Free Fire and Desire (BWWM Romance) by Rebecca K. Watts

city.”
    “I’ll take your word for it, man. I only go to places where I can pronounce the name.” Ryan laughed. “Have fun.”
    “Are you ready?” Antonio asked.
    She nodded.
    They headed out to his car. To her surprise, he ditched his truck for a black BMW with all the bells and whistles.
    “How was your day?” Antonio navigated through the evening traffic.
    “I’ve had better, but it’s the nature of the beast. I’m sure you have your own not-so-good days with your company.” She leaned her head back into the soft leather and enjoyed the ride. It had been a long time since she wasn’t the driver. A cherry air freshener scent filled the air—gentle and not overpowering.
    “You had to let someone go today?” His eyes didn’t leave the road as he reached over and took her hand in his. His hand was soft yet firm against her skin.
    “Yes. Even though she was dead wrong and knew the outcome, I still feel bad.”
    “It’s okay, darling. Focus on the good you did by not allowing it to bring down your business. It’s your business, and the buck stops with you.”
    The way he said “darling” made her heart skip a beat. Being called “baby” was the norm for her. “You’re right. Thank you.”
    She pushed her business to the back of her mind and concentrated on Antonio. He navigated the traffic with ease while casting smiles her way. They arrived at the restaurant in no time.
    They hostess greeted them and showed them to their table.
    The vaulted burgundy ceiling was a perfect contrast to the ivory walls while the tables were decorated with cylinder shaped napkins. “This place is lovely,” Emily said.
    Antonio responded with a wink of acknowledgment, then turned to the waiter. “I’ll have Liquor 44 and Ice Wine for the lady.”
    “You do really pay attention.” She was impressed. Ice was her favorite out of all wines. There was a bottle in her cabinet marked “do not touch.” She was saving it for a special occasion.
    “More than you know.” He smiled.
    After ordering their food, they made small talk. When the food arrived, Emily’s stomach took over. She was famished. The first bite of veal melted in her mouth and danced on her taste buds. Cutting up the rest, she dove in.
    Emily felt eyes on her. She looked up to see Antonio smiling. “Sorry,” she mumbled.
    “No, by all means. I love a woman who’s not ashamed of eating.”
    “Good, because I’m hungry.”
    “Do you mind if I ask you something?” His smile faded.
    “Sure.”
    He grabbed her hand. “Why is it that a beautiful woman like you is not taken?”
    That wasn’t something she’d bothered to think about since her ex. She took a moment and reflected and decided, “I haven’t found anyone worthy.”
    “Room for desert?” their gracious waiter asked.
    “My goodness, no,” they answered, sliding their plates away from them. They looked at each other and laughed.
    “Very well then, I’ll get this out of your way and bring you the ticket.” The waiter cleaned off their table and brought Antonio the check.
    Antonio paid the bill, and they made their way to the valet. “Did you enjoy yourself?”
    “I did.”
    “Good, because I plan on taking you on a real date next time.”
    Emily giggled as the valet held the door open for her.
    ***
    Antonio shook his head at Emily. It had been two hours and they were sitting in the office. “I don’t care what other men say. There’s no way I’m getting turned on from some strange woman dancing when I’m sitting in a room with a group of men.”
    The topic had turned to strippers after passing a club on the way back to her house. Antonio took over for Ryan and kept his eyes on the monitors while she sat at her desk, sorting through pictures from the photo shoot. Kenny had gone ahead and taken the liberty of started with the calendar girls while in Miami. He sent an email of the pictures to Emily right after he wrapped up.
    “I understand. I’m not opening up a strip club.