Accidental Billionaire Daddy by Holly Rayner

Author:Holly Rayner [Rayner, Holly]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2020-12-13T18:00:00+00:00

Chapter 12

Maia

Maia accepted the glass of wine that the server slid across the bar to her. She could hardly believe that she was standing in Vera’s, the most exclusive Italian restaurant in New York City. As far as she knew, only celebrities, politicians, and the very wealthy dined there. The staff had greeted Ben by name.

She held her glass up and peered around the intimate, dimly lit bar area, scanning faces for a star sighting.

Her nervous system thrummed with pent-up energy. She’d hoped that speaking her mind to Ben would help her calm down, but that had not been the case.

That’s because I didn’t really tell him how I feel, she chided herself. Not completely. I stopped short before admitting the whole truth.

She’d told him only that she’d enjoyed getting to know him better. The statement had been true, and safe.

It had been her hope that by opening up a conversation about their feelings, she’d get Ben to maybe say something—anything—about what their time together had meant to him.

But he just stood there, staring at me, she thought nervously, as she brought the glass of red wine to her lips and took a sip.

“What do you think of the place?” Ben asked.

“It’s lovely,” Maia said truthfully, as she eyed the sandy-brown bricks and umber-toned wood panels that decorated the space. Everything looked vintage, including the rustic wooden shelves lined with wine bottles. “It feels almost… historical.”

“They’ve been open since 1907,” Ben said, before sipping his gin and tonic.

“I can see why everyone wants a table here,” Maia said. “Caroline and I tried to get in for her birthday one year, but there was no way.” She eyed Ben. “The hostess seemed to know you pretty well.”

“I’m lucky enough to eat here frequently,” Ben said.

“Lucky” might not be the right word for it, Maia thought, as she sipped her drink. The wine was perfect: smooth, full-bodied, with just a hint of sweetness. “Successful” is more like it.

Around them, couples and friends laughed and chatted together. A server slipped through the crowd and motioned to Ben.

“Looks like they’re ready for us,” Ben said. He glanced down at his watch. “A little early, but… are you okay with it?”

She nodded. “Fine by me,” she said. “I have a toddler, remember? I’m used to eating at five.”

Ben chuckled as he parted the crowds for them, so they could follow the server. Once they were tucked into a lovely table by a window, a server topped off Maia’s glass and brought them appetizers.

Maia’s senses were consumed by the delights of the delicious food, drink, and charming surroundings. Time slipped past, and she felt her edgy state fading. It was replaced, instead, by a warm, glowing feeling. Happiness, she thought. I’m happy.

I haven’t felt this happy in ages, she admitted to herself, as she lowered her fork into a dish of golden, hand-made pasta covered in fresh tomato sauce. She felt just a touch tipsy, thanks to the two glasses of wine she’d consumed. Her senses buzzed with pleasure as she took in a bite of food.

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