Oh boy, this wasn’t good. This trip to Rocky Harbor wasn’t unfolding the way it was supposed to. He’d better watch his actions from now on. Bianca seemed to have a blurring effect on his judgement.
He couldn’t let her charms affect the way he acted, and he wasn’t going to. He would have dinner with her, extract all the information he needed to make an advantageous business deal, then visit his dad and get back to the city as soon as possible.
Yes, this was a solid plan. And he was going to stick to it.
Chapter 5
Bianca filled her cat’s plate and kneeled down to caress his fur. “I’ll be out tonight, Rainbow, so please watch the house for me.”
Rainbow peeked up at her and gave out a loud meow.
She straightened. “I know, baby. I’ve been asking myself the same question. What shall we make of Mr. O’Connor, huh? He’s pretty confusing, isn’t he?”
Rainbow didn’t seem interested in any further chat. He turned to his plate and gulped down his crunchy kibbles avidly.
Bianca chuckled. “Of course you wouldn’t care for him. And you’re probably right. I shouldn’t either.”
She went back to her room to pick a dress. Except, it wasn’t so easy to keep her thoughts away from Ryan. Not because he possessed the elegance of the protagonists from her favorite old movies. No, that was unimportant. It was because Ryan O’Connor held her life thread in his hand. The possibility for her to continue with her dream job.
She reached into her wardrobe and pulled out a satin dress. Yes, this one would work for tonight. Bianca brushed the delicate fabric between her fingers. The malachite color should enhance her eyes in a flattering manner.
She stopped and bit her lip. Oh, what was she doing? She should look professional and trustworthy instead of attractive. She wasn’t going on a real date. She threw the dress on her bed and grabbed a grey pencil skirt and white shirt.
So, will you have dinner with me then?
Why did the memory of this simple question make her feel this way? Was it the challenging smile with which Ryan had accompanied it? She pressed a hand on her belly to ease the knots.
She peeked down at the skirt in her hands. Perhaps she should use all her cards to her advantage. After all, Ryan had invited her to dinner, not to a business meeting. Even if it wasn’t a romantic event, she should still look her best.
Rainbow sneaked into the room and jumped on her bed. He rubbed his face on the dress while purring loudly.
Bianca sighed. “You like that better, too? Fine, then that’s what I’m going to wear.”
She hung the other clothes back in her wardrobe.
When she was ready, she glanced at her image in the mirror. Not bad. Also, tonight Jake’s band was playing. If she were to dance, then a pencil skirt would be a terrible choice. Heat rushed to Bianca’s cheeks at the thought of the saxophonist. After their last date, Jake’d never called her back. Her hands rolled into fists and she exhaled.
It wouldn’t do any harm if Jake saw her dressed sexy, having dinner with a gorgeous man, would it? It would show that playboy that Bianca was done sitting around and waiting for him.
Bianca relaxed her hands and brushed her left palm against her forehead. Wait a minute. Did she just think of Ryan as gorgeous? Bianca swallowed. Oh crap, she did. But it was the truth. Ryan O’Connor was a real figo—as her cousin Ginny would put it.
For a moment, Bianca considered dialing Ginny’s number to tell her about the strange sizzles she got when Ryan had touched her hand, but she decided against it. No, this shouldn’t be her focus at all. She had to dazzle Ryan with her strategic vision. And not remain dazzled by his astonishingly dark eyes.
She had bad taste in men, it was no secret. But developing a crush on this billionaire would be the greatest mistake she’d ever made. For once in her life, she was going to be rational and not follow her gut. Even if it was stirring at the thought of seeing Ryan tonight.
Chapter 6
Ryan closed his laptop and rolled his neck. Finally, all the emails were sent. It would be sufficient if he checked his correspondence after dinner. He didn’t like to peek at his phone during meetings. Especially not if he was going to spend the night with someone like Bianca.
He froze mid-thought. Oh, snap. Am I developing an obsession or what? Why else would his thoughts keep swirling around her?
He wasn’t like that with women. Not even with Jenna. No, he only thought of Jenna when they were about to meet. Otherwise, his head was usually filled with his business ideas. Ryan quite liked it that way. Having control over his own brain was a cornerstone of his existence.
He stood up and put on his suit. It was a pity that he didn’t have a flouncy handkerchief or at least a jacket trimmed with satin. It would look better for The Sapphire’s theme.
He tapped on his forehead. This was again an untypical idea. He wasn’t here to fit into the restaurant’s concept. He came here to buy the place and then resell it.
Bianca’s long lashes popped into his head, and his shoulders tightened. Was he getting himself into a mess? Probably. And all because he had a hard time breaking this woman’s enthusiasm.
He sighed and stepped over to his bed. He picked up his phone.
It was just one night. If he listened to Bianca’s plans, it would be easier to find suitable counterarguments tomorrow. He wasn’t betraying her trust. He was just acting as the owner of Bright Future should. He hadn’t gotten to where he was by giving in to momentary emotional weaknesses.
Ryan searched his contact list for his father’s number. He had to let him know he wasn’t going to be able to come tomorrow. Maybe on Sunday.
But that would mean missing out on Jenna’s debut. Ryan scratched his chin. Oh well, Jenna would survive. Helga was right. Jenna was only playing a minor part in the play, and that was only because Ryan had pulled some strings with the director. No, Jenna would be fine with his absence as long as he compensated her with a gift. Or two.
Ryan hit dial and put the phone on loudspeaker.
His father’s throaty voice filled the room. “Ryan, son. Helga told me you were in the area. I’ve been expecting your call.”
Ryan shook his head. Huh, good old Helga. Always one step ahead of her boss. She was probably afraid Ryan would travel home without passing by his dad’s. But Ryan wouldn’t have done that. Even if each visit unleashed all those bad memories, he still went by there every month.
“Yes, Dad. There’s an object in Rocky Harbor I’m interested in buying.”
His dad drew in a breath. “Don’t tell me it’s that place…what’s the name…Sapphire?”
Ryan furrowed his brows. “The Sapphire, yes. That’s the one. How come you know it?”
His father chuckled. “I might be a hermit, my son, but I still get out of the house sometimes. John took me there the other day for lunch as a thank you for adjusting his Harley.”
Ryan snorted. So his dad still kept his garage business. How many times did Ryan tell him it wasn’t necessary anymore. Ryan could provide for him. And then some. What was the point in making millions in a year, if his own father refused to reap the benefits of Ryan’s hard work?
“Dad, I’ve told you. You should stop with the repairs. You’re not that young anymore. You should enjoy your free time instead of rotting in the smoky garage. Why don’t you start golfing or something?”
There was a silence, then his father burst out laughing. “Me, golf? With whom? There isn’t a single golf course in Rocky Harbor.”
“I can build you one,” Ryan answered.
His father became serious. “No, son. I wouldn’t want you to. I enjoy my work. It keeps me alive. Since your mother’s death, I’ve been too lonely.”
Ryan’s heart squeezed as if he’d been stabbed. How could the pain still feel so intense after so many years? Was it the guilt that stopped him from finding closure?
“I know, Dad. I just want you to be happy. I worry about you.”
His father cleare
d his throat. “I know you do.” He paused then continued. “You know what would make me happy? If you came to check out my latest Fleetwood Roadster. I’ve been working on this jewel for a month now. It belonged to Ben’s father. I managed to put it back together. He’s coming to pick it up on Tuesday, so if you come by this weekend, I can take you on a test drive.”
The sheer excitement in his father’s voice reminded Ryan of Bianca. His dad could probably transform Bianca’s old-timer, too.
“Ry-aan? Still there?” his father asked.
Ouch, Bianca had sidetracked his thoughts. Again.
“Yes, I’m here. I won’t be able to come tomorrow for lunch, but maybe for dinner. On Sunday you can show me the Roadster, though.”
There was a clap on the other end. “Perfect, I’ll order your favorite chicken and fries.”
Ryan’s throat thickened. That used to be his favorite meal when he was twelve. But he didn’t want to correct his dad. It was clear he was looking forward to Ryan’s visit.
“Sure. I’ll call you before I leave from work.”
“Okay, see you soon.”
Ryan had just put his phone into his jacket pocket, when the doorbell rang. That must be Bianca. Heat prickled on the back of his neck as he walked to the door.
Chapter 7
Bianca peeked at Ryan from the corner of her eyes, while keeping the wheel of her car steady.
Gosh, he looked great in his dark suit and casually unbuttoned white shirt. Her heart stuttered and she straightened her back. How lucky she had opted for that green dress in the end.
Ryan played with the ventilation cap. “Does this thing even work?”
Bianca shook her head. “No, not really. When it’s hot, I open the roof. My car is a little…well, old.”
The engine gave out a miserable thump as if to underline her point. Bianca’s cheeks became warm. Let’s hope her convertible wasn’t going to leave them on the road just now. It was her idea to drive to the restaurant in style.
As if Ryan had read her thoughts, he turned to her. “When was the last time you took your car in for a tune-up? This sound isn’t very promising.”
Tune-up? She hadn’t had one since she’d bought her old rusty. She’d used up most of her savings to visit her brother, Matteo, and his wife. Flying overseas was expensive, but she couldn’t miss out on seeing how their sport club was evolving on the Amalfi Coast.
But Bianca didn’t feel like sharing her money troubles with Ryan. He was a billionaire. He wouldn’t understand.
So she just shrugged. “You’re just too spoiled with your Tesla. You’ve forgotten how a real, fuel engine sounds.”
Ryan looked like he was trying to stifle a laugh. “Yes, sure. That must be it.”
“Why did you even buy an electric car? Being a billionaire and all, shouldn’t you be driving a Mclaren or a Ferrari?”
“Not all rich people are clueless about global warming.” Ryan rolled his eyes. “I like luxury and do spend a lot of money on things that make my life more comfortable. But I still consider the impact I’m making on our environment and on others.”
That wasn’t the answer Bianca had imagined.
“That’s very thoughtful of you,” she mumbled.
She threw a furtive glance at Ryan. He was turning out to be less of a shark and more of a man. A very attractive man.
Ryan turned and caught her staring, so she forced her eyes back to the road. Heat singed her face as if she’d just peeked inside a burning oven. How fortunate they were almost at The Sapphire. Staying in such a restricted space with Ryan was doing funny things to her body, and Bianca couldn’t have that. Not when so much hung on the line. She needed to stay rational around this man and not turn into a shy teenager.
The parking lot was packed.
Bianca knew tonight would be a full house, but she hadn’t expected the guests to arrive this early. Her heartbeat accelerated. Hopefully the kitchen could handle the boom. Angelo, her cook, wasn’t used to serving this many orders all at once.
She got out of her car and waited for Ryan to join her. He struggled a bit, trying to avoid bumping his head as he exited the car. Bianca suppressed a smile. He was just too tall for her tiny Cooper. Maybe next time she should open the roof.
When he stepped over to her, his eyebrows shot up. “Wow, this truly seems like the place to be tonight. I didn’t believe you when you said the whole town would be here.”
Yes, Bianca was going to surprise him many more times tonight. She winked. “I’ll always tell you the truth, Ryan. Hope you do the same?”
Ryan’s jaw clenched a bit, but then he smiled. “Yes, sure.” He put a hand on the small of her back. “Shall we?”
A warm tingling started at Bianca’s neck and travelled to her ribcage. She pressed her lips together and kept her eyes on the ground. She walked to the entrance, followed by Ryan. Luckily he dropped his hand, otherwise Bianca couldn’t have managed the few meters without slipping in her heels. His touch was too unsettling.
The door of the restaurant opened and the melody of “Mambo Italiano” reached Bianca’s ears. She threw a sideways glance at Ryan. He was a self-proclaimed opposer of the oldies. How was he going to react to seeing The Sapphire in action?
Ryan stood at the entrance, his mouth slightly open. His eyes flicked from the stage where the band played to the dance floor where elegantly dressed couples moved to the rhythm of Dean Martin’s song. Then he turned toward the tables and his brows rose even higher.
Bianca followed his gaze and her stomach grew warm. Her team had managed to finish the set-up on time. She’d left them at five when the decorating wasn’t complete yet. Now, all of the round tables were set with impeccably white tablecloths, fresh flowers, and candles. Above the podium, the purple ribbon with the fundraiser’s logo swung with the beats of the music.
Ryan gasped. “It’s like a scene from a movie.”
Bianca poked him in his ribs. “That’s the main point. When you come in here, you make a voyage in time.”
A fat man dressed in a tuxedo strolled by, singing loudly, “Hey mambo, trallala la la mozzarella…lalala italiano.”
He waved at Bianca then settled to a table.
Bianca turned to Ryan. “That’s Mr. Allbright, the best architect in town. He worked on our interior design.”
Ryan leaned closer to her. “Wow, he seems quite a fan.” His lips curled up.
Bianca’s breathing grew shallow. The manly scent of Ryan wafted over her, and her knees became weak. She was standing too close. It was better to move to a safer physical distance.
She took a step back. “Yes, everybody is very involved in our project, you’ll see. But, come, let’s sit at our table.”
Chapter 8
Bianca led the way. Ryan’s eyes wandered to her hips, and his throat swelled. The green dress draped effortlessly on her curves and danced with each step around her ankles. No. Best to withdraw his gaze. He was here on business, after all.
They zigzagged between the tables till they reached a quieter corner of the room. There was a free table for two.
They sat down, and a waiter arrived immediately with the menus.
Bianca shifted her chair closer to his and pointed at the paper. “I suggest you try Pasta alla Norma. It’s my favorite.”
Ryan’s pulse picked up. Bianca was so close he could feel her body heat. Or maybe it was his imagination. And was this alluring scent coming from her?
His fingers slid across the menu, and he hardened his grip. “What’s in this dish?”
Dang, why was his voice this throaty? He was supposed to sound like the future owner of this place and not like some dated gigolo.
Bianca furrowed her brows. “It has few ingredients, but it’s the quality of the produce and the marriage with the right variety of pasta that matters. For this recipe, you have eggplant, tomatoes—the ripe flavorsome ones of course—then salted ricotta, garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, and basil. Tutto qua. It’s to die for.”
Bianca smacked her lips, as if to accentuate her point.
Ryan’s gaze dipped to her mouth, and his heart leaped. Yes, to die for. Then he gulped and raised his eyes. He couldn’t be focusing on how appetizing Bianca’s lips looked. They were discussing what to eat, for heaven’s sake.
“Sounds good. I’ll try that,” he agreed quickly.
Bianca patted his hand. “You won’t regret it.”
An itching sensation flickered across Ryan’s arm. And not the wrong kind. He flinched and folded his palm over the spot where Bianca’d touched him.
Bianca called the waiter. They ordered their meals and a bottle of wine.
“So—” Ryan cleared his throat. He needed to set the proper business tone from the start. “What are your future plans with this restaurant?”
“The Sapphire is pretty much set up for success, I think.” Bianca’s glance wandered around the room filled with people. “It just needs time to reproduce the money invested. It’s already bringing in good profit each month, but of course, we’re still paying back the money we borrowed for the restructuring. To accelerate this process, we came up with a plan that involves the musical experience as much as the culinary one.” Her eyes drifted over to the band and she blinked twice.
Was she looking at someone in particular on the stage? He scanned the musicians, and his eyes stopped on the sax player. The saxophonist met Bianca’s eyes and flashed her a crooked smirk. An uneasy feeling diffused in Ryan’s chest.
Bianca’s voice woke him from his thoughts. “We’d like to awaken Rocky Harbor’s cultural buzz. To do this, we’ve planned a yearly festival to attract artists who play music inspired by the oldies and famous chefs who lead Italian-themed restaurants. A gathering for those who love jazz and eating well. The Sapphire could be the governing unit for this event.”
Ryan scratched his head. This was unexpected. He thought that when Stefano and Bianca’d spoken about expansion, they were referring to a new location or something. But a festival? What was the profit in that?
Gambling With The Billionaire (Gems 0f Love Book 2) Page 3