The bartender called over the driver, who was in the back of the bar drinking a bottle of water.
We all stood up.
“Bye, Dad,” I said.
He gave me a hug, then he hugged Moretti.
As my father walked out with the driver, a beautiful brunette came through the door.
Immediately, I was smitten.
This girl was a knockout.
“I bet she stopped traffic on her way in,” I commented.
“I’m sure she did,” Moretti replied. “But I don’t mix business with pleasure, and she’s here for a job.”
I would definitely make an exception for her.
CHAPTER 7
COLE
She kept walking our way. The jeans outlined her curves beautifully; her heels were just the right size. Her stride was firm and sexy at the same time. Her confidence was undeniable.
“Is she going to be a stripper?” I asked.
“No, no. Don’t be silly. She’s going to help me manage the escorts,” Moretti replied. “A girl like that wouldn’t be caught dead doing that. My father told me she’s the granddaughter of one of his best longtime employees. I need to take good care of her.”
I want to take good care of her, too.
She finally arrived where we were. She looked around for a moment and seemed pleased.
“Nice place you have here, Vincent,” she said while looking at me.
Moretti took the comment in stride and shrugged.
“Umm, yeah, no, umm.” I got tongue-tied. “I’m not Vincent,” I finally blurted out. “My name is Cole, Cole Bennett, at your service.”
I extended my hand, and she shook it. She had a nice, firm grip.
“Ahem.”
Moretti cleared his throat.
“I’m Vincent Moretti,” he said clearly. “Are you Clarissa?”
Clarissa. What a beautiful name.
“Yes, that’s right. I’m Clarissa,” she answered while still looking at me and holding my hand.
The moment felt awkward. The bartender came over and interjected.
“What would you like to drink, Miss?”
She let go of my hand and turned her attention toward the bartender and Moretti.
“I’ll have what they’re having. It looks healthy enough. I need to take care of myself.”
