Read Online Alessandro's Prize by Helen Bianchin - Free Book Online Page B

ongoing clean-up to restore the kitchen to its former state, a break for kitchen and wait-staff alike, before the need to prepare the evening dinner menu.
    Lily earned a discerning nod of approval from Giovanni, and an introduction to the wait-staff, one of whom was an attractive blonde girl in her early twenties from the UK, named Hannah, whose deep blue eyes twinkled with mischievous humour.
    The break included a light meal, coffee, then it became necessary to work the kitchen in preparation for the dinner patrons.
    Lunch was a walk in the park compared to dinner, whichrated among the busiest Lily had experienced in a long time. It reminded her of her sojourn in Paris, with voluble directions uttered by tense kitchen staff when even the slightest delay arose in plating up orders.
    Yet it was familiar territory, one around which she’d structured her life and enjoyed, even if it tended to frazzle the nerves on occasion.
    However the sense of achievement and satisfaction overrode any temporary moments when things went haywire.
    It was late, almost midnight when she removed her apron and cap, and tossed them in the laundry bin.
    She checked her cell-phone and opened a text message alerting a car was waiting outside for her.
    Giovanni approached her as she collected her bag.
    â€˜The position is yours. You will alternate between the lunch and dinner shifts. Beginning Monday you’ll be on lunch shift to start with. Start time the same as this morning.’ He paused a moment, then offered a faint smile. ‘You work well.’
    Her heart lifted a little. ‘Thank you.’
    â€˜Buona notte.’
    Most of the kitchen staff had already left, and Lily lifted a hand to the two who remained before she exited through the side door.
    The sleek car was parked close by and she breathed a sigh of relief as a tall dark figure emerged from behind the wheel and crossed to open the passenger door.
    Thank you, Lily breathed silently. A smooth ride to Alessandro’s apartment, a leisurely hot shower, then bed.
    She was so caught up with the vision she didn’t immediately notice it was Alessandro, and not Carlo, who held open the door.
    He saw the moment she realized who had driven to collecther, glimpsed the way her body stilled for a few seconds before she stepped past him and slid into the passenger seat.
    â€˜Carlo was unavailable?’
    Alessandro bit back a wry smile as he crossed to take his position behind the wheel and turned towards her. ‘You would have preferred his company?’
    â€˜He is easy to talk to.’
    â€˜And I am not?’
    He held her gaze as she met his own, and wondered if she knew how well he could read her.
    â€˜No.’
    A slight smile curved his mouth. ‘Indeed? Perhaps you’d care to elaborate?’
    She gave him a sweet smile. ‘No.’
    He watched as she leaned her head against the headrest, and sensed her slight sigh as he ignited the engine and eased the car onto the road.
    â€˜Tough day?’
    â€˜Giovanni hired me.’
    But he’d put her through her paces. Doubtless she was accustomed to long days in a restaurant of her own, but in a strange kitchen with unfamiliar staff, it would have been more taxing.
    â€˜This is what you want?’
    â€˜Yes.’ It provided a reason for her to stay awhile, and that was a good thing, Lily rationalized as the car purred through illuminated streets.
    Oncoming traffic briefly highlighted the hard planes of Alessandro’s facial features, and she became conscious of his hands on the wheel as he handled the road.
    There was a latent strength apparent that touched a nerve deep inside…something she attempted to dismiss, and failed.
    Once she gained her independence, she’d probably hardly see him at all.
    So why did that leave her feeling vaguely bereft?
    Tomorrow she’d enlist Sophia’s help and they’d arrange to check out apartments, and shop. She’d need sheets, towels.