Page 82 of Easy Reunion
A smile that I’m sure has done its fair share of melting the panties off plenty of women curves his lips. “Good. Then I don’t have to redeem myself with you.” As he slips an arm around Lisa, his face softens. “I’ve spent the better part of a month explaining away years of my life to this one.”
Lisa makes a face even as she settles deeper into his embrace. A look of pure contentment flashes across her waiflike features. “The problem was I knew you, Cade. There was no using that sexy voice to talk yourself out of the truth.” Beneath her exasperated tone is someone who’s taken a dive off the deep end and doesn’t regret it.
I understand the feeling completely. Judging by the tightness of Ry’s arms from behind me after he rejoins us, he’s feeling the same way. I’m on such a cloud, I’m feeling a bit tongue-tied, so I let my smile speak for me.
Cade winks before dropping a kiss on the top of Lisa’s head. “Should we head to the bar while we’re waiting for our table?”
Lisa and I begin to nod when a young gentleman approaches us. “Mr. Perrault? Your table is ready. If you and your party will follow me?”
Cade raises a brow in surprise. “Well, that was fast.”
It was. But then I see the young man give Ry a head-to-toe perusal, and I can’t control the giggle that escapes. I hazard a glance at Lisa, whose hand is slapped across her mouth to cover her mirth. “I think I might know why,” I offer.
“Shit, not you too,” Cade says grumpily, with a mock glare down to Lisa. “I see Lisa’s been offering up her accounts of dinners out with us.” Her giggles waif over us as we begin to follow behind the patient host to our table.
I’ve regained my composure, but I’m barely able to hold on to a straight face as the host offers to seat both Ry and Cade first before scurrying in retreat when Ry growls, “I think we’ll be okay after we sit our dates.” His emphasis on the last word only adds to the disappointment on the host’s face. I want to tell him I understand; Rierson Perrault is pure heartbreak mixed with simple lust. Really, he should come with a hazard label.
“You think so?” Ry murmurs in my ear when I realize I said the words aloud.
Blushing, I catch Cade’s eye as Ry slides my chair under the table. The approving smile he sends me does much to calm my nerves.
Then Lisa pipes up, “So, this is kind of late to make dinner and a show.”
“It’s called dinner theater, Lisa,” Ry says patiently.
Our waiter comes up behind us. “What a lovely way of phrasing it. Hello, darlings. I’m Zach. I’ll be your server this evening. Let me get you started with some water while you have an opportunity to look over the drink menu.” Zach hands Cade the bar menu with a hungry smile, but when he faces Ry head-on, he stops dead in his tracks.
I bite my lip. Ry squeezes my leg warningly under the table.
“And the wine list for you, sir.” Zach’s voice is a touch raspier than it was a moment ago.
“Thank you,” Ry’s deep voice answers cordially. I’m pretty positive Zach might be on Cloud Ry and doesn’t plan on coming down all night.
Almost in unison, the heavy drink menus are opened by the men. I’m about to blast Ry for not asking if I’d care to peruse the list when I see the dark flush riding his cheeks.
And I can no more hold in the splutter of laugher that escapes than Lisa can.
“I don’t know why I’m laughing anymore?” I gasp to Lisa. “Is it because of the puppy eyes Ry just received or…”
Lisa’s laughing so hard her mascara is running down her face. “The fact they tried to seat Cade first?”
Ry’s ignoring us. He’s flipping the pages of the wine menu without reading a word while Cade’s glaring at the bar menu. I’ve managed to get myself under control and have just reached for the glass of water in front of me. “I’m guessing this is a first?” I ask Lisa while I’m fiddling with the stem of the glass.
Her shoulders are shaking uncontrollably, which naturally set mine in motion. Blood rushes to my face. I’m certain it’s a lovely color to complement my black strapless dress. But Lisa? Soon she’s panting in and out in an effort not to succumb to the hilarity of it all.
“Who chose this place?” Lisa manages to gasp out. But before either Ry or Cade can answer, the most stunning woman I’ve ever seen comes up to our table wearing a silver low-cut gown with a high slit along the side. Her platinum-blonde hair is impeccably in place, pulled back with a diamond clip in the shape of a flower.
“Sugars, I’m Madame Magnolia,” she drawls. “Welcome to Belle la Mer.” My eyes go wide when I hear the restaurant name. Even I’ve heard of this place. But there was nothing but a beautiful emblem on the door as we entered. Now, I’m excited. I crane my neck back and forth, trying to look for someone I know who works here. Oh, I can’t wait to tell Angel I finally made it here.
Magnolia continues. “Are you celebrating a special occasion with us?” Her attention drifts to Ry, and her lips curve into a beautiful red smile.
“No,” I say, somewhat disappointed, not only that I don’t spy Raul, but that we’re not celebrating something because I’ve heard the staff goes all out. Fascinated by this woman before me, I wonder what she does to paint on her makeup so perfectly. “I almost wish we were. I’ve heard wonderful things about your place from my best friend; her cousin works here. Is there a special you recommend?” I turn in my chair slightly to give her my complete focus.
Madame Magnolia’s attention turns from Ry to me. “Honey, I stole my cook from Antoine’s. There ain’t anything you can’t get here you aren’t gonna enjoy better than that. Now tell me, who’s this cousin?”
“Raul Riviera.” With a sidelong glance at my companions, I impishly add, “But his stage name is Raquel Rivers. Will he be performing tonight?”
“Not tonight, sugar,” Magnolia says, her red lips parting in pleased surprise. “Raquel’s a big draw, so I save her for weekends and special shows.”
