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Bruce chuckles and my eyes shoot to look at him. “Was that too much? Am I being too greedy? Everything just looked so good I couldn’t decide.”

“No, that’s perfect,” he laughs. Then, my boyfriend reaches over and takes my hand across the table and his touch is immediately soothing. “In fact, I’m going to have the same,” he says, without looking at the waiter.

“Of course,” our server says with a nod. “Excellent choice, sir.” Then, he disappears, leaving us to enjoy each other’s company.

“I told you to order whatever you want,” Bruce remarks, still holding my hand on the table top. “This isn’t our first meal together, but I know you’ve got a healthy appetite, Jemima, and it’s one of the things I love about you.” His eyes dip down to my cleavage, then back up to meet my chocolate gaze. “In fact, your appetite gives you an incredibly sexy figure that I can’t get enough of, so of course I’m happy to see you eat. You never have to be shy about food around me because your curves are gorgeous.”

“Oh,” I giggle ruefully, “I didn’t mean to be so touchy. It took me a long time to embrace my figure because before, I was convinced I was too big. Honestly, it’s really only been the last few years that I’ve started to appreciate my body, but eventually, I realized society has a skewed view of what women should look like, and I decided to love myself, curves and all.”

Bruce growls. “Well, I’m glad you came around because I adore your curves.” He takes a sip of his wine and arches his eyebrows looking at me. “In fact, I think another twenty pounds would look incredible on you. I like you soft and luscious, and it gives a man more to hold onto.” I smile, heat creeping up my neck, and Bruce smirks. “And I love how sexy you are when I make you blush too, baby girl.”

We both laugh at that, and soon, the waiter shows up with our meals and we dive in. Any insecurities that may have been hiding in the back of my subconscious about eating in front of Bruce are completely wiped out, and I eat heartily, enjoying every bite. But my man approves, and looks at me with pleasure.

“So,” he says, wiping his mouth, “what do you want to do with your life, Jem? I feel like we haven’t gotten to that even though we’ve been dating for a while now.”

I grin. “It’s because we’ve been so busy in bed that we hardly have time to talk!” But then I shake my head. “Honestly, I haven’t figured it out yet, and I’ve always just lived life day to day. I guess I’m not so much of a plan-ahead kind of girl,” I admit. “But I love working as a receptionist at the Wilshire. It might not seem like something most people aspire to, but I enjoy getting to help our guests. And being a receptionist is really one of the most important jobs at the hotel.”

Bruce smiles, his air relaxed. “How so? Of course I agree, but I’d love to hear your point of view.”

I nod.

“The receptionists are the first people that guests meet when they come to the Wilshire, so it means we are their initial impression of everything the hotel has to offer, and you know how first impressions are everything. It’s important for us to make customers feel welcomed and to breathe elegance into their stay. As a receptionist, I have the power to set the tone for their visit, and I like setting the stage.”

Smiling, Bruce nods. “I couldn’t have said it better myself. You know, Jem, you always make a great impression on our guests. From your genuine smile when they walk through the door, to the way you make sure you’re always impeccably presented.”

“Well,” I giggle, “I have to admit, I do love doing my hair and makeup. Wearing a uniform isn’t always the best when you’re full figured like me because they never quite fit right, so I learned long ago to focus on my hair and makeup instead.”

Bruce frowns, and his jaw ticks. “Sweetheart, you aren’t giving yourself enough credit. You make that uniform look amazing with your curvy figure.”

“Thank you,” I murmur. Can I help it if this man thinks I resemble Aphrodite? His compliments always make a warm rush run through my body, and I brush a loose strand of hair behind my ear and smile at him. “So, this shouldn’t just be about me. How did you become Executive VP at the Wilshire?”

“Well, you know it’s a family hotel and my brother Peter’s the CEO,” he grins. “But it started a long time ago when our dad bought the Two-Bit Casino and Motel.”

“The Two-Bit?” I ask, befuddled. “That’s a funny name.”

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