“She graduated in the top of her class. She was working for a company in Charlesburgh but needed to take a leave of absence. She was let go,” Salvatore said.
“Why the leave of absence?” he pushed and she looked to Finn and Salvatore.
“She had her personal reasons, Antonio. Is the table ready?” Finn interjected.
Antonio looked at her with more questions than before.
“Sure thing. We’ll head to the table,” he said and then they took their drinks. He watched Finn remain close to her and escort her to the back of the restaurant and their private booth.
* * * *
“Lay off of her with the questions,” Salvatore said to Antonio, giving his arm a shove as they walked.
“Do you two even know who this woman is and what she’s after? Her shy routine isn’t winning me over.”
“Listen, there are things we need to talk about. Things maybe we should have discussed with you first but we wanted to see if you felt an attraction. If not, then so be it. Finn and I want her in our lives.”
“You mean in your bed,” Antonio snapped at him.
“Jesus, Antonio, stop thinking that everyone is after your money and your possessions. She isn’t like that. She’s sweet, shy and she had some tough experiences recently and isn’t up to defending herself against aggressive questions putting her on the spot. Be nice,” he said as they met the others by the table.
Salvatore took the seat right next to Missy Ann while Finn took the seat beside her. He noticed Billy was watching her too and he hoped his brothers would ease up and just relax and get to know her. Perhaps Finn was wrong about waiting to tell them how they met Missy Ann and what she went through. But when they discussed introducing her to Billy and Antonio their concerns were whether they would like her because there was an attraction or because they would feel that protective instinct they all had.
He wasn’t sure, but his nerves were getting the better of him. If Antonio kept up the negative comments and questions then this could turn into a complete disaster.
* * * *
Missy Ann began to relax a little more with Finn and Salvatore present. There were little things that Antonio or Billy said here and there that indicated they were distrustful. She could understand that to an extent. But Antonio seemed arrogant to her, almost like he was trying to break her down and make her confess to an ulterior motive. He was too intense and hard for her liking. But because of Finn and Salvatore being so close she felt more confident than when she was alone.
As the appetizers came and Antonio suggested another wine, she felt compelled to challenge him a little. It was obvious by the way he looked down upon her as he asked which year she preferred in a very expensive white Chardonnay that he was either trying to call her out on her wine knowledge or trying to show off. Either way, he was being a jerk and she didn’t like feeling interrogated.
“Actually, if I could be completely honest with you, Antonio,” she said to him and paused before she continued.
“Yes,” he said, squinting at her, holding her gaze as the waiter stood there watching.
“I don’t like either of those years or the vineyard. Their best barrels of wine were in both 1987, which you’re very unlikely to have on your wine list, and the 2001, gold label. Which I believe is a bit higher than this wine list you carry here.”
He raised one eyebrow up at her and she glanced at the wine list and trailed her finger along it.
“But, I see you have a Duck Horn, 1998. That will do just fine for this establishment,” she told him with a flair of arrogance that shocked even herself.
She placed the menu down and watched him glance at the waiter. He gave a nod and the waiter smirked as he walked away.
She felt Finn’s hand squeeze her knee but she never released her gaze from Antonio’s.
“Impressive choice, Missy Ann. You’ve surprised me on both your knowledge of wine and your attitude. I must say, this side of you is a bit more intriguing then the shy, passive side.” He took a sip of the wine, finishing off his glass.
Shit. Now he’s going to ask more questions. How could I let this man, this stranger get me all riled up? I don’t even know him. Hell, I don’t even like him.
As
she thought those thoughts her gut clenched and her pussy reacted. Holy shit, she was out of her mind. Why would some pompous know-it-all jerk turn her on? Because he was brothers with Salvatore and Finn? Really?
“So, Missy Ann, how do you know so much about wines? Did you take some classes or attend informative seminars at wineries?” Billy asked her.
She focused her attention on him and couldn’t help but find the man very attractive too and also a bit arrogant. Or maybe it was confidence, as he leaned back and gave her those sexy eyes while he let them roam over her lips. She felt it and she knew he was good. Hell, they were older like Finn and Salvatore. This was intimidating but once again she pulled from Salvatore and Finn’s presence.
“Well, I had to work while I attended college. Even with a scholarship I had extra expenses and it’s just my dad and me. My mom passed away when I was eleven. Moving out to New York to attend school, I had the opportunity to work for some fine establishments. In those four years I worked in Manhattan, in the meat district, and even in the Village. I went from mid-grade restaurants to very upscale steak houses. I did the Italian cuisine in Little Italy and then the whole top of the line, very exquisite places.”