Page 53 of Triggered By Love
“Ow.” He mock-rubbed his nose. “That hurt.”
Her Madonna-like eyes widened briefly, and he wished he could capture that look of care and bottle it. But they narrowed when he grinned too triumphantly.
“Your pride’s hurt, because I’ve got quick hands and you didn’t see it coming,” she said in a sing-song voice.
“I could cuff you for assaulting a peace officer,” he reminded her.
“You seem to love saying that.” She raised her hands, crossed at the wrist. “I dare you.”
“Then, let’s go.” He signaled for the check, not waiting for the dessert menu. He would be her calorie-free dessert.
“Leaving so soon?” Gino winked and gave them hearty hugs. “Have I made an impression? Will you two be back?”
“I don’t know about him,” Avery said. “But you’ve won me over. It was fabulous.”
“I’m humbled, beautiful lady.” Gino kissed Avery on both cheeks, rubbing his bearded lips over her satiny skin. “Your dinner is on me if you bring my naughty nephew back.”
“Grazie,” she replied, returning the kiss. “Your chicken was so tender, and the bread was to die for.”
She annoyed Jason by kissing Gino on the other cheek. She seemed oblivious to the effect she had on older men, probably deeming them harmless. His uncle was a widower and a real lady’s man, and he wasn’t above enjoying the attentions of a sweetheart like Avery.
“You should stay for my tiramisu. That is heaven here on earth.” Gino’s bass voice was operatic in singing his own praises.
“She’s on a low carb diet,” Jason cut in. “She has a fashion show to prepare for.”
“Oh, but I’m no longer modeling,” Avery said. “I could share a bite with Jason over a cup of cappuccino.”
“Stay, stay.” Gino grabbed both of their elbows and steered them to the bar.
The next twenty minutes were excruciating torture for Jason. Uncle Gino poured a stylized heart over Avery’s cappuccino, and he hung around to watch her hum over the soft and delectable coffee-flavored dessert, heavy with cream over delicate lady’s finger cake.
By the time he was able to pry Avery from Gino’s bragging about his days slogging through the Vietnam rice fields during the war, Jason was fit to be tied.
He wanted those beautiful Madonna eyes on him and the praises that fluttered from her lips about him. He shouldn’t resent his uncle, but he couldn’t help it. Gino was obviously making the moves on Avery, offering free drinks, inviting her for special banquets, and offering her flowers from his centerpiece.
Jason carried the takeout containers and centerpiece while watching Avery hug Gino and promising to return soon.
“Don’t be a stranger,” Gino called out, waving heartily.
“Thanks! We won’t,” Jason said, flashing a grin, because truly, how could he possibly be jealous of the man who took care of his younger siblings after their parents died?
He was being ridiculous.
Avery didn’t belong to him. She wasn’t his girlfriend, and he couldn’t get too close to her, no matter how tempting.
He was out to catch a criminal, and a defense lawyer would have a field day if he was sexually involved with the victim.
Tempered by that thought, he opened the door to his car and handed Avery the takeout boxes after she belted herself in.
“What’s wrong?” Avery asked after he started the car. “You clammed up in there. Didn’t you like the tiramisu? You let me eat most of it.”
“I ate too much spaghetti. Want to go back to the city?”
She turned on her phone and frowned. “Looks like Chase has been texting me. He’ll be sure to check there first.”
“I’m sorry. I get why you don’t want to be confined, but why not go back to the mansion?”
“Are you trying to get rid of me?” Her tone was teasing on the surface.
