Page 4 of Falling for My Best Friend's Dad
Her hand shakes a bit at my words, and she spills some wine on the counter. Shit. Not until then do I realize I’m flirting. Embarrassed, I grab a towel to help her clean up the mess. “I’m sorry,” I say, apologizing for my inappropriate comment.
“Oh, no,” she says, misunderstanding my intention. “It isn’t your fault. My hand just slipped.
We’re standing just a few inches apart. There’s a sudden tension between us that draws my attention to her. Her lips are glossier and her hazel eyes are shimmering with gold flecks. And why does she smell so good? Damn. My pants feel tight all of a sudden. What’s wrong with me? I shouldn’t feel this way toward Kayla, my employee and my daughter’s best friend.
Kayla must be feeling the same energy between us because she doesn’t move and her cheeks flame to a lovely crimson as she glances up at me. My eyes fall on her silky, pouty lips and I fight my urge to taste them. The arrival of Greg, my full-time waiter startles both of us. I come to my senses and clear my throat. Before I step away, Kayla pushes the wine glass toward me. “Maybe I should leave it to you, Richard. It’s for Penny.”
I turn to wink at her. “Sure, I’ll take care of her. Don’t worry.”
She gives me a knowing smile. “Just to make sure. I’m not neglecting customers.”
“I know.”
I place the wine in front of Penny as her eyes rake me up and down. “Hi Richard!”
I smile politely. “Good afternoon, Penny. What you would like to order?”
“Oh, the usual. My favorite Tofu Mushroom Linguini with Alfredo sauce.” She bats her eyelashes at me, making me uncomfortable.
“Of course,” I chuckle, knowing she doesn’t really have much of a choice.
“When are you going to update your menu?” she asks. “I would really like to see more vegetarian dishes.”
“I’m working on it,” I say to her. “Let me know if you have any suggestions.”
“Oh I will, certainly. I could even gather some menus for you from my favorite restaurants across town,” she says.
“That’ll be great. Thanks.”
I’m about to leave her when she says. “Or we could go try them out.”
There. She just won’t end a conversation without a suggestion for a date.
“That’s a good idea, too,” I say with a smile before turning away, hoping she would understand my polite refusal.
Minutes later, when I return with her food, Penny makes another suggestion. “You know what? Richard, you really need to get out of here more often. I’m sure Olivia would want you to live fully again.”
“Thanks, Penny. But I am living a full life. I’m hardly idle and I enjoy working in the restaurant. Besides, I do go out.” I meet with suppliers and run errands every day. I also go to other restaurants just to learn alternative ways of running the business from others. But I don’t want to give Penny too many details.
“Want to go to a symphony concert with me next week?” She doesn’t give up.
Despite my urge to refuse, I pause because the term sparks my happy memories. Olivia had very few indulgences and going to concerts was one of them. It was a monthly event in our lives. I haven’t done it again after she died, even though Ivy suggested it more than once. I just don’ think it would be as fun without Olivia’s enthusiasm. Seeing her all dressed up and excited was more enjoyable than the musical events.
“I don’t really have anything nice to wear,” I say to Penny, who’s waiting for an answer.
She rolls her eyes. “You don’t have to dress up, and it isn’t too late to get a tux. I could go to the department store with you.”
“That won’t be necessary,” I say. “Thanks for the suggestion.”
“Don’t refuse me yet, Richard,” she demands. “At least give it some thought.”
I shrug. “Sure.”
Chapter 3
Kayla
Was Richard flirting with me? The question lingers in my mind throughout the afternoon and the evening. No matter the answer, I was so flattered I couldn’t stop smiling.
