Page 21 of The Temptation
He ordered two slices of pepperoni and then looked at me again. “Want a breadstick too?” He pointed to where a stackof breadsticks lay in a basket. But these weren’t small, cute breadsticks.
“That’s a freaking arm of bread.” No, literally. The bread looked like it was the same length and thickness as my forearm. “The slice of pizza is more than enough.”
But I made a mental note. I’d return as soon as possible. I needed to try that giant breadstick.
Pierce paid for the pizza and handed me a paper plate with a giant slice covered in cheese and thick circles of pepperoni. God, it smelled so good. I tore my eyes away to wonder where we were going to eat. The area where we stood had just enough room for a line of people to step up to the counter to place their orders. There were no tables or stools. You couldn’t even lean against the wall without getting in someone’s way. During the warmer months, it would be fine to go outside and stand on the sidewalk while eating.
“Follow me.”
Clutching my precious pizza with both hands, I trailed behind him, up a set of wooden stairs to the second floor, where I was knocked for another loop. The entire vibe of the building changed from classic pizzeria to 1920s speakeasy. Everywhere I looked were dark woods, leather sofas and chairs, and pictures of mobsters—either from the movies or real criminals. Even the bartenders were dressed in the same period style, with collared shirts, sleeve garters, and fedora hats. The atmosphere was fun.
Pierce led us over to a quiet corner where a pair of leather chairs with big buttons faced each other and a low coffee table sat between them. He set his pizza in front of one chair. “I’m going to get a drink. You want something?”
“Sure…um…” I shrugged, floundering for an idea. “Get me something interesting. Not too strong.”
My “date” strolled up to the bar, and I attempted to wait for him, casting my gaze around the room. Business was brisk, butthe bar wasn’t packed for a Monday night. With the food and atmosphere, I could imagine this was a popular spot.
The scent of oregano and cheese drifted past my nose, and I broke. I scooped up my slice, took a giant bite, and moaned as the flavors exploded on my tongue. So good. Just the right amount of cheese and grease and bad for me in such a delicious way. Exactly what I needed. Dinner at the fancy restaurant had been fine, but I’d had no appetite as I’d spent most of my time worrying about saying the wrong thing.
Pierce’s parents had been nice and polite to me. Rebecca loved to tease her son, and Oliver seemed to encourage it while trying to appear to be the serious parent. Pierce had taken it all in stride. We’d talked a bit about my work and studies, but then the conversation shifted to more mundane things. Rebecca had even pulled out her phone so she could show me pictures of her two grandsons. That only made it easier to see why Pierce’s parents were so eager to get him married off and settled. If younger brother was happily married and had kids, shouldn’t older brother be following close behind?
Kids…
I’d never given children much thought in the grand scheme of my life. When I was making my plans, it came down to two things—being the world’s greatest violinist and winning Pierce’s heart. I was well on my way to accomplishing one of those things, but what happened if I did the other as well? Did Pierce want kids? What if he did, and I didn’t? Owning his heart didn’t matter if I couldn’t make him happy.
“How is it?”
My head jerked up to see Pierce standing over me with two drinks in his hands. He set a bright-red drink with a dried lemon slice in front of me before taking a seat.
“Excellent!” I said in a rush, breaking free from my wandering thoughts. “What’s the drink?”
“It’s called a Sun-kissed Sweetheart. Vodka, schnapps, and dragon fruit.”
Oh, that sounded interesting! I set aside my pizza and snatched up my drink. Not too strong and the right amount of fruity. I would return in the future.
“A toast,” Pierce began, lifting his Old-Fashioned in the air. “To Simon, for saving my ass. I appreciate your help, even though I haven’t been the kindest to you since your return.”
I clinked my glass against his. “Well, we both know I can be a bit of a handful when I want something.”
“And don’t want to take no for an answer.”
I rolled my eyes and took another sip of my drink. “No is so boring. Yes is more fun.”
“No.”
That answer was to be expected. I shrugged and returned to my pizza. Pierce did the same, and for a few minutes, we ate in silence, enjoying each other’s company and listening to music.
When my stomach was full of greasy, cheesy goodness, I settled in my oversized leather chair and fiddled with my phone. Okay, I might have snapped a few dozen pictures of Pierce sitting across from me, sipping his drink and looking like a fashion model. Really, the man was too sexy for his own good. Tall, lean, hard jaw, and cold eyes. His hair was such a dark brown that it appeared almost black. And his lips were a little on the thin side, but they turned plumper each time he relaxed or smirked. The only way to know for sure the pros and cons of his mouth was to kiss him. That stolen kiss at Declan’s had been an excellent start, but it required more thorough research.
If I’d learned anything tonight, it was that Pierce was going to continue to be a handsome man well into his fifties and sixties. Pierce had gotten most of his looks from his father, who was quite the silver fox, with appealing salt-and-pepper hair. Hisface was sterner than his son’s, and Pierce got his soft eyes from his mother, who was also very attractive.
“Are you taking pictures of me?” Pierce inquired.
I tried to think of some bit of bullshit, but a guilty smile was spreading across my face. “I need this.”
“No, you don’t.”
“I do. While you might not have social media, I do, and these pictures are critical for your success.” I lowered my phone and narrowed my eyes at him. “You don’t think we’re done, do you?”
