Anderson November Rain

1. Auflage 2019
ISBN: 978-1-5439-9128-4
Verlag: BookBaby
Format: EPUB
Kopierschutz: Adobe DRM (»Systemvoraussetzungen)

E-Book, Englisch, 238 Seiten

Fifteen years ago, Torri and Antonio were inseparable-until Antonio disappeared, breaking Torri's heart. Now, fate intervenes to bring them back together-but will their second chance survive a revelation that throws both of their worlds into turmoil?

Autoren/Hrsg.

Anderson, Maureen

Leseproben

Chapter One Antonio recognized her the second she walked into his restaurant. His heart trembled. Torri was beautiful in high school, but damn was she gorgeous now. Her long, thick brown curls cascaded past her shoulders, along the length of her back. The white halter dress fit her hourglass curves to perfection. The dress length flaunted her beautifully sculpted calves. From her neck hung the locket he gave her fifteen years ago. Heads turned as Torri sashayed toward the reservation desk. Jake glanced up from his cards from across the bar, awestruck by her loveliness. He elbowed his partner, Allen and nodded at Antonio. Jake pushed his cards aside and stood. Antonio placed a firm grasp on Jake’s shoulder and pushed him back onto the barstool. He stepped toward Torri but decided against it when his hostess approached her. “Welcome to November Rain. May I help you?” Delilah asked in her usual saucy voice. “Hello. I’m meeting my business partner. The reservation should be under Marcus Samuels.” Delilah smiled. “Ah, yes. Ms. Taylor, your table is ready. Please, right this way.” Torri followed the young lady to her table. Antonio leaned forward as he followed the gentle sway of her hips. He took a deep breath and toyed with the cool droplets clinging to his glass of water. As they walked, Delilah caught Antonio staring from the bar. She glanced back at Torri before he retreated to his office. Delilah knew Antonio for seven years and probably wondered what made him react that way. His office would protect him from further scrutiny and Torri’s irresistible charm. Torri detected a change in the hostess’ stride and followed her glance toward the bar. In the shadows of the far corner, she saw the figure of a man close the door to an office without ever looking back. “Someone will be right over. Enjoy your evening.” Delilah lit the candle on the table and rushed off before Torri could thank her. A bottle of champagne chilled and a single white rose rested on her dinner platter. “I hope she seated me at the right table.” Torri thought out loud. Torri soaked in the ambience and enjoyed the aroma of Southern and Caribbean spices floating in the air, until a chill ran through her veins. She felt uncomfortable. She rubbed her arms and tried to rid herself of the unnerving sensation. Torri hoped she didn’t pick up a bug before the big night. She glanced around and realized five waiters about to approach her. Each held two white roses. One by one, each handed her the roses, as they spoke in unison. “Roses are red. Roses are white. But, none are as beautiful as you are tonight.” Torri adored the attention and scanned the restaurant for her admirer. Then she recognized Marcus. He headed toward her with the final rose. Torri observed how charming Marcus looked in his blue-gray, double-breasted suit. He wore a light blue shirt and a silk burgundy tie. His well-sculpted body filled every inch. He stood at six feet tall, brown curly hair with a creamy brown complexion. He also had the most striking blue-gray eyes she ever saw on a man. Torri always appreciated how attractive he was, but she felt uneasy about getting involved with a close colleague. “A dozen of the most beautiful roses in the world couldn’t compare with your radiance.” Marcus placed the last rose in her hand. Torri blushed as she inhaled the bouquet. “Thank you, Marcus. What’s the occasion?” “Don’t you remember? Two years ago you asked me to assist you and I accepted. Tor, in just a few days your dream to open your own gallery will come true. A celebration is in order.” “Marcus, I’m flattered. I agree we should celebrate. Pop the champagne!” Marcus impressed Torri with the trouble he went through to make it a special night. She expected she should have butterflies in her stomach, a spark, a morsel of chemistry, but she did not. Marcus opened the champagne. Torri held her breath. Marcus was a wonderful man. But, was he the man for her? “Allow me to propose a toast. To us and a future of continued success.” Marcus raised his glass. “To us. Salud.” Torri and Marcus enjoyed their meal, which consisted of jerk ribs, macaroni and cheese, callalou and corn bread. Marcus broke the silence to tell Torri what he went through to arrange the dinner. “I hope you’re enjoying yourself. I checked out several places before I discovered this spot. New York Magazine featured an enticing review in their latest issue. I called here and the owner was very accommodating. I’m embarrassed I can’t recall his name at the moment. I told him I wanted to do something memorable and romantic for my lady friend.” “Well, Marcus, this evening turned out to be a lovely surprise.” Torri glanced around. “There’s a special vibe here. I like it.” She shifted the conversation a bit. Marcus slipped in romance as part of his agenda. Sadly, it wasn’t on hers. “I’d love to meet the manager. I mean, he is the reason we’re here.” “Great idea.” Marcus raised his hand to signal the server. Antonio paced back and forth in his private office. When he agreed to let Marcus Samuels win the heart of a magnificent woman, he never fathomed it was his woman. Yes, he still thought of Torri as his woman. Even after fifteen years, Antonio held a special place for her in his heart. Witnessing her with another man crushed his heart. His emotions reeled. However, if she was happy, who was he to ruin that. He phoned Delilah. Within seconds, she bounced into his office. “Yes, Antonio,” she cooed. He ignored her playful tone and got straight to the point. “Is the couple at table seven still here?” “Yeah. Funny, I was on my way to tell you that they asked to meet you.” He eased back into his chair. His fingers grew numb as he clenched the armrests. He couldn’t meet her yet. He feared her memory of their last encounter would overshadow the typical joy that accompanies a reunion. It’s possible, even worse in his eyes, she wouldn’t even recognize him. “Not tonight, but the tab is on me.” “You’ve been acting weird since they got here. What’s so special about them?” She folded her arms across her chest. Antonio stood and slammed his fist on his desk. “Don’t question me, Delilah. Just do as I say. Their dinner is on me. End of conversation. Tell Jake and Allen I had to head out. I’ll speak with them tomorrow.” Delilah spun on her heels and snatched the door open. “Whatever you say, Mr. Martins. Have a good evening.” Unsettled from the conversation and the reality of the circumstances Antonio dropped back into his black leather chair. He placed his head in his hand. He knew it was his fault they weren’t together. Of course, she’d fall in love with another man. It’d been fifteen years. He rose, pulled the keys to his truck from his jacket and exited through the back door of his office. He never imagined the decision to add the emergency exit would let him slip away from the love of his life, once again. “Marcus, I’m having a wonderful time. I appreciate the trouble you went through. The food here is delicious.” Marcus focused on her full lips. The dimple on her left cheek danced as she spoke. Torri looked away. “I hate to be a party pooper, but would you mind if I cut this evening short?” “Of course not, but is everything okay?” “Nothing serious. Probably just anxiety.” “Try not to stress. You’re too blessed for that. I’ll drive you home.” He motioned for the waiter. “Check please.” “You’re sweet, but that’s out of your way.” “Don’t worry. I invited you and I’d like to make sure you get home safely.” Delilah approached and smiled at Marcus. “I hope you enjoyed your meal with us. The owner, Mr. Martins, had to leave but he wanted me to tell you he’s taken care of everything.” “That was quite generous. I’m sorry we missed him.” Torri beamed. “He just came into town today; he spends most of his time at the restaurant’s DC location.” “I’ll make sure to return and thank him soon.” Marcus shook Delilah’s hand as he slipped her a fifty. “Thank you very much for your hospitality.” Torri pulled two tickets from her purse. “Please give these to Mr. Martins. They’re for my gallery opening Friday night. I’d love to have him and thank him personally.” “I’ll make sure he gets them.” Delilah placed the tickets in her pocket. A cool breeze waltzed in the air. Marcus handed the valet his ticket then wrapped his jacket around Torri. She pulled it tighter to fend off a similar chill she experienced earlier. For a brief moment, her eyes connected with the driver of champagne-colored Escalade parked in front of the...