26 #3
Once dessert was served Jerome had excused himself to go outside for a cigarette, to an area reserved for the smokers.
Between Liz’s refusal to accompany him to the dinner at the last minute, along with her increasingly erratic moods, his nerves were shot.
He knew the postponement of the fashion show had upset her, but she had other contracts.
She was just being unreasonable. Jerome hated letting people down.
This dinner was important for Arsenio and Liz knew Jerome couldn’t cancel at such short notice.
He didn’t think it was a lot to ask for her once to put herself out for him, especially considering he’d spent a small fortune yesterday on her outfit for this evening. So much for compromising.
Both Arsenio and Cosimo didn’t press him for an explanation. Jerome’s expression was enough to make them understand that he wasn’t in the mood to elaborate.
Jerome perched himself on a stool at the table reserved for smokers.
He glanced into the marquee, through the window at the various couples dancing.
He lit his cigarette and dragged hard on it.
Reaching over to flick the ash into the ashtray he spotted Adam and Dani moving smoothly around the dance floor.
Dani was grinning at Adam as he spoke to her.
He stood up abruptly, riveted. What was she doing here?
He knew she’d taken the night off, he’d seen it on the rota.
He continued to watch, secure in the knowledge that no one could see him.
He hadn’t seen her in two days, what with his unscheduled trip to London and then Liz’s meltdown today.
It was only now, once he’d seen her, that he realised how much it had bothered him.
He dragged hard again on his cigarette, painfully aware of how pleased he was to see her.
These were feelings he shouldn’t be having.
If Liz and he stood any chance of piecing together their fragile marriage, he couldn’t constantly have his focus directed at Dani.
He found himself thinking about her far too often, moving his work schedule around so he could spend time at La Casa.
She was occupying an unreasonable amount of time in his thoughts.
It wasn’t about just physical attraction, though that was a huge factor too.
There was undoubtedly chemistry between them but it was far more than that.
He relished their time together. Working alongside her was a dream, their verbal sparring and her easy manner made his time at La Casa even more enjoyable.
She had a kindness about her that was endearing yet she wasn’t a push over.
Their heated discussion over Adam’s bill had proved she wasn’t scared to stand her ground, and that fire he’d seen in her only made him respect her more.
Jerome let his gaze rest on her laughing face once more and he knew the emotions that ran through him were not only respect and affection. It was unnerving.
He wasn’t the kind of man who gave up, and he most definitely wasn’t the kind of man who would throw away ten years of loyalty on a passing attraction. Loyalty and trust were everything to him and working through Liz’s betrayal was proving to be harder every day, but he felt he at least had to try.
Quickly stubbing out his cigarette Jerome headed towards the doorway leading back into the marquee.
The song was coming to an end and he knew he’d have to go over, justifying his actions as common courtesy, but the thought of it had his stomach in knots.
However much he battled inwardly, he wanted to speak to her, see that spark in her eye, feel that undeniable connection they had.
The pull was just too strong for him to ignore. He’d missed her.
Jerome pushed open the door impatiently and scanned the room to find where she was sitting.
Dani was taking her seat as Adam walked away towards the bar.
Jerome took a moment to take her in. She looked stunning.
He hadn’t seen her with her hair down since the interview.
He took a deep breath and leisurely walked in the direction of the table, rationalising his behaviour to himself that it would be rude not to acknowledge her.
Before he’d even taken a few steps, he noticed Arsenio walk up behind her seat.
Jerome came to an abrupt stop, witnessing his brother settle himself into the seat next to her.
Jerome clenched his jaw. He knew Arsenio was more than a little interested in her.
He’d practically salivated when they’d been introduced and was constantly flirting with her whenever he came to the restaurant, even after he’d been repeatedly warned not to interfere with the staff, by himself and their mother.
Jerome rubbed his forehead and headed back to his table.
He’d have to go over once Arsenio had returned to their table.
As Adam left the bar carrying the two drinks he’d ordered, he spotted Jerome heading back to his table.
“Jerome?”
“Hello, Adam, how nice to see you.” He immediately put out his hand and his pensive look was replaced with a sincere smile.
Jerome liked Adam, he only knew him within the confines of the restaurant but he seemed a genuine person and from what Arsenio told him, he was very well respected in his field.
Adam shook his hand as he juggled the two drinks, “I didn’t see you earlier.”
“I came in late,” Jerome replied and his mind flitted back momentarily to Liz and their argument. His face tightened.
“We’re sitting over there.” Adam motioned to where their table was and then he frowned when he couldn’t see Dani. “I came with Dani, but she seems to have left the table.”
“With Dani?”
“Yes, Ollie my son isn’t well, laryngitis. Chloe stayed home with him. Dani stepped in at the last minute, so I wouldn’t be alone. You should come over and say hi.” Adam scanned the room trying to find her.
“Isn’t that her dancing with Seni?” Jerome pointed them out trying to keep his voice steady.
“So it is.” Adam looked at Jerome and raised his eyebrows. “I didn’t realise she knew him.”
Jerome huffed. “She’s met him a few times at the restaurant, but even if he hadn’t it wouldn’t have stopped him.”
Adam chuckled. Arsenio’s reputation was well known. He was relieved that Jerome could joke about it. The idea of Dani and Arsenio didn’t sit too well with Adam, and as he looked at Jerome watching them dance, he realised that it didn’t sit well with Jerome either.
“That could get a little awkward,” Adam smirked.
“He’s been told he can’t date the staff.” Jerome shook his head.
“Maybe you should remind him and cut in,” Adam laughed.
Jerome cocked his head and thought for a second. “Maybe I will.”
Adam’s eyes widened in surprise at his comment, then Jerome strolled over to where Dani was being twisted around by Arsenio just as the song drew to the end.
“So are you here with a date Dani?” asked Arsenio, taking Dani by the waist.
“No. I came with Adam. My sister couldn’t come because their son has laryngitis.”
“That is good news.“ He grinned cheekily, then his face dropped when he saw Dani’s face frown. “About you not being with a date, not about your nephew!” he clarified hastily.
Dani giggled, “Good, I was about to go and sit down.”
Arsenio’s grip tightened. “Oh no, I’m not about to let you go that easily. You look amazing in this dress. There’s not a man in this room who isn’t lusting after you, except maybe Cosimo,” he smirked as his eyes ran over her body.
“I think maybe that’s a slight exaggeration, but thank you for the compliment all the same,” muttered Dani.
Dani averted her eyes from his. He was staring at her intensely, making her feel a little uncomfortable.
In an attempt to lighten the mood and change the direction of the conversation Dani asked, “What about you Arsenio? No date tonight?” she stifled a grin.
“Call me Seni and no, I don’t have a date tonight. I don’t mix work and pleasure,” he sighed deeply, pulling her a little closer.
“Really? So tonight’s strictly work, then?”
“Well, it started out that way. But I must say it’s become extremely pleasurable as the evening has worn on.” He pulled back slightly so he could look at her.
“Are you flirting with me Seni?” Dani held his gaze and his face lit up with the huge grin.
“Definitely,” he answered and then he twisted her around and pulled her back to him, so her body was flush against his. Dani gasped at the swift yet perfectly controlled move.
“I think that’s enough manhandling of the staff Seni,” said the familiar raspy voice from behind Dani. She instantly took a sharp intake of breath. Dani swung around and was faced with the excruciatingly handsome face of Jerome. His blue eyes rested on Dani.
“You don’t mind if I cut in do you?”
Dani stood stock still, reeling over the fact he was firstly there, and secondly that he was asking her to dance. Holy mother of God, he was here.
Eventually her brain clicked into gear and she managed to breathe. “No.”
His lips twitched into a small smile.
“I’ll take it from here Seni.” His eyes flitted back to Arsenio and he muttered something in Italian, to which Jerome arched his eyebrow in disapproval.
“Thank you for the dance Dani.” Arsenio took her hand and kissed it, then sent a disgruntled look at Jerome and left the dance floor.
Jerome held out his hand for Dani to take and she hesitated for a second.
“I told you I don’t bite, well not hard anyway.” He stifled a grin at her and she rewarded him with a soft laugh nervously placing her hand in his.