Bianca’s stomach hardened. This was the moment she should tell Ginny she did it to gain a strategic advantage. That her move was a calculated business decision that she was sure would make the difference. But she couldn’t lie to Ginny.
Bianca pressed her palm to her forehead. “I guess I hoped spending time with Ryan would make him see why it’s essential to let the restaurant stay on its current course. But I’m not sure if I can actually manage to change his mind in three days.”
Ginny sighed. “Oh, Bi’. If anyone can do such a thing, it’s you. Don’t worry about the money. I can help you out with that. You just focus on putting all your wits in action. The Sapphire is blooming because of your intervention. You mustn’t give up on it so easily.”
Bianca nodded. “Yes, you’re right. I won’t.”
“How is this Ryan, anyways?” Ginny said.
Bianca’s heart dropped. It was the same question she’d asked her cousin about Mr. Peterson, and the way Ginny’d answered was more than revealing. Bianca had to pay attention to her tone. She had no intention of allowing her cousin to tease her about her potential attraction to Ryan.
Because she wasn’t attracted to him. Not even a bit. Or, maybe only a bit. A teeny-tiny bit. So little that it wasn’t even worth considering.
“He’s like many billionaires. Young, smart, and with the business instinct of a shark.”
“Got the looks, too?” Ginny asked.
Bianca swallowed. What was she supposed to say? Ryan’s sharp cheekbones flashed through her mind. No, she mustn’t mention anything about a Rafaello sculpture or about Dean Martin. “He’s quite handsome if you’re into businessmen.”
Ginny chuckled. “Do I take this as you aren’t into them?”
Bianca bit her lip. “Nope.”
Ginny sighed. “Good for you. Developing feelings toward your business partner or your boss is always a mistake.”
There. The intonation in Ginny’s voice confirmed Bianca’s initial suspicion. Her cousin was falling for Nick Peterson. How lucky Bianca wasn’t in the same boat. It would be impossible to face her upcoming meeting with Ryan if she had those kinds of feelings for him.
“Ginny, could you come for a second?”
A male baritone sounded on Ginny’s end.
“Bi’, I’m sorry, I have to go. I’ll transfer the money tonight. Stay smart, and keep me posted on how things go.”
Before Bianca could say good-bye to Ginny, the line went dead.
Bianca stood up and went to the mirror. She combed through her hair and fastened a portion of it with a hairpin. This half-updo had been her brother’s favorite. He used to say that it made Bianca’s eyes pop. As she arranged her curls, her thoughts wandered back to Ginny and how generous she had been. Bianca was lucky to have such family.
She grabbed her purse, slid on her shoes, and headed to the door. Before opening it, she glanced at her watch. Quarter to nine.
Why did Ryan opt to meet this early in the morning? Didn’t he like to indulge himself with extra sleep time on the weekends? An image of him among white sheets flashed into Bianca’s mind. Did he sleep shirtless? Her pulse quickened and her cheeks grew hot.
Oh, for heaven’s sake, she didn’t need to be thinking about a half-naked Ryan. This wasn’t the right mental preparation for their day.
Stay smart. Was she going to keep her head cool around Ryan like Ginny asked her? There was just something about this man that made her cells bounce around like they’d been injected with some magical potion. But these weird sensations were probably due to his key role in her future. That and his dazzling exterior. Nothing else.
Bianca pushed open the door and went to her car.
Chapter 13
Once more, Ryan scanned the email he’d received from Kyle, the younger of the Welles brothers. He’d sent Ryan the specs for their chain, La Vita Bella.
Ryan looked at the menu, and with his rudimentary Italian, he’d already spotted an error in the name of one of their pizzas. The planned interiors looked similar to a fast-food chain, but with some Mediterranean flair.
Ryan rubbed his cheeks. It wasn’t that bad, was it? Maybe if it was spiced up with Bianca’s creativity? Would Bianca accept working for the Welles brothers?
The idea that his business intervention would leave Bianca out of work disturbed Ryan. He didn’t really care what it did to the rest of the restaurant staff. Stefano was going to cut a good financial deal for sure and use the money to help his daughter or whatever else he’d planned to do with it.
And the other staff? Well, waiters and waitresses could always find new positions, couldn’t they? And the band? Playing good music was also a sought-after skill.
The arrogant grin on the saxophonist’s face popped into Ryan’s head. Jake had been so certain Bianca would ensure a place for him in the future set-up. Why was he so self-confident about it? Did Bianca have feelings for that jackass?
Ryan swallowed. This strong reaction was utterly disturbing. Yes, Jake fit all the stereotypes Ryan’d ever had about low-range musicians who wanted to dazzle women but didn’t actually have the talent to climb up the ladder of fame. But still. The burning in his veins and the throbbing in his temples were way too exaggerated.
He glanced out the window. Bianca’s red Mini was rolling into the parking lot.
Ryan shuddered as if someone had dripped ice water on his neck. His throat went dry as he watched Bianca get out of her car. Her curls danced around her shoulders like wildflowers in the morning breeze. She was dressed simply, but her peach-colored dress underlined the golden tone of her skin. The energy that emanated from her seemed to lighten the hotel’s dim surroundings.
He rolled his neck. He mustn’t fall under the charms of this woman. He would be here for the next three days and then his visits to Rocky Harbor would be reduced to his trips to see his dad. When this business transaction was over, he was never ever going to see Bianca Biagi.
At this thought, his heart squeezed. He ignored it and walked to the entrance. He plastered on a smile and opened the door.
At the sight of Bianca’s expression, he winced. Something is wrong.
Her lips were pressed in a line and her forehead wrinkled.
“What happened?” he asked.
“I think we need to cancel our meeting today. My engine’s noise isn’t normal. I need to get someone to look at it ASAP.”
Ryan’s shoulders relaxed. It was only her car, not something to do with her. As his muscles relaxed, a question nagged at the back of his mind. Why was he so worried about Bianca’s wellbeing? They were still practically strangers. Even if his heart dancing in his ribcage suggested that his body didn’t agree with this definition.
He tilted his head. “Is it different from yesterday’s roars?”
Bianca nodded. “Yes, I’m afraid so. I’m not even sure how I can get to Windrows Creeks.”
Ryan’s brows arched. “That’s like fifty miles from here. Why would you even contemplate such a drive with a half broken car?”
Bianca avoided his glance and observed her shoes. “There is a mechanic who specializes in oldies. He’s much cheaper than the ones in town. Plus, he works over the weekend. Phil, the guy in Rocky Harbor, doesn’t.”
Ryan’s first reaction was to offer to pay for Bianca’s car’s repair. It was indirectly his fault that Bianca was considerably poorer than yesterday. Since she didn’t want to accept his money for the auction prize then at least he should contribute to this.
But looking at Bianca’s stubborn jaw, he didn’t dare to speak up. Somehow he sensed he would encounter a refusal again. Bianca was definitely not after his money. It was a refreshing feeling.
Then, driven by a sudden idea, he said, “You know what? I’ve just remembered. I know someone not too far from here who repairs oldies. I can take you to him.”
Bianca’s eyes widened. “You mean here in Rocky Harbor? I thought I knew any decent car repair shops. Well, great. Yes, please. If your guy can fix Ru
sty then we might get a chance to see a bit of the town’s life this afternoon.”
She smiled and her eyes lit up.
Ryan’s throat thickened. Did he make a huge mistake by offering this? What was his dad going to think if he arrived there with Bianca?
But one glance at Bianca’s pink lips curling up was enough to silence his doubts. No, Bianca needed his help. His dad was the best mechanic Ryan had ever seen, especially when it came to historical models. He was going to fix Bianca’s Mini in a jiffy.
And then they’d get to spend the whole day together, just as planned.
He put his hand on Bianca’s shoulder. A faint tickling spread in the pit of his stomach as his thumb brushed against the bare skin of her neck. She had incredibly soft skin. “Shall we go?”
Bianca’s eyes darted to his face, as if she was startled by his proximity. “Yes, I’m ready if you are.”
Ready? Oh, yes. He was ready. But probably not for what she was expecting of him. An urge to pull Bianca close and sniff her hair overcame Ryan, so he withdrew his hand.
He cleared his throat. “Let’s go. I’ll drive in front of you. We’ll go slow, but if you have any trouble, just flash your lights and we’ll stop.”
Luckily his father’s house wasn’t farther than a few minutes’ drive. As they settled into their separate cars, Ryan caught sight of his reflection in the rear mirror.
What was he doing? Didn’t he swear to stop making impulsive decisions when he was around Bianca? He was taking her to his father’s house. Not even Jenna had visited it, and she was—at four months—the longest relationship Ryan had ever had.
He shook his head. No, Bianca wasn’t visiting as his plus one. She needed her car fixed and Ryan’s father could help. Period. Ryan shouldn’t turn this trip into anything else in his head, and it wasn’t going to escalate in real life either.
Or at least that was the plan. But his plans seemed to be worthless when he was around Bianca. He drew in a breath and started the ignition.
Chapter 14
Bianca followed Ryan’s Tesla through the large wrought iron gate. Where the heck was he taking her? The place looked more like a small castle than a mechanic’s shop. As they drove past the large garden, neatly arranged with tulips, rose bushes, and large oak trees, Bianca rolled down her window. A flowery scent hit her nostrils and she sighed.
Ryan parked his car in front of the large mansion made out of red bricks and glass. It was a surprising mixture of modern and cozy. Bianca steered her Rusty to him and hopped out.
Ryan strolled to Bianca with a questioning look in his eyes. “So, what do you think of this place?”
Bianca looked around and her eyes remained fixed on a tiny lake that hosted a wide range of lotus flowers. The most elegant part of town Bianca had been to was where the mayor lived. Those villas were already something that she could only dream of having one day.
But this? It seemed like a tiny paradise on Earth.
She put one palm on her chest. “What do I think? It’s amazing. I wasn’t even aware such a nice neighborhood existed in proximity to Rocky Harbor. But may I ask what we’re doing here? I thought you were taking me to a mechanic.”
Ryan winked. “I am. To the best.”
Bianca furrowed her brows, but Ryan’s glance drifted from her over to something behind her back. A smile spread on his face, one that made him look much younger than he was. There was again that wonderful boyish excitement in his eyes. “Dad, I came a bit earlier.”
Dad?
Bianca whirled around and came face-to-face with an elderly man. He was the same muscular build as Ryan, but his hair was white and his cheeks bore the signs of passing years. His eyes, however, glistened with the joy of life of those who remain young in their hearts.
The man hurried to them with open arms. “Son, I’m so glad to see you.” He closed Ryan into a tight hug.
Bianca took a step back and observed the two from the corner of her eyes. Why did Ryan take her to his father’s house? Did they have a private car repair shop set up on this terrain? Judging from the luxury surrounding them, Bianca could easily imagine this as a likely scenario.
Ryan’s father released his son and turned to Bianca. “And you, my lovely lady? Who would you be?”
Bianca’s cheeks warmed and her stomach hardened. How should she describe herself to Ryan’s father? I’m the manager of the restaurant your son wants to dismantle, and I bought his services for three days in an auction so that he’s obliged to spend time with me?
No, this was definitely too much information.
She held out her hand and settled for, “My name is Bianca Biagi. I’m a business partner of your son. I’m pleased to meet you.”
Ryan’s father’s eyes widened then he winked at his son. “Now I understand why you’re all work, work, work. I’d do the same if I had such lovely company.” He looked back at Bianca and smiled. “My name is Robert, and I’m very pleased to meet you, too. And excuse me for my teasing. My son spends so much time working that sometimes I wonder whether he still knows his priorities in life.”
Ryan snorted. “Dad, please don’t start.”
Robert shook his head. “Of course, of course. Sorry. It’s a discussion that isn’t going to come to an end. Anyways, to what do I owe the honor of your early visit, Ryan? I thought you were coming only in the evening. And with company? It’s a true surprise.”
Bianca’s heart made a small jump. Did that mean Ryan didn’t bring women to his father’s house? Was he single?
Before she could stop herself, the words were out. “Does your son always visit you alone?”
Bianca felt Ryan’s eyes bore a hole into her, but she kept her gaze fixed on his father. Heat rushed to her face. What was she doing asking questions like this? It wasn’t her business.
Robert didn’t seem to find Bianca’s question nosy. Or at least, he didn’t give any signs that he did. He just patted Bianca softly on her shoulder. “Yes, unfortunately. He’s a good son, though. He comes to visit at least once a month. But he never stays very long or introduces me to the people in his life. I didn’t even meet his—”
Ryan clapped his hands, cutting his father’s sentence in half. His face looked tense. “Isn’t this enough small talk, Dad? Shouldn’t we tell you why Bianca is here?”
Her throat swelled. Was Ryan angry with her because she was mixing herself into his family affairs? If he was, he had every right. But Bianca still burned to know whether Ryan had a special someone in his life.
His father lifted a brow and looked like he wanted to ask something, but then he nodded. “Yes, of course.”
Ryan’s features relaxed and he sighed. “Very well. We’re here because of Bianca’s car.” He pointed at the Mini. “Something’s wrong with its engine and we need it fixed for tomorrow. I told Bianca I knew the best mechanic in town.”
His father’s face lit up like he’d been given a Christmas present. “What a beauty! Is it a 1963 model?” He walked to the car and stroked the windshield with his hands. “It’s a special one that you have. Who did your tune-up last time? Don’t tell me you took this gem to Phil Ravens? Those guys don’t understand a thing about oldies.”
She bit her lip. “I don’t really do maintenance. I haven’t had any major problems with Rusty since I bought her, so…” Her glance bounced between Ryan and his father.
Were they going to judge her for being irresponsible and missing the regular check-ups?
Ryan eyed her with a smile on his lower lip. “I figured as much. The sound your engine makes would wake the dead from the tomb.”
His father opened the car door and held out his hand. “Bianca, would you mind giving me the keys? I need to hear this special sound your car makes.” As Bianca handed him the keys, Robert turned to his son. “You two can walk over to the hub.”
With that, he sat behind the wheel and started the ignition.
A roar so loud and obnoxious filled the air that Bianca drew her palms to her ea
rs. Good heavens, was this how Rusty sounded from the outside? This morning she had kept the roof closed so the noise was probably muffled through the windows. Without the glass shielding the intensity of the earsplitting sound, her car seemed on its death bed.
Robert gave gas and drove Bianca’s car to the road leading behind the house.
Bianca turned to Ryan. “Where is he taking my car?”
Ryan stepped over to her. He put his hand on the small of her back and gave a soft push. “Come with me, I’ll show you.”
Bianca didn’t know whether it was his firm touch or the velvety undertone of his voice, or maybe even the flowery smell that wafted around them, but her insides quivered. She needed all her self-control to keep her voice steady when she answered. “Sure, show me the way.”
They started to walk alongside the house. When they turned the corner, the hub, of which Ryan’s father’d spoken, appeared. It was a rather large building. The pull-up door was open, granting Bianca a view of the entire space. It contained a fully equipped but small mechanic’s office, a sofa, a tiny kitchenette and a table with a few chairs.
The space looked lived in, as if someone spent a substantial amount of time there each day.
Ryan leaned closer to Bianca and whispered, “This is where my father, despite my best efforts, prefers to spend his days. He used to be a mechanic specializing in old automobiles. Your car will be in the best hands, I promise.”
His hot breath tickled Bianca’s earlobe, and she peeked up at him. “You asked your own father to repair my car? But why? I could’ve driven to Windrows Creeks. I didn’t want to bother you or your family with my problem.”
Ryan’s eyes widened. “It’s no bother. My father loves to work. He still keeps doing his job even though he doesn’t need the money. And I—” He paused shortly and an undecipherable emotion passed his face. “I’m very happy to help you out.”
Bianca’s heart skipped a beat. This was a very sweet gesture. Just like his offer to participate in the auction. Why did he keep on helping her? Did she wake such a sensation of pity in him? Or was there another reason?
Gambling With The Billionaire (Gems 0f Love Book 2) Page 6