Page 252 of The Italian Obsession

He rolls his eyes, unimpressed by the memory. “He deserved it.”

“She used to be a party planner in Australia.”

“No.” He sips his drink.

“What?”

“I am not having a stranger involved.”

“She’s not a stranger.”

“She is. You don’t know her. Who knows who she is?” He sits back, annoyed. “She can’t even attend the party,” he adds.

My face falls. “What? Why not?”

“We don’t know her.” He widens his eyes, as if I should already know this.

“I know her.”

“You really don’t. Lorenzo will have to check her out. She isn’t to come to the house at all until we get it through security.”

I roll my eyes. “You’re so dramatic. She’s just a girl from the gym.”

“No,” he replies sharply. “I’m a realist. Nobody has access to you unless they are security-checked first.”

I look over and frown in surprise. “Speak of the Devil. Look.” I wave at Jennifer and her boyfriend Diego, who have just walked into the restaurant. They smile, wave back, and make their way over to the table.

“Hi.” I stand and kiss them both.

Enrico politely shakes their hands. “Hello.” He looks them up and down.

Oh, shit, he’s going to be snarky.

“Will you join us for a drink?” I ask, a little uncomfortably.

“Yes.” Jennifer smiles and sits down beside me.

Enrico glares at me and sips his wine. Shit.

Diego orders a bottle of wine. “I’ll have four new glasses, too, please,” he says.

“What brings you here?” Enrico asks.

“We were in the area and thought we’d have lunch.” Jen smiles. “It’s great that we ran into you. What a coincidence.”

Enrico’s calculating eyes hold Jennifer’s, and he raises an eyebrow. “Yes, it is.”

Oh, God, what is he thinking? He can be such an arrogant ass when he wants to be.

Just be nice.

“Did you go to the gym this morning?” I try to break the ice.

“Yes, where were you?”

“I slept in.” I glance over to Enrico, who is staring at Diego.

“We need to get working on this party planning.” Jennifer smiles as the wine arrives.