Page 46 of Kiss Away Your Pain (Wounded Hearts 2)

A few people have come up to the bar. “Excuse me,” I say, and tend to my customers.

The flow of people is consistent so I don’t get much of a chance to talk to her, but our eyes meet often. When there’s a small break, our chats are quick.

The next time I look in her direction, I see Anastasia and Gino standing next to her. Walking over to them, I throw my hands up.

“Hey, what’re you guys doing here?” I reach my hand across the bar to shake Gino’s hand.

“We just finished eating dinner and were on our way out. Gino spotted you. What areyoudoing here?”

“Sterling’s in a bind. He’s got two employees out so he asked for my help.”

“Always giving the shirt off your back.” She smiles. She’d do the exact same for a friend in need.

“Hey, this is Candi.” I point to her.

They both turn.

“What?” Anastasia gleams. “This is Candi? Hi, I’m Enzo’s sister, Anastasia.” She takes Candi’s hand in hers and clasps her other hand around it, shaking them. “It’s so nice to meet you. I’ve heard a lot about you.”

Am I ready for them to meet? Is Candi ready to meet my sister? I guess it’s too late now.

Candi smiles. “It’s nice to meet you too. Enzo told me some fun stories about the two of you.”

Anastasia releases Candi’s hand and Gino reaches over and shakes her hand. “Gino. Nice to meet you, Candi.”

“You too.”

“You guys want drinks?” I ask.

“No, we’re heading home. Hey, we never get to see you. How about you guys come over for dinner tomorrow?” She turns to Candi then back to me.

I look at Candi, worried she’s feeling like she’s in an awkward and uncomfortable situation. She raises her eyebrows and nods. “Yeah, that sounds fun.” She smiles at them.

“Great. We’ll see you tomorrow night, say six-ish?” she asks.

I nod and lift my hand in an agreeable gesture.

She blows me a kiss and puts her hand on Candi’s arm. “See you guys tomorrow.”

Gino gives us a wave as they turn and walk away. Then he slides his arm around her. It’s nice how affectionate he is with her. Anastasia is a walking bundle of love and affection. I think it rubs off on the people around her, including me.

With their spot at the bar open, a customer steps in and orders a drink. Then it’s one after another after another. As I’m making a drink further down the bar, I see a guy in a suit walk over to Candi and start talking to her.Back off, dude.Making drinks, I keep my eye on him. I don’t like his body language, leaning toward her the way he is. Did that asshole just look at her chest? He picks up her almost-empty glass and waves to the other bartender who’s closer to them.No fucking way are you buying her a drink.Steam spewing out of my ears, I stalk out from behind the bar and head toward them, ready to kiss her right here if I need to. As I get closer to them, approaching Candi’s back, I hear her.

“Actually, I’m seeing someone, but thank you for asking. I enjoyed our conversation.”

“So did I,” he says. “Have a good night.” He takes his drinks and walks away.

Trying to hide the fury boiling in me, I tuck in next to her.

“Hi. What’re doing on this side?” She takes a sip of her drink.

“Are you all right? Was he bothering you?” My questions are rapid-fire.

She cocks her head as one side of her mouth kicks up. “Enzo Cipriani, were you trying to save a damsel in distress?” she teases.

“If I had to, yeah.” I nod, adrenaline still heating my blood.

“You don’t need to worry. I know how to handle myself.”

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