by Calista Fox
“How did that pregnancy affect her?”
“Apparently, my father was a walk in the park. The easiest of all the babies she’d carried and the smoothest delivery. Go figure.”
“Huh. Maybe there’s something to be said about being strong of spirit, even if the body doesn’t seem to be equally up to snuff.”
“Maybe.”
Macy appeared again, popping the cork on a hearty Merlot and pouring two glasses before rushing off to seat a new round of customers.
Rafe and Jenna clinked rims. “Salute.”
Jenna picked up the conversation again. “Of course, I’m infinitely relieved your grandmother got her way. I simply can’t fathom a world without you in it.”
He smiled sexily at her, making Jenna’s stomach—and her heart—flutter. “There’s that soft underbelly again.”
She laughed. “I’ve never denied that I think you make the world a better place. And many satisfied appetites will agree with me. People rave about your food on review sites, Rafe. I get a little tingle of excitement every time I read a new one and I think, yes indeed, he is a ‘culinary genius whose lasagna bolognese could make you swear you’d sold your soul to the devil for the taste of something so sinfully delicious. And didn’t regret it one tiny bit.’ ”
Rafe eyed her over the rim of his glass. “Someone actually wrote that?”
“One of my favorites. You really should check out Chowhound and Yelp. Trip Advisor has astounding reviews of your restaurant too. And following the reopening… Holy cow. You will be five-star all the way around.”
“I can’t thank you and Tad enough for everything you’re doing, Jen.”
“You know it means a lot to me, Rafe. The only thing I can’t achieve on your reopening night is a visit from your parents. I would love for them to be there. I would have loved meeting them.”
He nodded. “They would have enjoyed meeting you too, Jen.” His eyes softened to yet another beautiful blue hue. Then his gaze shifted and he said, “Vinny’s bringing our food.”
Rafe’s older cousin snapped open a tray jack and set the large, oval tray on it.
Jenna eyed the plates and her stomach grumbled. “Lobster Newburg and filet mignon with crab Béarnaise sauce. Beautiful, Vinny.” Baked potatoes and grilled asparagus accompanied the entrees. “I have got to come to town more often.”
One of Rafe’s dark brows lifted. “The food’s the draw?”
She snickered. “You didn’t hear me complaining last evening, either. Did you?”
Vinny left them to their meal and Jenna noticed a sudden run on the very dishes Vinny had delivered to them. The lofty menu items ought to give him a nice boost in revenue, she thought. Jenna took a few photos to add to a blog post she’d generate about the restaurant.
Following dinner, she refused to share her cheesecake with Rafe, so he had to order his own. She signed autographs and answered questions in between bites. Her fans had been gracious enough not to disturb her and Rafe during their main course.
Later, they walked from his car to the loft. She’d left the keys to the rental car with Tad.
She said, “I am stuffed to the gills. My God, I ate so much food it’s a wonder my zipper doesn’t burst wide open.”
“We walked enough today to counter the mass quantities of calories we consumed.”
“I relished every single one. The things Vinny does to a lobster… Mm, mm.”
Rafe chuckled. “I do love how passionate you are about food.”
“Guess it makes sense I married a chef.”
With a nod and a grin, he said, “We do make a good professional pairing.”
Feeling particularly flirty, what with all the aphrodisiacs she’d consumed, she wrapped her arms around his neck when they reached his front door. She told him, “We’re damn good in bed too. Why don’t you take me straight to that California king of yours.”
“I’ll even carry you.”
“Spare my poor feet? You are a saint.”
“Oh, you’d reconsider that statement if you knew all the devilish thoughts running through my head.”
“Do tell,” she muttered against his lips. “Better yet, show me precisely what you have in mind.”
He groaned. “Christ, you make me hard.”
Rafe let them into the loft and scooped her up in his arms. He carried her to bed and did more of the erotically stirring things that made her body go up in flames, leaving her breathless…and deliriously happy.
* * *
The next morning, they found a quaint B&B in Sonoma and toured the wine country by private charter, set up by Rafe. The limo took them to Viansa, the family’s favorite vineyard, and they sampled a couple of reds while noshing on antipasto. Then they toured the Gloria Ferrer winery, known for its Spanish influence and Cavas, and then sipped sparkling wine on the elegant terrace of the Domaine Carneros estate, a branch of the French champagne maker Taittinger.
Jenna took a deep sip of bubbly and sighed contently. “What a magnificent day.”
There was a slight chill in the air, but she’d wrapped a stylish scarf around her neck and wore jeans and a sweater. Despite the cool autumn breeze, the sky was cloudless and bright blue.
“Kinda like our time in Italy, isn’t it?” Rafe mused.
“Yes. And I love it.” She set aside her crystal flute. “And what’s really great is that I know I can trust Tad, so I don’t feel the least bit desperate to get back to the restaurant.”
“You did the right thing by letting him serve as task master, sweetheart. I could see how much it meant to him that you were okay with leaving him to do his job—without you micromanaging.”
She nodded. “He knows what he’s doing. I’m not sure why I even hesitated when he made the suggestion we get out of his hair.”
“Um, could it be that you’re a control freak?”
“Hey, now. Pot…kettle…black.”
He shook his head. “I gave up control of my dining room the second I saw you dancing in your underwear. You wanted to fill in for Reesa and I selfishly thought, ‘whatever keeps her in town…’ Let’s face it, I knew you wouldn’t settle for just seating people and handing out menus. I was instantly intrigued when you started shoving tables together and coming up with new ideas for the restaurant.”
“So you don’t hate my job.”
“That would make me a hypocrite, given that I’m taking advantage of your services.” He pinched the stem of his glass and took a drink of the crisp brut. Then he added, “I don’t hate your job, Jen. I hate that you’re not in my bed every night.”
She smiled softly. “I’ll admit I miss that myself. But we’ve been able to work and enjoy each other’s company. Don’t you think it’s possible to find some sort of middle ground?”
“Sure. If I could get over wanting you all to myself every minute of the day.”
Jenna gnawed her lower lip a moment. “I don’t begrudge you that. I told Tad one of the reasons I never shared much of our life with him, or anyone else, is because I liked holding it in, keeping it just between the two of us.”
Rafe took another long sip before spearing her with an intent look. “At the risk of opening a testy can of worms…why did you not take my last name?”
“That’s actually an easy one, Rafe. I was already known publicly as Jenna Scarsdale. And while there’d been rumors circulating that I’d gotten married and the ring I wore wasn’t just an engagement ring, I didn’t want your name all over the papers. Again… I wanted you all to myself. Our marriage wasn’t exactly a secret, but I got the warm-fuzzies out of treating it that way. It just made it more private. Special.”
Rafe leaned over and kissed her. “It was special.” He polished off his champagne and stood. Holding a hand out to her, he said, “Let’s pick up a bottle for Tad to enjoy when he celebrates his coup. Then there’s an art gallery I want to show you.”
They spent the evening leisurely exploring Sonoma, had a fantastic dinner and then fell into bed.
The night before the reopening would be Rafe’s first look at the new dining room. Jenna’s entire body hummed with exhilaration. Tad had sent a few photos and she’d resisted the urge to jump up and down excitedly in front of Rafe. Tad and the contractors had brought her vision to life and she couldn’t wait to show it off.
She and Rafe stood outside the building, his eyes closed, per her instructions. Although the windows were covered with brown paper from the inside, the exterior now had Sampogna’s painted on every other window in the deep teal-blue hue she’d selected. The script was sophisticated, yet not at all dated.
With her arm linked through his, she told Rafe, “Okay, open your eyes.”
He stared at the tall, arched windows and grinned. “Look at that color. It’s incredible, Jen.”
“It really pops, doesn’t it?” She bounced elatedly on the balls of her feet. “I thought you’d like it. You inspired it.”
“Me?”
“Sure. I mean, it’s not the exact shade of your eyes, but when I looked into them the other day, I just knew blue was the right accent color. There’s something grandiose about it, yet it doesn’t scream old world, expensive or formal. It’s warm and inviting. Wait till you see the inside.”
She tugged on his arm and they rounded the building to the courtyard where black, wrought-iron bistro tables were now situated around a fountain, an outdoor fire pit and a well-groomed rose garden.
“Spruced it up, I see.”
“Yes,” she said. “You weren’t leveraging this location. I had hidden speakers installed so the music flows out here, not too loud. I think it’ll be a great gathering place.”
“So far, I’m liking what you’ve done…”
She beamed. “This will rock your world, I promise you. Tad conveyed all of my ideas perfectly to the contractors—he really outdid himself. I am so indebted to him. The implementation is spectacular, Rafe.” She reached for the door handle and said, “I’ve got one very lovely bombshell in store for you.”
Jenna pulled open the door and music and laughter spilled out, clearly taking Rafe aback.
His brow dipped. “I thought the reopening was tomorrow. That’s what we agreed to, Jen.”
“This is a private party, Rafe.” They stepped inside and Rafe drew up short, sucking in a breath. Jenna smiled brightly. “Surprise!”
His family had gathered to celebrate the pre-reopening.
“Jen,” he said, emotion tinging his deep, intimate tone. “Holy shit. Everyone’s here.”
“Even Vinny and Macy made it. Their manager is covering for them.”
Rafe took in the scene before him and Jenna cataloged the astonishment on his face. The love he had for his family. The pride he had for his restaurant. The gratitude he felt toward her and Tad. The emotions shone in his slightly misted eyes. Hers were a bit watery as well, because she was happy she’d been able to do something meaningful for Rafe and his relatives.
She swept aside a tear and announced to the group, “Please, everyone, just give Rafe some time to absorb the remodel before you swoop in.”
They respected her wishes. Only Vesta stepped forward. She said to her nephew, “Jenna offered Sampogna’s for Marco’s going away party tonight. She knew we all wanted to see the restaurant, and thought it should be before the public did.”
“Family first,” Jenna told her, her voice cracking.
Vesta smiled graciously at Jenna and said, “Such a lovely girl.” She kissed both of Jenna’s cheeks.
Jenna took Rafe’s hand. “Let me show you everything.”
She started with the tall, elaborate hostess desk—no mere staid podium—and the point of service computers and the iPads she’d purchased to manage the reservation system and to-go orders. The center of the room had tables pushed together for large parties and Rafe’s fingers glided along a napkin spilling over the edge of a wineglass.
“This color really is spot-on,” he said. “And the glasses are just right.” The nearly translucent citrine subtly set off the teal-blue. Rafe let out a low laugh as he eyed the new tablecloths. “A contemporary take on the traditional red-and-white-checkered linen. Unbelievable.”
Inspiration had struck Jenna when she’d mentally deduced she had to capture a bit of Italian heritage in a modern way. The checkered linen in white and the rich blue were the perfect complement to the wood paneling, artfully painted walls and the soft lighting from the globes overhead, attached to large ceiling fans with wide blades and bronze bases, all operating from an old-fashioned pulley system.
The three art niches built into the far wall had additional intimate lighting at the top of the space that filtered down onto cylinder, crystal vases with fresh calla lilies in them.
Once the paper coverings over the windows that opened to the street was removed, the wide, wood-trimmed sills would feature trendy lanterns that created golden up-lighting. The oil lamps on the tables added more seductive illumination.
Rafe took it all in, one corner of his mouth lifting. Jenna followed as he circled the restaurant, inspecting the more private alcoves where the four tops sat, and the sofa-style booths along the wall with the calla lilies. Then he reached the back and stood before the striking, hand-crafted bar.
“Jen,” he said on a sharp breath. “Jesus.”
Gio was behind the bar and he spread his arms. “Pretty amazing, isn’t it? I must’ve stared at it for a good ten minutes, utterly speechless. I’ve never seen a more stunning bar, Rafe. It’s excellent for showcasing our wine list.”
“Very befitting,” Rafe concurred. “Damn. It’s…extraordinary.” Several plush, upholstered high-backed stools lined it, all as intricately carved as the ornate bar. No attention to detail had been spared.
Jenna tugged on his hand, directing Rafe to the happy hour lounge with its comfy, oversized sofas and chairs. A cozy fire blazed in the large hearth, which she’d had refaced.
Rafe’s family chomped at the bit to speak, she could tell. But they allowed him a few minutes more to take in the entire scene. Jenna knew from the look in his eyes, he liked what he saw.
Finally, Vesta wandered over. “Your parents would have fallen in love with this place instantly, Rafe.” Her gaze shifted to Jenna and there were tears in her eyes. “What you’ve done…” She shook her head. “It shows how much you care for tesoro mio, and the entire family.”
“I had help. Lots of help. Tad made sure it all came together.”
He stood off to the side, by the bar, a glass of champagne in his hand. He raised his glass to Jenna and said, “You trusted me with the most important job of your career—and your life. That’s what best friends do.”
“Lesson learned,” she mouthed.
Rafe squeezed her hand. “Damn impressive, sweetheart. Intimate and engaging. And that bar. Christ.”
“Tesoro mio,” Vesta scolded.
“Sorry. It’s just…” He swept his gaze over the entire dining room. “Everything’s perfect. Those wineglasses and the tablecloths. The walls. The flowers.” His gaze flashed back to Jenna. “Calla lilies, right?”
Jenna smiled. “Right.”
“They belong there. Everything just…belongs, Jen.”
She swiped at a wayward tear and said, “I’m glad you like it.”
“It’s more than that. This is outstanding. I don’t know how you come up with this shi—stuff, but you are sheer genius. This place is so…”
“You?”
He grinned. “Yeah. Very Sampogna.” He kissed her softly, eliciting a round of whistles and cheers from his ginormous family. Then he released her and said, “Let’s see what the grandparents think.” He sought them out, taking Jenna with him.
To Rafael, whom Rafe had been named after, he asked, “What do you think, Nonno?”
Both Rafael and his wife, Mary Catherine, gazed at Rafe and Jenna with appreciation in their eyes.
Rafael said, “Your parents were always so proud of you, Rafe.” His gaze shifted to Je
nna. “And had they known you, they would have loved you as we do.”
A fresh batch of tears leaked from her eyes. Uncharacteristically, it was Jenna who hugged Rafe’s grandparents. Then she clasped Mary Catherine’s small hands and said, “I know it could have turned out differently for you, and I would have been so very sorry, but I am eternally grateful you had a sixth son.” She kissed Rafe’s grandmother’s cheeks, then did the same to Rafael’s.
The dining room was emotionally charged and sniffles rose above the impassioned aria wafting on the spicily scented air.
Rafe kissed Jenna on the temple and said, “Thank you so much—for everything.”
“My pleasure.”
He said to his family, “Hey, I thought this was supposed to be a party.”
Noise erupted all around them and Jenna brushed away her tears. Though most of the servers were related to Rafe, They’d agreed to work the party so they could get more experience with a large crowd before the reopening. The kitchen staff had food coming out in record time, thanks to the new POS system.
Jenna and Rafe made the rounds together, greeting all of his family. Rafe kept his hand at the small of her back, and with it there, Jenna felt less overwhelmed by the affection of his relatives. Knowing he was by her side, close to her, calmed her.
Laughter filled the dining room, along with toasts and animated conversation. Jenna noted a few intimate moments as well, and smiled when Geoff murmured something in Mags’ ear that made her blush prettily.
It was a flawless evening, she decided when Rafe returned her to her hotel suite and they crawled under the covers together. She was exhausted, and curled next him, her head on his chest.
In the dark, Rafe whispered, “You’ve done something amazing for me. And my family. I didn’t think I could love you any more than I did, Jen, but I do.”
She squeezed her eyes shut, though tears seeped from the corners. For the first time in Jenna’s adult life, the desire to walk away did not register.
But she knew in her heart, it was an inevitability she couldn’t escape…
