At the moment, Zeke was trying hard to shake off his attraction and dismay. He needed to hear what she was sayingand he had to ignore that tinkling, delightful laughter.
I know you wouldnt think it from looking at me, but I fall in love with almost any food I set eyes on. My grandmother used to complain that when I was growing up, I threatened to eat her out of house and home. An active metabolism accounts for my staying thin. Im warning you, Zeke Rossetti, your employer wont get off easy when it comes to feeding me. Sure you wouldnt rather reconsider?
Now it was Zekes turn to laugh. Nope. So, if that was a challenge of some sort, I accept. I have just the place, then. Guaranteed to fill a hungry stomach. An Italian restaurant on the Strand. I swear, if you leave Luigis hungry, its your own fault. He took her elbow. Lets cross the street here. Its a few blocks. Thatll give us a chance to walk off their huge servings of spaghetti or lasagna on the way back. Zeke rubbed a hand over his flat belly, drawing Graces eyes to his rangy physique.
Up close, Zeke Rossetti was even more dangerously disarming and formidable than shed guessed as she watched him motor away from Jorges boat. I shouldve known, she threw out quickly to cover her staring, with the name Rossetti, of course youd know where all the best Italian restaurants are. I read that Galveston was settled by families from the New York banking industry. Can you trace your roots back to the birth of the city?
No. Zeke immediately pulled back from her eager personal inquiry. He also dropped his hand from her elbow as they were well across the street, down the block from where theyd cut over. Zeke never understood why women always wanted to delve into a mans history five minutes after theyd met. Turn here, he said, feeling a need to slide some inconsequential remark into the uncomfortable silence swirling around them. Its not far. He started walking faster.
Grace lengthened her stride to keep abreast. Before long, she found herself puffing up the steady sidewalk incline. She had no breath to ask further questions. And although she considered herself to be fairly good at reading people, theyd reached his proposed destination before it struck her that a desire to silence her questions was precisely what had led to Zeke Rossettis hundred-yard uphill sprint. It served to make Grace even more curious. But shed get her answers eventually.
At the coffeehouse where she stopped for breakfast each day, everyone was local and they seemed willing to chat. Someone would give her the lowdown on Kemper Oils operating chief.
Holding the door, Zeke stepped aside to let Grace pass into the restaurant where music, muted laughter and mouthwatering odors enveloped all hungry arrivals. The hostess greeted Zeke by name and subsequently whisked them to a corner table. Even as Zeke accepted menus, he pulled out Graces chair, and waited patiently for her to be seated before handing her one.
Feeling awkward, she turned her attention to the many choices listed under entrées. Goodness, how will I ever choose one thing? It all sounds fabulous, and everything looks and smells delicious.
If you want to sample more than one dish, I can always take the leftovers home. Anything they make here is great reheated, he said enthusiastically.
Glancing up, Grace couldnt help noticing that Zeke Rossetti wasnt wearing a wedding band. Did that mean he lived alone and cooked for himself? Although shed learned the hard way that married men didnt necessarily advertise the fact with a ring. One in particular had gone to great lengths to conceal his marital status, she recalled with sudden distaste. Sure, shed been gullible. Once. A mistake she wouldnt repeat.
Tell you what Rossettis voice rumbled from his dim corner. Just order what you think youd like to try.
Oh, but Id hate to leave you with anything your family might not eat.
Zeke sent her a veiled frown. He was sure hed never mentioned having a family. So, Grace Stafford wasnt above fishing for other things besides that old war plane, he decided uncomfortably. Zeke considered it lucky that a waiter came to take their drink order, and saved him from answering.
He ordered a bottle of the house Chianti, assuming shed drink red wine with Italian food. Since Grace didnt object when he held up two fingers as the waiter asked, How many glasses? Zeke continued, emboldened to order a sampler of four popular dishes. I know its a lot for two people, he added. Tell the chef Im showcasing house specialties to a visitor tonight. Ill have you box whats left.
Excellent choices, the no-nonsense waiter said, turning to smile at Grace. And welcome to our humble island. I know youll love every bite of the ravioli. Its seafood tonight. Magnifico, he said, kissing his fingertips.
Once the waiter had hurried off, Zeke didnt know how to progress through the awkward initial phase of being out with a womanthe time after the food order had been taken and the drinks or salad hadnt yet arrived as an icebreaker.
Grace opened her purse. She extracted a packet of folded papersand filled the emptiness for Zeke. Here are my permits. You said you wanted to see them. Nows probably the best time. Then I can stow them away again without the risk of getting marinara sauce all over them. Her mouth tilted up prettily on one side.
Zeke reached out blindly, thoroughly captivated by a deep dimple winking at him from her soft-looking cheek. He fumbled and dropped the papers atop a candle flickering in a red glass holder. Jeez, he yelped, snatching them away, and slapping them on the table to douse the flame.
Ah, so thats your plan, Grace teased. You think if you set them on fire and turn them into cinders, Ill have to give up my quest. Sorry to disappoint you, Zeke, but I had copies made at the hotel before I went up to shower. The originals now reside in the hotel safe.
I didnt drop them on purpose, he muttered gruffly, feeling his cheeks heat. I didnt actually access them, but Im aware theyre on file at our courthouse. I went there after we talked. I needed to check out Kempers options before phoning my boss at his office in Dallas.
Oh. So then you know I have salvage rights for as long as it takes to explore the floor of the bay.
Zeke adjusted the pages so the low candlepower highlighted the intent and the signatures. He studied the permits, folding them closed as their waiter returned with a wine bottle and crisp house salads. Pulling the cork, the waiter offered him a taste. Zeke nodded in approval and the man poured their glasses. After a sip, Zeke set her papers aside. These are mine, you say?
Grace shrugged. If you want. I assure you theyre valid. She dug into her greens.
Im sure they are. However, Id like to fax copies to Pace Kemper. Hes not going to be happy, Zeke muttered right before he speared a cherry tomato. Any delay costs Kemper Oil money. But I think you know that.
Im sorry, she said, in the offhand way people did when they didnt really care. While Zeke shifted salad aimlessly on his plate, Grace steadily ate hers.
Zeke put down his fork and twirled his glass. You arent sorry. If you were, Grace, youd pack in your search and let us go on about the business of drilling for oil that U.S. consumers depend on. Its a necessity. Id hoped youd see that were involved in a serious debate here.