4 #4
He turned the wrist of the hand that held Dani’s to reveal two thin black leather plated bracelets.
“My daughter made them.” And his face lit up with a broader smile.
He released her hand and stepped back. “So you’re here for the waitressing job?
” he asked as he perched himself on the end of his desk, his stance seemingly casual.
“Yes,” Dani answered, trying hard not to run her eyes over him.
He really was incredibly good looking. He’d taken down his hood to reveal his hair.
It was dark and cut short on the sides, but longer on top and a little unruly.
His jaw line was strong and he had cheekbones any woman would die for.
Dani noticed he had a slight scar under his right eye.
He oozed masculinity with a confidence that bordered on arrogance.
He was beyond handsome, but it was his poise and assurance that made him utterly irresistible.
“Daniella used to manage a bar in Kingston. She recently moved up to Leeds,” Peter explained. Jerome raised his eyebrows, suitably impressed. “Is Gia in?” Peter asked.
“No, she has a hair appointment at Level One. She should be back in an hour.” Jerome let his eyes travel over Dani.
“Oh okay. Well I need to show Daniella the basement.”
“Sure.” Jerome stood back up again. “It was nice meeting you, Daniella.” He reached over to shake her hand again.
“It’s Dani. It was nice meeting you, Mr Ferretti.” Dani took his hand and shook it.
“Please call me Jerome.”
Dani nodded, then shuffled out of the door, avoiding any more eye contact.
By the time Peter had shown Dani the basement, where the staff area was, as well as the extensive wine cellar, some of the staff had already come in. Dani looked at her watch. It was twenty to eleven.
Peter saw her out to the entrance way as Dani slipped on her jacket and tugged on her hat. “Well, I’ll be making my decision in a couple of days. I’ll be in touch with you if you’ve got the job.”
“Thanks very much, Mr Becker.”
“Is there anything you’d like to know?”
“No, I think you covered everything. Thanks again.” After shaking Peter’s hand, Dani left through the heavy glass door and stepped out into the cold crisp air.
Peter walked back into the restaurant and headed up to his office deep in thought. He’d seen roughly twenty applicants for the job and Dani was his last. She was the most qualified and her appearance did fit the restaurant perfectly. As he opened the door to his office Jerome stepped out of his.
“Still here?” he called over to him.
“Yeah, just going over to the gym to get changed. All my stuff’s there. I think I need to start bringing my change of clothes here. It’s easier.” He indicated to his clothes. “Was Dani the last applicant?”
“Yes,” Peter answered slowly. “She’s the best for the job. Too good, actually.”
Jerome cocked his head. “What do you mean, too good?”
“Well, she won’t want to stay if she gets offered a better job. It’s a step down for her.”
“She came for the interview. She must need the job. You said she’d just moved up, right?” Peter nodded. “Why did she leave her old job?”
“She said personal reasons. I didn’t press, but it looked like it was man trouble by the way she shuffled uncomfortably.”
Jerome nodded. “Well, we need someone. The Christmas bookings are full.”
“Capo liked her,” Peter chuckled.
“I bet he did!” Jerome laughed. “He’s a sucker for a pretty face.”
“Oh, I think Dani’s a bit more than that!”
Jerome smiled awkwardly and shrugged. “See you later, then.”
“Sure.”
Jerome ran down the stairs and out of the back entrance that led out onto the car park. He paced over to his car and opened it, but was distracted by a voice. He looked around and his eyes fell on Dani. She was talking on the phone and he strained to hear what she was saying.
“… from the bus station. Okay… number thirty-six. Sure.” She twiddled her hair as she spoke, totally oblivious of Jerome.
“I’ll call you and you can pick me up. Yes, it’s a lovely place.
I really like it. He said he’d let me know.
Okay, thanks, bye.” Dani turned to put her phone into her bag and looked over to where Jerome was standing by his car.
She felt herself blush and she smiled tightly.
He narrowed his eyes at her and strode over to where she was standing. “Do you know where you’re going?” he asked.
“Er… yes, the bus station,” Dani answered.
“And you know where that is?”
“Not exactly. I presume it’s towards the centre.”
Jerome’s face softened into a smile, “I’ll drop you off. It’s on my way.”
“Oh, no it’s okay… I don’t want to trouble you.” Dani felt herself heat up instantly. Crap! She couldn’t be in a car with him. She was flustered when he was six feet away from her – God help her in the confines of a car.
“It’s no trouble. Like I said, it’s on my way.” He motioned to his car with his hand. “I don’t bite, Dani – well not hard, anyway.” He arched one eyebrow at her and smirked.
Dani stifled a grin at his comment. Shit!
If she didn’t want to blow her chances at getting the job, she’d better get in the car.
It would only be for a few minutes anyway.
She nodded nervously and eyed the black, sleek sports car behind him.
The curves of it were smooth, stylish and graceful, much like the owner, Dani mused.
“Okay. Thanks.” She walked over towards the car and Jerome opened up the passenger side for her.
He smirked at her and she positioned herself onto the low seat.
He closed the door and moved around, slipping smoothly into the driver’s side.
Dani fixed her eyes on the dashboard, trying hard not to look at his toned thighs exposed by him sitting down.
Jerome shifted the car into reverse and turned so he could look out of the rear window. His left arm moved to rest across the top of Dani’s seat so he could see better, his gaze pausing on Dani momentarily. She really was very attractive, he thought.