Love Handles

by Candi Heart

  Up and off the couch, I ran around like a nut, gathering makeup, looking at purses and shoes. Then after twenty minutes, I slowed. You need to be calm. Be confident. If this is business, you should just act accordingly. If it’s a date? I halted. I really did not believe that deep down. I knew Lena was just gushing, saying I was far prettier than those dates he had on his arm.

  So, I did just that... calmly finished dressing. Then I put on just a bit of eyeliner and some lipstick. I had just the right purse, too, one of my designs. I tucked it under my arm and glanced at the clock. Oh, wow! Time had just flown. I grabbed my sketchbook, and as my previous calm evaporated, I rushed out of the apartment.

  I walked carefully down the stairs after rushing like a madwoman down the hall. Breaking an ankle on the first date would be bad manners. I almost giggled, but couldn’t quite make that sound, so it came out like a snort. Oh, and no snorting while with this guy. This time, I did laugh. Oh, man, I am a mess of nerves again. Where was the business cool?

  I stepped out front and halted. There sat a long, black stretch limo at the curb.

  No way! I laughed. No, cannot be for me. I stood and looked up and down the street.

  “Miss Swan?” The chauffeur stepped forward from his driver’s door.

  Oh, wow. It’s for me! “Um, yes?”

  He stepped to the limo, opened the back passenger door, and lowered his head.

  I looked around. What I wouldn’t give to have those skinny bitches here when I stepped into this. I shrugged and got in. The door shut and I gazed around. It could house a small family!

  “We’ll be to our destination in approximately fifteen minutes, Miss Swan,” the chauffeur’s voice came over the speaker.

  I jumped at his intrusion into my flurried thoughts.” Oh! Okay,” I replied.

  Since I mostly hoofed it on these streets or took the subways, I now got an absolute treat with the view of New York’s streets, and its people. I leaned forward and watched everything go by. Wow, this is the life, I thought. Just think, this Mr. Tessaro, as I forced myself to think of him, did this every day. Rode in luxury as the rest of us fought traffic, pedestrians, muggers, and the like. I’d just become accustomed to the smells of the subway and what they called the stink of humanity. I smiled. I always thought that was a funny expression until I stood next to a drunk one awful night.

  “We have arrived, madam,” his voice came over again.

  Again, I jumped. I laughed nervously, then grabbed my clutch and sketchpad. I wondered if I should wait for—

  The limo door opened.

  —the door.

  I gave the chauffeur my brightest smile and scooted out of the luxury-fest of a car. He stayed in character the entire ride, but now a smile formed on his previously stiff lips. He shut the door and escorted me to the front.

  My gaze rose up... he’d escorted me to the front of the Lotte New York Palace hotel. I halted on the walkway and looked around. Yep I was on Madison Avenue.

  The chauffeur stopped and turned around. “Are you okay, Miss Swan?”

  I couldn’t answer—my brain had been blown. “A-are you sure this is the r-right place?”

  He tilted his head and looked around, then stared back at me. “Yes.”

  I bit at my lip, knowing I must appear to be a dimwit to him or somewhat loopy. “S-sorry, just did not expect—”

  A static sound came out of nowhere. I stared at the chauffeur.

  He tapped his ear. “Yes, sir.” He nodded. “Yes, sir, right out front. Yes, sorry, Nick.”

  My stomach fluttered. He was speaking to him!

  “Very soon, Nick.” The chauffer tapped his earpiece again and looked at me. “Ready, Miss Swan?”

  “No,” I blurted out, then my face flushed. “I’m not ready, but lead on.”

  He smiled at me and took a step closer. “Mr.—um, Nick, is a very good man. He...” He stopped speaking and looked around before continuing. “He’s kind and not formal. In fact, he doesn’t allow me to call him ‘sir.’ Also, between us?”

  My eyes rounded as I nodded my head.

  “He hasn’t dated anyone in a very long time.”

  Clearing my throat, I squeaked out with, “S-so this is a date?”

  He pulled his head back and stared at me. Then totally out of character, he tilted his chauffeur-capped head back and laughed.

  I now took my turn to pull my head back. “Well, I don’t think it’s that funny.”

  He stopped laughing and stepped forward. “It’s none of my business, it’s a personal matter. However, I drive him and his people to all the business meetings and he does not have any of those here at the Palace.”

  I slowly shook my head at him. Like, I’m not following this at all.

  He smiled and stared at her. “This is a place for romance.” He gave me a wink. “Shall we?” He motioned toward the doors.

  Romance? This should have made me feel happy, but it didn’t. So did this mean he was not interested in my sketches? Or hiring me? I let out a sigh. Just stop rehashing this, Em. March in there and sit down gracefully, then... find out!

  I squared my shoulders and stepped forward. The letters in gold above the ornate exterior of the building stated, Lotte New York Palace. I myself had never, ever been inside this place. It was 120 dollars a plate just to eat here.

  When we got inside, I again halted. My mouth dropped. Gold everywhere, marble black and white swirls like coulombs, and a chandelier that was probably bigger than my entire apartment hung above the room. Red plush carpeting was everywhere, and the whole place shone with a bright, opulent feel. Like only people who were worth millions were allowed to walk here. Well, I’d better leave.

  “Miss Swan?” the chauffeur called again.

  I shut my fish-like gaping mouth and followed him. We got into an elevator. It was also grandly appointed with glass mirrors and gold gilding, and red carpet beneath our feet. I grinned. The elevator was posher than any room I’d ever seen. Wait! Were we going up to a hotel room? Panic flashed through me again, and this time I did not have the courage to look like a fool in front of the driver again, so I said absolutely nothing. But if it was a hotel room, I intended to march right back to the elevator, because I just would not—

  DING!

  I startled at the sound and then stepped out. In front of me was a huge dining room with a bar at the end. The only thing weird was there was just one table sitting in the middle under another elaborate chandelier of gold and glass. At that table sat Mr. Nicholas Tessaro.

  I swallowed heavily.

  The chauffeur leaned in a bit. “He expects me to escort you all the way up to the table.”

  I stepped forward. Whew, it would be a long walk across a marble floor to get to the object of my thoughts. I heard my heels clacking and I hoped it would empower me like always. It did a little ‘til I caught sight of the handsome, powerful man who had taken over my every thought since the day he’d leaned over my desk.

  As we got closer, I could see Nick’s face. He was smiling hugely, and his dark eyes flashed as he ran those sexy orbs all over my body.

  “Whew, is it hot in here?”

  “No, ma’am,” the chauffeur answered with a chuckle. “I think it’s about 72...”

  Oh, shit, I said that aloud! I giggled.

  Nick stood up and offered me a chair.

  I forgot to breathe again as I gulped for air and said a muttered a thank you.

  “Gregory, thank you for bringing her.”

  The chauffeur nodded. “I’ll be downstairs.”

  “Have dinner, it’s all set with the staff.”

  “Thank you, si—Nick.” He turned and made the long walk back to the elevator.

  Nick Tessaro sat down across from me. “It seemed like forever until you got here.” He beamed at me.

  I set my purse on the table next to my place setting. “I’m sorry.”

  He raised his dark brows. “Why?”

  “I-I don’t know, maybe I’m late?”<
br />
  He shook his head. “No. I just meant it felt like forever waiting to see you.”

  I blinked. “It did?”

  He nodded. “I couldn’t wait to see you.”

  “Well, Mr. Tessaro, I’m honored that you—”

  “Mr.?” He shook his head at me. “No, no.”

  Confused, I cleared my throat and tried again. “I mean—I just...” my voice fell away.

  He grabbed my hand. “How about we have something to drink, and then let you catch your breath from the trip?”

  His hand felt hot on mine and my whole body tingled at his touch. Mutely, I nodded.

  “Molto Bene!” he said with a laugh. “A drink and then we can talk.”

  Chapter 8

  I COULDN’T STOP MYSELF from staring at him. Oh, wow, he speaks Italian. I remembered noticing that slight accent the first time he ever spoke.

  “So what would you like?”

  You, naked in my bed. I would like to know what you want. Shaking my head, I asked. “Sorry, what?”

  “To drink?”

  “Oh... yeah!” I glanced around. “Um, wine?”

  He chuckled. “Red, white?”

  I just took a shot in the dark. “Red?” But I kept wondering where the server was.

  He stood up from his chair and headed to the bar.

  He’s getting it himself? This man’s just one surprise after another! He rents an entire dining room in the most expensive hotel I ever heard of, then is tending bar? I took the time while not being under that hot gaze to look around. The place was huge—and he had rented it for just the two of us? I just had to ask him why when he came...

  “Hey,” he said as he set my glass down. “Are you awake?” he teased.

  Gazing up at him, I found no words.

  Tall, lean, but almost steel-muscled, he was any woman’s dream guy. His dark eyes twinkling, his yummy lips smiling at me while offering my wine.

  “You okay?” he asked as he sat down across from me.

  I wondered what he would think if I just popped out with it. “I’m confused.”

  He tilted his dark head at me. “About?”

  I took a deep breath and blurted out, “Why am I here?”

  He stared at her.” To have dinner... I hope?”

  “You hope?”

  He nodded and reached across to pat my hand. “You look like you might bolt at any second.”

  That was not the answer I expected.

  “So, how about a safe subject?” he asked.

  “S-safe?”

  “Yes, like I noticed your sketchpad.” He tapped it with his fingers.

  “Oh, yes.” Yes, Em, the purses. Remember? I grabbed it and handed it over. “Just remember to tell me the truth, even if it hurts.”

  He grinned at me. ”What if the truth is...” He opened the pad and looked down. “Wow!”

  I was still stuck on ‘what if?’ “You were saying about the truth?”

  He kept flipping pages, focusing on the sketches. “These are marvelous!”

  My face heated. He likes them!

  He looked up at me.” Really, they are.” He studied me. “Why aren’t they in a line of their own? I mean, Novak would be stupid if he didn’t...”

  My eyes filled with tears and I suddenly found myself blinking rapidly.

  Nick set the pad down and leaned forward. “What is it?”

  “I-I showed him a few. He’s, uh, not interested.”

  His brows rose. “I noticed how he spoke to you. I am so sorry. I thought the man was joking.”

  Shaking my head, I swiped at my eyes. “No. I’ve been there for four years. Unfortunately, I’m still the fetch-it girl.”

  He shook his head, flipping through the pages again. “He could have made a killing with these.”

  Shrugging, I didn’t know what to say.

  He cleared his throat. “I want to hire you.”

  Ahh, there it was—my answer.

  “But I also want to date you.”

  Ohh, the second answer. Shock washed through me.

  “So...” He tapped his earpiece. “Send in dinner, please, Jacks.” Then he looked up at me. “Let’s have dinner. Talk about... you and enjoy our evening?”

  I could do nothing but nod.

  Servers showed up pushing trays from the double doors from way over on the other end of the dining room.

  “I ordered a varied menu, so you could find something you would like to eat.”

  I should not have been surprised, but I still was. This food had to have cost—I knew I needed to stop thinking like that. “Thank you.” There! I was now speaking normally.

  He grinned.” You’re worth it.”

  Wow... did he just say that? I smiled at him.

  “Finally!” he exclaimed.

  Startled, I jumped in my chair at his loud tone.

  “I’m sorry, Emilie.” He laughed and patted my hand again.” I just meant I’ve waited to see you smile all night.”

  Again with the smooth lines. The man knew what he was doing. I needed to watch what I did and keep a close eye on him. My heart was likely to be lost before the end of the night. I sighed. Well, keeping an eye on him wouldn’t be a chore. I could just sit and look at him and listen to that sexy voice all night.

  “Are you still with me?” he teased.

  “I’m here. Nowhere but here,” I whispered.

  He smiled and caressed my hand with his thumb. Then he seemed to snap out of his daze and stood up. “Sorry I kept you all waiting. You guys can all leave.” The four wait staff looked confused and stared at him. He nodded.” I shall serve the lady myself.”

  They looked stunned then swung their gazes over at me.

  I flushed and knew my face was a bright, flaming pink. They were all probably wondering why this rich, famous, good-looking designer was waiting on the chubby girl. I raised my chin at them. They all looked away.

  “Thank you, staff. Wonderful job, you’ll have a hefty tip waiting for you.”

  They all smiled at him, and then headed across the marble spans.

  Nick turned and smiled at me as he lifted the silver domes from the trays. “What do you feel like?”

  The aromas made me realize I hadn’t eaten all day. “You know what?”

  He stopped and looked over.

  “You choose for me. I haven’t eaten all day.”

  He halted. “Nothing all day?” He looked troubled.

  Shrugging, I tried to smile. “No, I got busy with...” I paused. No, you will not tell him you were busy with shopping for the right dress, thinking about him all day, getting ready, going crazy.

  “That isn’t good, though, not eating. No wonder you showed up looking faint.”

  I chewed my lip.

  “I mean, damn, you looked delicious in that dress, for sure, I mean—I did not mean to say...” He lost his sentence. “Dammit, porca miseria,” he said in Italian as he shook his head. “I meant you looked scared or something.”

  “I was scared.”

  He glanced up at me as he placed a plate in front of me. “Of what?”

  “Well, first when I went to choose something to wear. I didn’t know whether to choose a dress for a romantic date, or to dress for a business—um, date?”

  “I see... I suppose I gave out mixed signals. But the reason for that is, it was both.” He laughed.

  Nodding, I could see that now. And wow, it was both! I still couldn’t believe it. I gazed down at my plate to see what he chose for me. “I love ravioli!”

  He stopped and stared at me. “You do?”

  “It’s one of my faves!” I nodded.

  Grinning, he said, “Score another point for Emilie.”

  I raised up my forkful of ravioli and paused. “What?”

  He shook his head, set the same dish down with his setting, and sat. “It’s my fave, too. I mean covolo, look at me!”

  I am, I am. I was chewing and staring. I can’t seem to stop looking, either. I mean just look at you,
olive-skinned, a great ass. ‘Cause do not think I did not watch you walk over to that bar. Deep, dark eyes that catch the light just right. Thick, dark hair and sigh... all the rest that I can’t see under those form-fitting clothes of yours.

  “Oh, I heard that,” he accused.

  Her head shot up. NO! I did not just say all of that out loud... Shit! Did I?

  “The sighing. I mean. This is the best ravioli, except for my mother’s, of course.” He laughed. “You do know that all Italian boys are sworn to say that about any of our culture’s cuisine, right?”

  I let out a breath of relief and took another bite. Then I realized what he just said. That was funny. Italian boys who swear by their mother’s cooking. This is really good, though. Then I grabbed my glass of wine and took a huge gulp. “Great with that, too!” I said aloud.

  Nick nodded. “Yes, you chose right, then I chose right.” He gazed into my eyes.

  Oh, man. That look. I could get lost there.

  “I’m so glad to see you relaxed, Emilie.”

  Gosh, the way my name sounded coming from those lips. I snapped myself out of it. You are gonna fall into bed with this guy and then he won’t think much of you. Oh no! Did I just hear my mom in my head while on a date?

  He laughed.

  My head shot up. “What?”

  “I just feel like I’m competing with something here.”

  I pulled my head back. “I don’t get it?”

  “I mean you seem to slip away.”

  Yeah, thinking about you while with you? Exactly the case. “Um, gosh. I’m sorry.”

  “No, don’t be. But I would like to know more about you.” He raised his glass and took a sip.

  I found myself staring at his mouth. Man, I wonder what he tastes like? I shook my head.

  “See?” He pointed his fork at her. “There, you did it again.”

  “Did what?” I took a sip of wine.

  “You were thinking something again and I’m very curious to know what.” He raised a dark brow at me.

  “Okay, I was thinking something, but...” I paused and took another delicious bite of my dinner, chewed with a moan, and swallowed. “It was about you, so you shouldn’t worry.”