Page 127 of Love or Tequila in Unexpected Places

And for the first time that day, he felt like maybe, just maybe, things were going to be okay.

A couple of hours later, Angelo had already reached his limit with Katerina’s endless chatter.

At first, it had been nice. She’d told him about how she applied for the residency in Seattle to be closer to him, and also to finally explore the US. That part had his full attention. But then, she’d launched into a detailed breakdown of some surgery she’d been studying for—something called a pancreaticoduodenectomy. “Seriously, Angie, it’s magnificent to witness,” she’d said with an enthusiasm that seemed to know no bounds.

But his ability to care about pancreatic surgery had evaporated quicker than a puddle in the sun.

To save his last remaining brain cells, he’d suggested Katerina “get comfortable” while he and Allison slipped out for lunch.

In reality, he just wanted a moment alone with Allison. Away from the medical lectures, the whirlwind of family obligations, and his sister’s endless descriptions of themajesty of surgery.

Now they stood at the entrance ofLa Savoureux, a new French restaurant with rave reviews. Angelo had thought it would be a perfect spot for an unofficial date. Something nice, relaxed—just him and Allison, finally able to focus on each other.

Turns out, he’d miscalculated.

“Angelo Taylor,” he introduced himself to the hostess, his voice gruffer than usual, because the hostess was doing that thing. The thing where she was very obviously ogling him.

The woman, whose name tag read ‘Joanne’ but might as well have read ‘Thirsty,’ was eyeing him like he was the special on the menu.

“Welcome, Mr. Taylor,” she purred in a voice that could curdle milk. Angelo resisted the urge to recoil. Her hair was pulled backinto an aggressively tight ponytail, her clothes were so snug they looked painted on, and her smile was all teeth.

He regretted coming here already.

“I’d like a table,” he said, trying to keep his irritation in check.

Joanne didn’t even glance at Allison, who was standing right next to him. As if his hand wasn’t firmly resting on the waist of the most beautiful woman in the entire world.

Yes,the entire world.

“A table for…?” Joanne trailed off, her question hanging in the air like she couldn’t see Allison, who wasglowingin a light pink sweater dress that showed off her baby bump—now unmistakable at twenty-four weeks. She looked effortlessly stunning with her hair flowing loose, brushing against his arm every time she shifted.

“For two,” Angelo snapped, his voice sharper than usual. “And hurry. My wife is hungry.”

At the wordwife, Joanne finally straightened up, her flirty demeanor vanishing like a popped bubble. She turned on her heel and led them to a secluded corner booth near the back without a word.

Good riddance, Angelo thought as they sat down. He didn’t even bother watching her walk away—he was too busy watching Allison, who was smiling to herself.

He knew that look.

“Your wife, huh?” she teased, arching a brow at him as she adjusted herself in the booth.

Angelo shrugged, pretending it was nothing. “It shut her up, didn’t it?”

Allison laughed softly, her smile warm and bright. “Good thing you clarified. Wouldn’t want her thinking this was a business meeting.”

“Or that I was available.” He gave her a small grin, leaning closer. “Besides, you’re the only woman I want to be seen with.”

He breathed in her sweet scent of honey and lavender, the intoxicating combination strong enough to bring a lesser man to his knees. But Angelo, ever the picture of control—at least on the outside—placed a sweaty palm on the table for support.

Can never be too sure.

One whiff of her and he was already feeling lightheaded. It was amazing, really, how this woman could throw him off balance just by being near him. He could lead board meetings with ease, negotiate deals worth millions without breaking a sweat, but one inhale of Allison, and suddenly he was just a guy trying not to lose his composure.

Her cheeks flushed pink, matching her dress, and Angelo’s heart did a little somersault.

She picked up the menu, but he couldn’t stop staring at her. There was something about the way she looked at him, the way she just was, that made everything else fade into the background.

“You’re staring,” she murmured without looking up, her lips quirking up into a smile.

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