When she stepped out
of the plane, she saw a limo. “Somebody important must be using this airport besides us.”
Greg put his arm around her. “That limo is for somebody important. It’s for you, sweetheart.”
“You’re going to spoil me rotten.”
“That’s the plan. Come on. I don’t know about you, but I’m starving.”
The driver opened the door for them.
When they got inside the stretch, she saw that a bottle of white wine and chocolate-covered strawberries were waiting for them. “I feel like a princess.”
“And the evening is only just starting.” He hit a button, and a screen came up, separating them from the driver, giving them total privacy. He opened the wine and poured them both a glass. “To you, sweetheart. And all the beauty and fun you’ve brought back into my world.”
She felt her cheeks warm as they clinked their glasses together. “And to you, Greg, for such a wonderful date.”
He leaned forward and kissed her, making her tingly all over.
“How long a drive is it to the restaurant?” she asked him, out of breath. “I’d like to freshen up a little bit before we arrive.”
“There’s plenty of time for that, sweetheart. The airstrip is thirty minutes from the restaurant.” He stole another kiss from her.
They continued enjoying their wine and the strawberries until they arrived at the restaurant.
Their driver opened their door. Greg stepped out and offered her his hand. She stood and marveled at the exterior of the restaurant, which reminded her of a garden fit for a palace. In the center was a ten-foot-tall fountain surrounded by exotic flowers.
“This fountain was imported from a chalet in Italy. It’s believed to grant wishes. Would you like to make a wish?” Greg asked her.
“Yes. That would be fun. Do you have a coin?”
“It doesn’t take coins.”
“Not coins? How do people make their wishes then?”
“With a kiss. Like this.” He pulled her into his arms and pressed his lips to her mouth.
When he finished the kiss, which had taken her breath away, she said, “You kissed me so fast I didn’t make my wish.”
“We can’t have that. Close your eyes, sweetheart.”
She smiled and obeyed.
“Do you have your wish in your mind now?”
“I do. I’m ready for my kiss.” She pursed her lips.
“Mr. Strong, how good to see you again,” a male voice with a distinct Italian accent said.
She opened her eyes and saw an older gentleman with gray hair had come up to them. He wore a black suit and had a kind smile.
“Giovanni, I’d like you to meet my guest, Miss Maude Kincaid.”
The man took her hand and kissed it. “A pleasure to make your acquaintance, signorina. Welcome to Giovanni’s.” He turned to Greg. “Mr. Strong, everything is ready for you as you requested.”
“Excellent. Thank you.” Greg offered her his arm, and she took it. The three of them walked to the entrance of the grand restaurant. They passed the red velvet rope, which had a line that wrapped around the building.
Giovanni’s interior was plush and filled with patrons. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling. The tables were covered in linen cloths, and the chairs were upholstered in rich, dark fabrics. A musician in a tuxedo sat at a grand piano playing soft music. The staff was dressed in formal attire, and the customers looked like they had stepped off the who’s-who list of the rich and famous.