Page 78 of Forbidden Kisses

"Doesn't mean I can rest on my laurels." He kissed the side of my head before adding, "Come on, let's get out of the car."

"But don't we have to park?"

"They have valet."

That's when I noticed a guy in a uniform wearing a chapeau walking toward us as we got out of the car.

"Hi, my name is Duncan Sterling. I have a reservation here this evening."

"I’ll park your car, sir, and then I’ll leave the key with our hostess. Just tell her when you need your vehicle, and I’ll have it brought around for you."

"Thank you," Duncan said, then took my hand. "Shall we?"

I nodded. I’d never been to a restaurant that had a valet. To be fair, I'd never been to anything that even looked nearly this fancy.

We took an elevator up to the rooftop. A hostess waited by the doors when they opened.

"Good evening," she greeted us.

"Duncan Sterling. I have a table for two," Duncan said.

"Certainly." She looked down at what I assumed was the reservation list.

"You might find the reservation under Knox Sterling."

She glanced back up at him and smiled. "Oh, you're his brother."

Duncan nodded. "Indeed."

"This way, please."

As we followed her, I glanced around the restaurant. This place was amazing. It looked like a botanical garden with plants everywhere. It felt like we were in a forest, each table somehow hidden in greenery.

When we sat down at our table, I swear I could almost forget there was anyone else around, although I could definitely hear chatter.

Duncan looked at me, smiling. "You like it, huh?"

"I love it." Then I asked, "So, Knox found this place? And you still gave him so much shit this evening?"

"Hey, he had no right to show up like that and pounce on you."

"He didn't pounce. He was just… I don't know. I've never met someone like him."

Duncan groaned. "Anyway, Knox is very much aware of what isinand whatisn’t. He's investing a lot in the restaurant business and also likes to go out to the best places. I’m probably the most knowledgeable Sterling brother in the kid-friendly restaurants, though that's not what I wanted tonight." He touched my cheek with the back of his fingers. "Tonight, I wanted something special just for the two of us."

I felt my cheeks heat up again. I had no idea why I was blushing so much tonight.

"I've been looking forward to this evening so much,” I said in a breath.

"So have I."

A moment later, the waiter arrived with two menus, then recited the daily specials.

"We can start with drinks,” he finished. “Madam?"

"I will have a mojito," I said.

It was one of the specials. Apparently, they had a secret recipe.