Read Online The Zombie Billionaire's Virgin Witch (Zombie Category Romance) by Joely Sue Burkhart - Free Book Online

father.  In the darkness, she wasn’t sure
who they were.  The other person…
    Clare
crammed her knuckles against her mouth to keep from making any noise, making
herself as small as possible against the wall.
    “Technically
we never closed,” Yiorgos Michelopoulos said in that annoyingly know-it-all way
of his.  “We were merely having some issues with the kitchen staff, but
we’ve brought in new management and a new chef.”
    “Put
whatever spin on it that you will, Michelopoulos, but we both know this
restaurant has been in serious trouble since Emile Remy passed away.  It’s
just not been the same.”
    “Never
fear, Mayor, we’re turning that all around.” 
    “You’re
still considered an outsider in Joplin, and I have to admit that most people
don’t look too kindly on you for taking Remy’s away from Emile, whatever
deal you two worked out.  But this restaurant is an important fixture in
our town.  It’s been our most popular and favorite restaurant for as long
as I can remember.  Even before you two started fighting over the fifth
star.”
    “It’s
so wonderful to be able to come back and celebrate our anniversary,” the
Mayor’s wife said.  “We’ve been coming here for twenty five years until
Mr. Remy passed away.”  She squeezed her husband’s hand, and even hidden
in the shadows feet away, Clare could see the love glowing in the woman’s
eyes.  “I swear there were times over the years that I doubted our
marriage would last until one more anniversary dinner.  But each time we
had a serious disagreement, we treated ourselves to Remy’s . 
Somehow, that made all the difference.”
    “It
never mattered how bad the day had been, eating here could make us forget those
troubles just for awhile.  If you asked every person in there tonight,
each of them would have some special story to tell you.  Birthdays,
celebrations, solemn remembrance dinners for passed loved ones, first
dates.  Remy’s has been a part of this town’s life for a very long
time and we’ve missed it, Mr. Michelopoulos.  Whatever you’re doing to
bring us back, keep doing it.  We need Remy’s. ”
    Tears
dripped from Clare’s eyes again, but this time they weren’t from anger and
frustration.  That was probably the worst thing about her father’s passing—she
hadn’t been able to go to Remy’s and share fond memories and tales with
his friends and staff who’d known him the best.  She didn’t make any
noise, but Mr. Michelopoulos stiffened.  He didn’t turn to scan the
shadows, but he sensed someone watching.
    Flee? 
Or wait?  The back door was only a few feet away, but the gravel would
crunch beneath her feet.  It was late enough that there wasn’t a lot of
traffic noise up and down the main street in front.  He’d surely hear her
steps, or at least the door, which had always squeaked.
    Her
heartbeat accelerated, her palms damp.  Her nerves zinged and throbbed
like she’d rolled around in broken glass and sandpaper.  Too many
emotional battles today, combined with long, satisfying hours in the
kitchen.  If he stalks over here as the lordly tycoon, I might resort
to physical violence to remove that perpetual smirk from his handsome face.
     
     
    Yiorgos
made pleasantries with the mayor and his wife, even though he was distracted by
the watcher.  The hair on nape of his neck prickled, but from the way heat
pooled deep in his belly, he suspected it was Clare.
    His
stomach growled so loudly the mayor chuckled and got into his car.
 "Sounds like you need to sample some of that magical food yourself,
Mr. Michelopoulos.  Good night."
    As
if I'd dare eat any more of her food knowing what it'll do to me.
    The
car pulled away, and he turned slowly.  He could barely see something
darker than the shadows against the wall, but it was her.  None of the
other kitchen staff possessed the temptations of such a curvaceous shape.
    Surprised
she hadn't taken the opportunity to escape, he stalked