Page 7 of Aldo

And if I was being truthful, getting another chance to see the mysterious Mr. Ricci.

I studied the menu, committing it to memory. It wasn’t complicated. Sandwiches, burgers, soups, salads. Good, hearty fare—again, a nod to the fifties. Malts and milkshakes were featured, and I had to admit, my mouth watered reading the descriptions. I already decided I would have a Reuben and a vanilla shake for dinner.

I got ready and headed to the casino for the meet-and-greet. I wore my uniform, adding a belt and black sneakers. I wore my hair pushed back from my face with a scarf and put on some makeup.

I guessed there were about fifty people at the event. Cold and hot beverages were offered and even some finger food. I fixed a plate and took a cup of coffee, looking around the room. It was sumptuous and grand. I had a feeling everything in this hotel was top-notch.

I introduced myself to other newcomers, meeting a few more people who were going to be working at the Rolling Dice Deli. I had just put down my plate and wiped my mouth when I felt a shiver run down my spine. I turned slowly and met the gaze of Aldo Ricci. He was across the room with another man I assumed was Mr. Costas. He looked every inch the powerful tycoon I had heard he was. Tall, broad shoulders that tapered to a lean waist, and I was sure his suit cost more than my car. He had chestnut-colored hair and a stern expression on his face. Mr. Ricci said something to him, and he smiled, but even that looked stern. His expression was set to serious, and I had the feeling he didn’t relax very often. Mr. Ricci was taller than him, bigger as well. Even across the room, I could see his muscles rippling under the tight sleeves of his jacket.

I made small talk with other people while watching them covertly. They stopped and spoke briefly with every person. Shook their hand. I noticed Mr. Ricci did most of the talking, but whoever they were greeting had their full attention until they moved on to the next person. It was classy and a nice touch. The last restaurant I worked at, I had never met the owner. Not once. I dealt with his manager only. It was a great move on their part here, meeting every person they hired. It made the job feel more…personal.

They came closer, and my breath caught in my throat. I saw the glances Mr. Costas was getting. He was incredibly handsome, and there was no doubt the broad, forbidding set of his shoulders and the stern expression were a striking combination. Combined with his obvious power and wealth, he drew a lot of attention. Which he ignored.

But it was Aldo—Mr. Ricci—who had my attention. He was big and broad. Powerful. He moved like a jungle cat, his gaze ever roaming, his body lithe and graceful for someone so large. It screamed sex to me, and I had to stop staring at him. But invariably, our eyes met and held more than once, his glance scorching. By the time they were in front of me, I was a mass of nerves. Mr. Ricci, however, was professional and courteous. Removed.

“Ms. Nelson. Nice to see you again,” he said, then introduced me to Mr. Costas. “Roman Costas, Violet Nelson. She’s joining the staff at Rolling Dice.”

I shook Mr. Costas’s hand. “Lovely to meet you. I look forward to working here.”

“Already in your uniform, I see,” he observed.

“My first shift is tonight.”

“Welcome to the Maple.”

He had a nice voice. Rich and smooth. Aldo’s was rougher, lower. Their looks suited their voices.

“Have you known each other a long time?” I asked.

They both looked surprised at my question.

“Since we were kids,” Aldo replied.

“Thought as much.”

“Why is that?” Roman asked, looking genuinely curious.

“When you know someone well, it shows.” I smiled at them. “You are very protective of your friend,” I said to Aldo.

He smiled, his teeth white and straight. “Part of my job.”

I tilted my head. “Part of your heart,” I replied.

Their surprise turned into shock at my words and seemed to render them speechless. I wasn’t sure if I had crossed a line or not, so I smiled and nodded at them. “Thank you for this. It was great to meet you.”

I turned and walked away.

When I glanced over my shoulder, I was met with Aldo’s intense gaze. It burned into me, flickering and bringing an unexpected reaction to my chest.

Desire.

I shook my head and headed to the deli.

Desire I would never act on. I needed this job.

I doubted I would see much of him anyway.

Right?