Before I start to lose the good feeling and sink into missing him, I excuse myself to put in their order.
I’d like to think, hey, maybe someday.
But no.
Maybe never.
25
Rafe
My ordinarily quiet house is overrun with members of my family, many of them much younger than my house guests tend to be. Back in Chicago, Mateo built a playroom for his eldest daughter and it has served the younger ones well. The only playroom in my house is not suitable for anyone under 18.
They also had a nanny in Chicago, but apparently they thought she deserved a vacation from the children, so it’s just Mia and Adrian’s wife, Elise, taking care of them while they’re at my house.
The tiny brunette who kidnapped me last time I stayed at their house has taken to following me around and asking more questions than should be conceivable in the span of a minute.
Suffice it to say, when it’s time for dinner, I’m happy I won’t be eating at home. A sense of peace rolls over me as I walk into my restaurant, sail past the hostess, and head for my booth. I scan the room for Virginia and spot her over by the bar, laughing at that bastard, Felix.
I really don’t like him. I can’t believe I can’t fire him. Now that I’m here, Virginia will ignore him to appease me, but I don’t like the fucking way he looks at her.
She grabs two drinks off the bar and turns. Her gaze hits me and her whole face lights up. She can’t wave since her hands are full, but she smiles and goes to deliver her drinks so she can come take care of me.
I slide Felix a glance and see him watching me. Little bastard. I’d knock his teeth down his throat if it wouldn’t make Virginia so mad at me.
A minute or so later, Virginia makes her way over to me, sliding my drink across the table. “Hi,” she says, cheerfully.
“Hi back,” I offer. “Busy night, huh?”
She nods her head, glancing around the room. “Not too bad. I’m not bored, at least.”
I nod my head, glancing at the menu. There’s little point opening it, so I don’t bother. “I think I’ll go with salmon tonight.”
Reaching across the table, she removes my menu. “Sounds good. Salad or no?”
“Sure, what the hell? Don’t rush the order either; I’m in no hurry to get home.”
Smiling faintly, she slides a knowing look my way. “Is your family driving you crazy?”
“No. It’s just, I’m a man accustomed to living alone, and all of a sudden there are two married couples, both with children…”
“Your house is a zoo,” she surmises.
“It’s not what I’m used to, that’s all.”
“You could go over to Sin’s house.”
“Then I have to deal with Vince’s bullshit. I think I’ll just stay here all night. How’s that sound?”
Her smile is full of pleasure at the idea of having me around all night, but she merely shrugs. “Hey, you own the place, I can’t stop you.”
I consider telling her to eat with me, but she has too many other tables, so I don’t. She goes and puts my order in, brings me my salad, and goes to close out a large party she had before I came in.
Right about the time I’m finishing my salad, she comes over to top off my water and remove my salad plate.
“I have a problem,” I tell her.
Concern flashes across her face and she puts the water pitcher down on the edge of the table. “What’s your problem?”