Page 6 of Highball and Chain

If it was only that simple.

“It’s the second woman I’ve let in tonight.” The kid shook his head. “Must be good to be the king.”

I ignored his comment. The last thing I needed were my employees thinking I had a revolving bedroom door. “In the future, don’t let anyone in the kitchen unaccompanied. In case you missed it, someone poisoned the soup.”

His eyes widened. “I didn’t think about that. She was tall, with long dark hair, Italian accent. I figured you knew her.”

“Regardless, we don’t allow guests in the kitchen.” I nodded to the service door. “Tell whoever is waiting I will be right up.”

The kid hung his head and turned to leave. Before he reached the exit, the door swung open and the last person I expected, or wanted, to see strode in.

“Enzo!” Nicolina air-kissed both cheeks and wrinkled her nose. “You are so sweaty.”

What the hell is she doing here?The last time I’d laid eyes on her, she’d given me the finger and a nice view of her ass before slamming the door. “I work in a kitchen, Nico. What do you expect?”

“I expect you to smile when you see me.” She flipped her long dark hair over her shoulder.

I would smile, but I was certain it’d come across as a snarl. “Why are you here? I’m in the middle of work.”

“I came to surprise you. I’ve missed you.” She ran her hand over my cheek.

Missed me?I’d all but packed her bags and put her on a plane back to Paris when she’d shown up unannounced after the gala. “Nothing’s changed.”

Nico pushed her lower lip out. “None of that matters. It’s your brother’s engagement party. You shouldn’t be working. Come, join me.”

“I can’t. We’re short-staffed. I need tonight to be perfect.” Or as perfect as it could be after the rocky start.

She folded her arms. “Still trying to please your father?”

I ignored the jab. “I have to get back to work.”

“I came all the way from Paris and you can’t find time for me?”

“You should have called.”

“So you’ve said, but I’m here now.” Her tone grated my ears.

“I’ll join you for a drink after dessert is served.” I ducked into the prep area before she could argue.

Why here? Why tonight?We’d known each other since we were kids. At my mother’s urging, we’d gone out on a few dates years before. The time we’d spent together had sucked to the point I’d told her I didn’t want to see her anymore. Nico, being Nico, disagreed.

She followed me. “Don’t be ridiculous. We should be seen together.”

“I don’t see why.” I had to get rid of her so I could focus. Stinking of onions and garlic and sweat, I threw my arm around her designer clad shoulder. “We’re friends, nothing more. Which of us is being ridiculous?”

She pushed me away. “You’re filthy. Get cleaned up before we see your parents.”

“There is no we, and I’ve already seen my folks tonight. In case you missed it, Gabe just got engaged. I’m not getting sucked into that conversation with my mother. Again.”

Nicolina grabbed my chef’s coat and yanked me closer. “You’re not getting any younger. Maybe it’s time you started thinking about settling down.”

Here we go again.I hated to hurt her, but I’d already made myself clear on the matter. “We’ve had this conversation. I am settled down. I’m happily married to my restaurant.”

Nico lowered her voice to a purr. “You need someone to take care of you. To remind you what it is to laugh and enjoy life.”

“I laugh.”

Her words puzzled me. She’d never shown any desire to take care of anyone except herself.

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