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Although tempted to make up a sordid past between her and the restaurant owner, she thought it wiser to stick to the truth. “I’m a family friend. I went to school with his sister.”
His eyes narrowed. “And that’s it?”
She felt her cheeks heat. “Are you jealous, Duncan?”
Shock flashed over his face and Donna wanted to kick herself. Of course this wasn’t jealousy. She was under no illusions that she was the sort of woman men fought over, or even lusted over. She definitely didn’t inspire jealousy. Maybe if she’d had her sisters’ looks, and hair, things would have been different, but she was the plain sister, and she was fine with that. There was nothing she could do about it anyway, and she loved her sisters too much to envy them. Well, not all the time anyway.
Before Duncan could say something that would mortify her further, Marcus reappeared.
“If you don’t care about ambience, I’ve set up a table for you in my office.” He gave her a pitying smile.
“We don’t care.” Duncan was on his feet before Donna could answer. He threw down his napkin, grabbed her hand and stalked towards the back of the restaurant, glowering at the other diners as he dragged her along behind him.
“Are you sure you wouldn’t rather date some guy who can take you out in public? Like me?” Marcus asked from behind her, his voice low and sensual.
Donna smiled at him. He was always joking about her going out with him. She’d often wondered what he would do if she said yes.
“Seriously, bella, I can get rid of him for you, if you want. No trouble. You know I owe you.”
She looked over her shoulder at him. “You don’t owe me anything.”
“Bella.” He shook his head. “We all do. We owe you Julianna’s life. I’ve told you this before—all of us have—if you ever want anything, any time, you just call. And stop trying to pay when you eat here. It’s driving the family crazy.”
And that was the reason she rarely ate at the Italian Garden. “I can pay for my meals,” she reminded him.
“Aye, you can, but we won’t take your money.” When Duncan glared back at them, he pointed at a door at the end of the corridor, past the restrooms.
“You sure you don’t want him gone?” Marcus’ eyes were on Duncan’s back, and for a minute, Donna wasn’t sure if he meant from the date, or from her life permanently.
“He isn’t as bad as he seems,” she said weakly. “But thanks for the offer.”
His lips thinned. “Expect a call from my sister.”
“Great,” Donna muttered as she followed Duncan into the office.
Two waitstaff squeezed out to let them in. They smiled at Donna but ignored Duncan. As she stepped over the threshold, she realised why they’d been in the room. The desk had been pushed back against the wall and was covered with a white linen tablecloth. In the space where it had sat was a small round dining table, set up exactly like the ones in the restaurant, with candles burning in the centre and fresh breadstick in a basket. Behind the table, the office window gave them a view of the harbour lights reflecting on the water. It was perfect.
“Thank you, Marcus.” Donna rested a hand on his shoulder, went on tiptoe and pressed a kiss to his cheek.
A loud growl sounded from behind her, and she looked back to find Duncan standing with his hands curled into fists at his side, glaring at them.
“You sure?” Marcus asked her again as he flicked an irritated look at Duncan.
“Yeah,” she said on a sigh. “Unfortunately.”
She moved to sit, rolling her eyes when Duncan elbowed the owner out of the way, so he could pull the chair out for her.
“I’ll send in your waiter in with your food,” Marcus snapped before leaving.
Duncan helped her push in her chair, and as Donna reached for her napkin, she realised he hadn’t moved from behind her. She stilled as his hands rested gently on her shoulders, and then she felt him lean down to her. His breath drifted over her cheek as he leaned into her ear.
“It turns out I am jealous, and I would be verra pleased if you kept your hands off that dickhead.”
“Duncan!” She turned to glare up at him, but it was clear he was unrepentant.
He also wasn’t in the mood to miss an opportunity. He clasped her cheeks and pressed his lips to hers. The kiss was fast and ferocious, leaving her breathless and light-headed.
“So,” a voice said from behind them. “That’s how it is.”
