Ace's Key: Book 1 Read Free Page A

go.”
    Our table roared in laughter and got the attention of tables
nearby. We didn’t care. A girls’ night was just what I needed, sans the
wine… Next time for sure, but I did get to indulge in the homemade bread and
cheese plate that was served.
    “Who ordered the bread?” I asked, while picking up the
mini-menu easel at the center of the table.
    “Not me.”
    “Nope, not me either.”
    “Says here that all guests receive complimentary Filone di
Renella baked in their imported stone oven. It’s the owner’s family recipe,”
I read from the menu.
    “Well, aren’t you just a wealth of knowledge. I challenge you
to say the name of that bread three times before coming up for air?” Claire
propped her chin on her hands and waited patiently for me to cave.
    “Okay, fine. Filone di Renella, Filone di Rotunda …” I
cracked up, laughing so hard.
    Cough, cough came from over my shoulder in a rugged,
manly way. When I slowly turned and looked up, Ace stood within a foot of me
with his arms folded and the look of amusement on his face.
    “ Filone di Renella was my great grandmother’s recipe.
We’ve never changed it, and we bake it in our kitchen in her oven I had shipped
here.” He touched my arm, and his contact left my mouth dry and open, my
nipples at attention, and I’m certain a stream of moisture soaking my thong
underwear. “With some practice, you’ll be able to say it beautifully.”
    Then, he quickly turned and disappeared.
    “Bring him back. I could listen to that sexy voice all day. I’d
eat breadcrumbs off that bulked-out chest, which I’m sure is waxed to pristine
definition. God, he’s beautiful,” Claire mumbled through sips of wine.
    Our evening faded quicker than I desired and I’d never planned
on closing the place down. I laughed so much and so hard at times the pain in
my throat quickly reminded me I wasn’t 100% well.
    When the check folders came with our tabs and I was confused.
Why would I have a bill for water? I opened mine--no bill, just a strange
looking plastic card with Ace’s name and number handwritten on it. The server
slipped me a smile and walked away.
    I quickly slid the card out and stuck it in my wallet,
replacing it with some cash before closing it abruptly. I tried hard not to
meet the prying eyes of the other two for fear I’d never hear the end of it.
    We said our goodbyes to each other outside at the front entry.
The girls had used the valet but I had parked in the garage.
    I sat in the driver’s seat and stared at the strange card. Who
used plastic business cards? I must have a discerning sense of smell because I
got a whiff of his scent as if he was sitting right next to me in the car. I
brought the card close to my nose and instantly recalled his delicious
fragrance…clean linen and bergamot. The revelation stirred more in me than I’d
ever experienced.
    With the card back in my purse, I started the car, but felt a
powerful force keeping me glued to my seat and firmly planted in the parking
garage. Over thirty minutes had passed, but I was still in the same spot,
staring at Ace’s card and reflecting on the intensity of his gaze.
    I sent him a text.
    Still in the parking lot, looking at your card
    Come in. I’m the only one here.
    I took a few deep breaths for courage and walked up to the
entrance as the heavy wooden door swung open. There he stood in front of me,
wearing a light blue cashmere sweater, navy trousers, and bare feet.
    “You changed?” I asked with a slight smile.
    “I got comfortable.”
    “Will your boss be upset we’re here?”
    “No. Can I get you that drink now?”
    “Yes… No, I mean I want to…love to, but I’ve been sick and
can’t mix alcohol with cold medicine. I shouldn’t be here. I need to go.”
    “Wait, what brought you back?”
    “The card.” I slowly turned and walked back to my car. I
avoided the gnawing feeling urging me to look back, scared that I’d change my
mind and even more frightened that I