Page 13 of My Forbidden Boss

»I feel very honored,« I said, placing my arm around Brianna’s waist. I didn’t care if Reagan thought I had something with my assistant, the only thing that mattered was that he kept his hands off her.

»Come, let me show you the largest of our restaurants, the Fountains Plaza.«

He nodded to the receptionist and Bri and I followed him. The restaurant was truly impressive with a floor-to-ceiling glass wall through which one could see the reflective twinkling of the city. Dimmed light radiated a calm, relaxed atmosphere. To the left was a bar with a golden counter, gigantic chandeliers hung from the ceiling above the tables, attractive waitresses and waiters attended to the people seated there.

»Here we are.« Reagan led us to a secluded booth, offering the best view out of the windows and across the restaurant. A young waiter pulled out Brianna’s chair, and she sat down.

Once she was seated, Reagan and I followed suit. He sat across from us, and I could clearly see his gaze drifting to Brianna repeatedly. If I were sitting across from her, I would likely have done the same.

In less than five seconds, we had an aperitif to toast and a plate of starters each.

»Our chefs are the best in the country. Try the mustard soufflé with fig carpaccio. The blackcurrant aperitif with rosemary pairs perfectly with it.«

Reagan lifted his glass, and Brianna clinked hers against it. Then he turned to me. »To good business.« I briefly considered leaving him hanging but reminded myself that I wasn’t here to look after Brianna. She was an adult woman. It was all about business.

I nodded at Reagan and also took a sip. As he began to talk about the kitchen and the individual restaurants, we first ate the starter, which was exceptionally delicious, before the main course was served: lamb rack with polenta sticks and a white chocolate parfait with red wine sauce for dessert.

»Would you like anything else? Is there anything you’re missing?« Reagan asked.

Bri held her belly and shook her head. »It was truly delicious! But after this dessert, I’m in heaven.«

Reagan laughed. »The kitchen will be very pleased to hear that.«

He stood up and made a small bow. »It’s late, I think we’ve talked enough about business, and I would like you to be guests in our finest bar. When you’re ready, you’ll be led up to the roof. Mr. Crush, I’m looking forward to our meeting tomorrow morning. I’ll send someone to guide you to the conference rooms.«

»Thank you, Mr. Reagan,« I said.

»Thank you very much for today,« Bri also said.

Reagan showed a beaming smile. »Have a wonderful evening.«

Once he was gone, I turned to Bri. »Would you rather go to bed? It’s getting late.«

She looked at me as if I had suggested having sex on the bar counter. »Go to bed? You’re welcome to sleep, but I’m going to check out this bar Mr. Reagan mentioned.«

I suppressed a grin. Why not, since we were already here? »Okay, I’ll join you then.«

Even though Reagan had invited us, I left a suitable tip in the folder on the table and got up. I pulled back Brianna’s chair and helped her stand. »Thank you,« she said, holding onto my arm. Damn. Her proximity was becoming increasingly dangerous, and it wasn’t just due to the light buzz from the aperitif and wine.

»Good evening, I’m Emilio, follow me.« A young waiter approached the table, escorting us to the elevators. As the doors slid open on the top floor, even I couldn’t help but be amazed. On the left was a pool, radiating a luminescent glow from spotlights beneath the water surface. To the right of the rooftop was an open-air bar, surely a benefit of the infrequent rain in the desert. Lights were sprinkled across the entire area, with secluded lounges offering cozy booths and sufficient privacy, a brilliantly lit bar swathed in gold, and the fantastic view.

»Wow, this is breathtaking,« Brianna whispered. Emilio led us to a booth situated on the glass exterior wall, affording us a direct view of the city. He bid us farewell, and we took seats opposite each other. A waitress placed two filled cocktail glasses on the table. Reagan had trained his staff well; all signs pointed to a compelling purchase. There was a time when I enjoyed building up hotels that had seen better days, but lately, there were more reasons to invest in a thriving project.

The waitress left us alone, and Brianna’s smile widened. She was up to something; I could see it in her twinkling eyes. »How spontaneous are you?«

I furrowed my brows and looked at her suspiciously. »Depends.«

»How about a game?«

»Elaborate more; you’ve piqued my curiosity.«

She laughed. »Only after we clock out.«

»You’re officially off duty, Miss Sullivan,« I replied.

»That’s very generous of you, Mr. Crush.« She lifted her glass and held it towards me. It was some squeaky-yellow cocktail, likely to be sickly sweet.

»We are in Las Vegas, the city that never sleeps. And we have only this one night.« Her voice was rough and tinged with excitement.

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