Chapter 14
I was floored when I saw Boss on my schedule but not totally surprised. There was a vibe there when we met. That man was ridiculously fine. Paid. His name definitely spoke to his nature. I could tell a man like him enjoyed a challenge and I was more than prepared to give him one.
I could also see why Monroe was so protective over him. He had an aura about him that pulled you in without even trying. It made sense why she was territorial. I'm not gonna lie—the dick was good too. Real good. Combine that with the money? Yeah—I wouldn't wanna share my prize either.
The look on her face was priceless when she saw us.
I couldn't wait to tell Ronnie about this shit, she was going to eat it up.
Now, I wasn't expecting him to want me exclusively, but I was definitely flattered.
Regulars were always much appreciated. Steady income, predictable energy, and less guess work.
Boss was a welcome change from the typical suit and tie client's that frequented Madam's. He was fun and I planned to have a ball with him. Not only for myself, but also to humble that snooty bitch. Since she wanted to fuck with me and my sis, I was going to eat her pockets and her pride.
I smiled to myself as I applied my lipliner and gloss in the mirror.
I had showered, slipped on a soft beige dress, and wedge heels.
Simple and cute. Soft makeup and beach curls completed the look.
Going from getting fucked hard by a Boss, to having dinner with a soft-spoken Chef was… a shift to put it lightly.
I was excited to see Remy though. I had blocked off a Friday night for him and that wasn’t something I did lightly. Fridays were money nights, so the fact that I even made space for him meant something.
I was hoping for the best. Good conversation, great food, and a chance to get to know what lie behind that handsome exterior, kind eyes, and calm demeanor he carried so naturally. However, I was prepared for the worst—mainly me cussing him the fuck out. I was praying it didn't come to that.
Ronnie was occupied with her client so I was able to walk out the brothel without her asking me where I was going.
I would update her afterwards. I listened to some piano instrumentals as I drove, in an attempt to quiet my mind.
Five minutes away from the destination, my nerves started fluttering and my heartbeat quickened.
It didn't make sense.
I could fulfill any man's wildest desires, but this date had me nervous. Imagine that.
As soon as I pulled up and parked, I saw Remy stepping out. I exhaled the nerves as he approached with an easy smile. He looked so good, but it wasn’t even just the outfit—black button-up, fitted just right, tucked into slacks. It was him. The way he carried himself, the warmth. It felt different.
He noticed me about to open my door and jogged over, hand already reaching for it. “Aht-aht, I got that,” he said, opening it for me and extending his hand. I smiled and placed my hand in his, letting him guide me out of the car. "There she is. Just as beautiful as ever."
I rolled my eyes lightly but couldn’t stop the smile on my face. "You're such a charmer."
"I've been told," he lifted my hand and placed a gentle kiss on top. "I'm so happy you're here, Gianna," he added, voice softer. "Thank you."
I felt my heart flutter a bit. "You're welcome."
My hand still in his, he closed my door and led me towards the entrance. With a smile, he slowly opened the door. My nose was hit with the smell first—something smelled delicious. Next the ambiance. Candles lit all around. Some real and others were faux flickering tea light candles.
And the floor…I slowed my steps a little.
Red and white petals, scattered across the floor like he had gone out of his way to make sure not a single spot was missed.
I stayed quiet as he guided me in, trying not to smile too hard, but when I looked up and saw the balloon arch, I lost it.
“Not the baby shower balloon arch,” I said, laughing.
Remy groaned, dragging a hand down his face. "I know right," he said shaking his head. "One of my regular's granddaughter, decorated for me. Apparently balloon arches are her thing." He glanced at me, a little sheepish. "It's corny, I know. My bad."
"No," I said, shaking my head. I squeezed his fingers a little looking into his eyes. "I love it. It's sweet. Thank you."
His shoulders relaxed. "I'm glad you like it, beautiful. You're welcome." He led me further in where a candle table was set. In the center was gorgeous bouquet of pink and white roses and next to it a small silver gift bag. I looked over at him, with a curious smile. "That's for me?" I asked.
"It is." Leading me to my seat, he let go of my hand to pull out my chair.
I sat and pushed myself up. "It's not a bag of diamonds, not that you don't deserve it," he began.
"But it's something I think you'll appreciate.
At least I hope so." He sounded a little nervous.
Picking up the bag, he set it in front of me.
Eyeing him, curiously, I reached in and pulled it out. It was a menu to his restaurant. I looked at him, brows furrowed.
"Open it," he prompted gently.
I did. A check lay inside. My face flushed with heat. The first thing I thought was that it was a check for my services. I looked up at him, nostrils flaring and eyes narrowed.
"It's not like that," he said quickly reading my expression. "It's a check for the revenue that The Gianna has made so far."
"Wait—Seriously?" Picking it up, I gasped slightly at the number. "7,500?" My eyes widened, looking back at him. "Damn how much are you pricing this cake for?"
"It's a reasonable price," he laughed lightly. "But it's been doing extremely well. The highest rated dessert on the menu so far," he nodded. "So good in fact—" he flipped to the last page of the menu and pointed, "that I decided to make it a permanent item on the menu."
My mouth dropped open in shock. "Oh my God. That's so dope, Remy." I pressed my hand to my heart, genuinely touched. "This is an amazing gesture, but you didn't have to do that." I waved the check. "Or this. That was your creation."
"But inspired by you." He stared into my eyes making my stomach flutter again. "I want you to have it. Matter fact, I insist. I'm not taking it back."
I felt my eyes mist over a little by the sweet gesture. I've had men throw money at me but the intention behind this meant more than he knew. Standing, I reached up and wrapped my arms around his neck, pulling him down into a hug.
His body stiffened for just a second before his arms wrapped around my waist and pulled me closer. I felt his body relax against mine. He exhaled long and slow as he loosened.
"Thank you so much," I murmured. "This is the nicest thing someone has ever done for me."
"You deserve this and more, Gianna," he said against my neck.
We hugged a moment longer before gently pulling apart, our eyes locked on each other. Something was happening. I felt it. And by the look in his eyes, he felt it too.
He exhaled, shoulders dropping. "Sit down, beautiful. Let me pour you some wine and go get our dinner."
I sat back down; Remy poured me a glass of Prosecco. "I just need to plate everything and then I'll be right back."
I smiled and nodded before he walked away. Taking a slow sip of the wine, my eyes moved around the room again, taking in the petals, the candles, the effort. He really did all this for me, and I didn’t know what to do with that yet.
A few minutes later, I heard the kitchen door open. I lifted my gaze and watched him step out, carrying two plates. He set the plate down in front of me carefully. “Careful, beautiful. It’s hot.”
I glanced down. The plate was perfectly plated. Lamb chops, seared to perfection, sitting on top of a smooth mash that smelled like garlic and butter alongside roasted vegetables.
I looked back up at him, a smiling. “I love lamp chops and this looks so good. Thank you.”
He pulled his chair out and sat across from me, relaxed. “My pleasure."
I picked up my fork and knife, cutting into the lamb. Taking a bite I paused, chewing slowly as I processed it. “Remy…” I said, shaking my head slightly.
He leaned forward a little, watching me. “Yeah?”
“I wanna bite you this is so good.”
His shoulders shook slightly as he laughed. “I’m glad you like it.”
I took another bite, smaller this time. "You're an excellent cook. You're gonna have to show me a few things."
"I would love too," he replied still smiling. "Do you like to cook?"
"I like to eat." I shrugged, with a light laugh and making his smile deepen. "But I can't say I enjoy cooking." I paused my eating to look back at him. "Oddly enough, I do like prepping though."
Remy chuckled. "That's my least favorite part." He shook his head. "See…we're already compatible. You do the prep work and I cook."
I bit back a smile. "That could work."
His face studied me for a moment. His eyes dropped to my lips and slowly back up to my eyes.
"You like what you see, handsome?" I asked.
He nodded slowly, that soft smile still on his face. "I do. Thoroughly." His voice dipped slightly. "You're gorgeous, Gianna," he said sincerely.
My stomach fluttered for the umpteenth time. "Thank you. You know, I've heard it a million times but for some reason when you say it, it feels…different."
"In a good way I hope?" He held my eyes.
I nodded. "For sure. Feels like you're seeing deeper. Underneath the surface I guess." I shrugged slightly.
"Seeing the heart?" he leaned in, voice soft.
"Yeah," I sighed with a nod. "That’s exactly it."
He smiled again. "Precisely why I wanted to see you again."
"Well…here I am." I exhaled, picking back up my fork. "So…were you nervous to see me?"
He nodded, smiling through the food he was chewing. Swallowing, he wiped his mouth with a napkin. "I was nervous as shit. I can't even flex."
I chuckled. "Little ole me," I teased.
"Nah. Ain't nothing little about you."
"You calling me fat, Remy?" I raised a brow, face serious.
"What? No." He shook his head immediately. "You're perfect," he rushed to explain. "Not that there's anything wrong with being bigger, you would be beautiful either way—"
I watched him in amusement, fumbling to explain himself and not offend me. Finally, I cracked a smile.
"You're fucking with me again, aren't you?" he sighed, shaking his head with a small smile.
"I am. You make it too easy." I reached over and touched his arm. "Relax."
He let go of a hard breath shaking his arms out. "You're right. I'm trying."
"If it makes you feel any better…I was nervous too," I admitted.
"Really?" He leaned in again. "You seem so…unshakeable. That was the first thing I noticed about you in the club."
I gave a one-shoulder shrug. "I can be. But not all the time."
His eyes locked on to mine. "What makes you nervous?"
I huffed and placed a forkful of potatoes in my mouth before responding. "Being judged. Being misunderstood." Pausing, I licked my lips. "Being hurt," I added, voice dipping.
He nodded slowly. "Yeah…being hurt worries me too."
Silence filled the space for a moment as we both resumed eating, processing.
"Can I be honest?" he asked.
"Please do." I nodded, picking up my wine.
He took a sip of his before continuing. "I don't want to come on too strong, but I'm not a casual dater. Because of my son, I have to date with intention and for longevity. Does that make sense?"
"It does." I nodded. "You're not looking for a casual fling. You want something substantial."
"Right." He nodded in agreement. "I just wanted to put that out there off top."
"Understood." I smiled softly.
He returned it. "What do you need, Gianna?"
I paused to consider it. He was the first man I could recall that asked me what I needed.
What did I need?
I wasn’t against the idea of settling down once I "retired," but I had put it out of my mind due to the stigma associated with my work. But here was this man asking me what I needed and honestly…I wasn't even sure.
"I don’t know, Remy," I confessed with an exhale. "Not when it comes to relationships and dating stuff."
His face flicked with worry.
"But I do know that I like you," I continued. "And I wanna know why you give me butterflies."
His face softened. "Then let’s just do that. Get to know each other. No pressure. Sound good?"
"Sounds good," I agreed.
He raised his glass. "To getting to know each other."
I touched my glass to his. "To getting to know each other."