Just Add Spice

Not liking at all that she was alone with her heartache…yet again.

Chapter Seven

Jenna mulled over Tad’s words for a few minutes, then climbed out of the rental and crossed the street, walking the block to Sampogna’s. Tad stood outside the restaurant, staring up at the brick building.

“Nice location,” he said, apparently catching her approach out of the corner of his eye. “Good-looking structure. Historical. Fantastic arched windows, tall and wide. But that bland white script has got to go.”

The name of the restaurant was scrolled across every other of the five windows.

“The font is a bit outdated,” she agreed.

“And the color is lost with no real contrast behind it. All those white linen tablecloths.” He shuddered. “No imagination there.”

“Rafe is old school. Be careful.”

Tad shot her a look. “Should I be worried he’ll take offense to me?”

“Oh, heavens no,” she scoffed. “He knows plenty about you already. And he’s going to adore you once he finally meets you.” She

gave Tad a contrite smile. “I’m sorry I’ve kept this part of my life separate from our friendship. When you meet him in person, you’ll know why I wanted him all to myself.”

“Past tense, sugar plum?”

She sighed. “Okay, I still want him all to myself. But I did call you to help with this project. Obviously, I’m willing to play nice in the sandbox.”

“It’s really too bad it takes you so long to come around.”

With a scowl on her face, Jenna turned away. She didn’t grimace at her best friend, but at herself. And the fact that Tad always pegged her accurately two steps ahead of her doing it.

They entered the restaurant and Tad stepped around her to survey the dining room. He whistled under his breath.

“Spacious and open. Too open. This place needs a little more privacy up front.”

“Yes,” she said. And quickly explained the layout she’d discussed earlier with Rafe. “The color scheme eludes me, though.”

Tad eyed her suspiciously. “That’s usually one of the first things that pops into your head.”

“I know. It’s critical to capture the personality of the restaurant and the character of its locale. But with Sampogna’s… It’s more personal. I want Rafe’s character and personality reflected as much as that of the actual establishment and neighborhood. That’s difficult because he’s just so…so—”

“Sexy. Virile. Masculine. Hunky. Hot-hot-hawt?” Tad all but sighed dreamily.

Jenna’s gaze followed his and there was Rafe, in their line of vision, coming from the kitchen.

“Yeah,” she said with a soft smile. “All of the above.”

“Oh, girlfriend. You have your hands full with this one.”

“Haven’t I been saying that all along?”

Tad was no longer listening. He took a few wide strides forward and extended a manicured hand to Rafe. “Tad Montgomery. Jenna’s project manager. So nice to meet you.”

“Likewise,” Rafe said with a casual grin. “I’ve heard plenty about you. And I can’t thank you enough for flying out to work with Jenna on this remodel.”

“Oh, the pleasure’s all mine,” he practically cooed.

“Tad.”

Over his shoulder, he snickered at her. “Now, now. Calm down, sugar plum.”