Risky (Torn Between Two Lovers #2)(68)
Next they enjoyed a couple of cocktails in one of the quiet lounges, and time seemed to slip by as they chatted.
“Are you hungry yet?” he asked.
“I could eat.” Her stomach growled loudly, and she laughed in embarrassment.
“Then let’s go feed the tiger,” he said playfully.
He could get used to this. Too damned much so.
And that scared him more than he’d ever admit to anyone. Perhaps even Anna.
4
Anna couldn’t remember when she’d had so much fun. Just pure, unadulterated entertainment for no other reason than enjoyment.
And with a drop-dead gorgeous man, too.
They’d had a good time at the beach, but this was different. Trying to decide why, she figured it was because this was Joaquin’s world. His life. And he was allowing her inside to see who he truly was.
She liked him. A lot. He was a fun, charming companion. Relaxed in his element here, much more so than she had witnessed at the beach or at home. Since they’d arrived at the casino, the lines of stress around his eyes and mouth had smoothed out, and he laughed more. He couldn’t possibly realize the devastating effect that had on her senses.
As he led her into the expensive steak restaurant on the lobby level, she saw that the host, at least, recognized Joaquin. The transformation on the young man’s face from pleasant to genuinely glad to see his boss was nice to witness.
“Mr. Delacruz! You haven’t been by in far too long,” the host said effusively.
“I know, Billy. I’ve been stuck in my office lately, but tonight I’m here for pleasure only.”
Billy smiled at Anna. “I can see that. Good for you, sir. You work much too hard, so it’s time to relax. Table for two?”
“Yes, thank you.”
Billy showed them to a nice, secluded table in an attractive alcove that afforded plenty of privacy. When he was gone, Anna waved a hand at the interior.
“I love your restaurant. It has that old-world charm, with the dark leather, candles, and such.”
“Thank you. My chef is one of the best, too. That’s where the real test is, and he’s fantastic. I’d love to be your guest at Floor Fifty-Five sometime.”
“That can be arranged.”
Before he could reply, a waiter appeared to take their drink order. Joaquin selected a nice bottle of red, then the waiter left their menus and vanished.
“Your staff seems to really like and respect you.”
“As much as anyone can like their boss, I suppose. I try to be fair, and I avoid micromanaging them if at all possible. I simply expect them to perform at the highest level.”
“I guess a casino has to be run like a pretty tight ship.”
“More so than anyone can envision. The staff undergoes extensive background checks due to the massive amount of money that flows through here, not to mention all the liquor and other supplies we have on hand.”
The waiter arrived with their wine. After opening it and presenting a small amount in a glass for Joaquin’s inspection, he poured their drinks. Once he was gone again, Joaquin continued.
“My security here is tight as well, perfect for parties and other events. People want to feel safe when they play.” He paused. “Speaking of parties, I’m throwing one next weekend in the ballroom. Sounds formal, but it won’t be. Would you be my date?”
She smiled. “Of course I will. I’d be sort of pissed if you invited me to your home and then took someone else.”
“Like I would do that to you. There isn’t anyone I’d rather have on my arm.” Taking his glass, he lifted it. “Here’s to good times … and perhaps the start of something wonderful.”
She could use a heavy dose of wonderful. “I’ll drink to that.”
They toasted, and the waiter arrived once more to take their order. Anna hadn’t really looked at the menu, so she trusted Joaquin to order for her. She was pleased when he selected salads and filet mignons topped with a whiskey glaze for them both. She didn’t know whether she could eat all of it, but she’d give it her best shot.
Talking with this man made for just about the best company she’d enjoyed in a while. He was still as fascinating as the first time she met him. But the mystery was lifting a bit as she got to know him. He was a very straightforward man—what you saw was what you got. According to Gray, he had a ruthless reputation, but she had yet to witness that side of him. She found herself speculating how she’d feel when she finally did.
The rest of the meal passed with idle chat, her lover entertaining her with stories of growing up with his brothers. There was a moment of sadness when he spoke of his half brother, Rafael, and she recalled that he’d been forced to shoot the man in self-defense. It was beyond her understanding how a sibling could turn on his own family, though it happened all the time, everywhere. His sadness passed, though, and they ended up laughing over tales of Rio’s antics.
Their conversation was interrupted by a man who walked up to their table and stood gazing down at Joaquin. His appearance alarmed Anna. Not the way he was dressed, but the barely disguised venom with which he regarded her companion. He wasn’t a bad-looking man, maybe in his fifties, a bit husky, just a bit rough around the edges. But his eyes were hard, glittering marbles in the dim corner they occupied. At first she was afraid he intended Joaquin harm, but he merely gave the other man what her mother would call a crocodile smile, the expression on his face clearly insincere.