“I never thought this would ever happen,” Liliana said. “Thank you both for seeing me.”
The server appeared. “Good evening. Can I get you started with a drink or an appetizer?”
“Sparkling water,” Brit said.
“How about a bottle of San Pellegrino for the table?” he asked.
“Get whatever you want, girls,” Liliana said. “Dinner’s on me.”
Oh, yeah, that’ll make up for the past twenty years.
While the server mentioned the evening’s specials, Brit opened her menu. The beef wellington caught her eye.
Despite the tension holding her guts hostage, she wasn’t going to allow this stranger to ruin her appetite.
“Beef wellington,” Brit said.
“That sounds good,” Addison agreed.
“Three for the mom and her daughters.”
Now, I’m gonna throw up.
“Wonderful. I’ll be right back with your beverages.” The server hurried off.
“Addison has been catching me up on her career as a financial consultant,” Liliana said.
That made Brit want to laugh. That’s the story she told strangers and outsiders. This woman, who abandoned them years ago, wasn’t in their inner circle. And she never would be.
“What about you, Britain?” Liliana asked. “What do you do?”
“I’m an artist.”
“Dad’s opening an art gallery in Georgetown,” Addison volunteered. “He’ll be featuring our work.”
“Marvelous. He’s done an amazing job. He really stepped up.”
What choice did he have? YOU LEFT US!!!
As Liliana prattled away, Brit squeezed Addison’s hand beneath the table. The server appeared with their bottle of waterand three glasses. While he filled their glasses, someone loomed into view.
Whoa, it’s Rebel.
Brit’s heart took off in her chest, the familiar pitter-patter sending blood whooshing through her veins.
I have no off switch when I’m around him.
With his fiery gaze anchored on her, he made his way over to their table, the swagger in his step keeping her trained on his every move.
At their table, he set down two small plates. “Good evening, ladies.”
“You work here?” Brit blurted.
Rebel’s sexy smile sent thrills racing through her.
“He owns the hotel,” Addison said.
She hadn’t made the connection that Hotel Dillinger was Juaquin Dillinger.