn’t have the skills. With me or without me, you needed the talent, and you have it.”
“Can we change the subject?”
He snorts. “Want to talk about that first steak you made for me? Now that was pure shit, and I think I had the shits for a week after.”
I burst into laughter and toss my paper napkin at him. He’s not lying. I was so nervous to cook for him and I choked so bad. It’s like I forgot everything I learned. It was horrible.
“You still suck as a pastry chef.”
He shrugs and winks. “But my best friend is one of the best pastry chefs in New York so I’m safe.”
I duck my head and blush. I am great with pastries, but I want to master savory cooking so bad. It’s why I work so hard. I’ll get there. I’ll have my signature dish that I can duplicate to perfection every time. I know I will.
“That was perfect as always,” he says as he finishes his food. “So where do we start?”
“What, you have some hot date?” I tease.
He frowns at me. “No, we have to get to work. That reminds me. Keep that asshole out of my place.”
I groan. I should have known this was coming. I started dating a few months ago and Dario hates Lou with a passion. I still don’t know why, they’ve hardly met.
Lou is a pretty nice guy. We met on a dating app. It’s not that serious, but I’m tired of trying to explain that to Dario. If it were up to him, I would never talk, text, or go on another date with Lou.
Honestly, Lou checks off most of the boxes. All except being Dario Di Lorenzo. He owns a successful real estate company and he’s been a total sweetheart.
“Dario, see, now this is why I should find someplace else to stay. Trust me, I don’t want to listen to you fucking any more than you want me to have someone in your place.”
“So, you’re fucking him now?”
“No, but that’s none of your business.”
He snorts and shrugs. “You don’t have to worry about listening to me fuck. I’ve been celibate.”
I scoff. “Bullshit. Since when?”
“You make me sound like some manwhore. Is that how you see me?” He pulls a face, looking truly hurt.
“The Fleming twins, Natale Hearth, your professor your senior year in culinary school, shall I go on?”
“I was in a monogamous relationship with each of them.”
I laugh so hard I have to hold my stomach. He was not monogamous to the twins. He was screwing one and dating the other. They just didn’t seem to care.
“Whatever, I haven’t been dating because I know I’m not going to find what I want. You won’t hear a peep out of me unless my hand grows lips.”
“Fine. I won’t have Lou over.”
I don’t say out loud I think that’s coming to an end. Lou wants things I don’t want with him. I think I might be wasting his time.
“Good. Now let’s get this stuff to my place. Time is ticking.”
Chapter 3
Be My Date
Dario
“That looks great,” I say as I place my palms down on either side of Carleen at the station she’s working at, caging her in.