Gambling With The Billionaire (Gems 0f Love Book 2) Page 2

  Wow, this looked much neater than in the pictures. The surrounding giant birch trees and the large outdoor patio covered with grape tendrils lent the building a cozy but romantic atmosphere.

  The image of the Welles Brothers’ squared design came to mind. That would change the scenery. He shrugged. This wasn’t his concern. The Welles Brothers were savvy businessmen. They’d bring lots of traffic and money into this area of town. Ultimately, it was going to be a win-win for everybody. Especially for Stefano Celli, the owner of The Sapphire.

  A confident grin spread on Ryan’s face. Yes, this was going to be one of his leading arguments.

  He drove into the parking lot and turned off the engine.

  He stepped out of his Tesla, and his eyes fell on the car beside him.

  His mouth popped open and he gasped. What the heck…?

  A red Mini Cooper sat beside his silver car.

  Ryan’s pulse quickened. Could it be? Was it the same? Well, how many old-timer convertibles were there in this town in the shade of ripe cherries?

  Ryan adjusted his suit and inhaled.

  This was going to be a very interesting meeting.

  Chapter 3

  “How many times do I have to repeat it, Bianca? The Sapphire needs this. I need this.” Stefano rubbed his beard with both hands.

  “You mean Deborah needs it, right?” Bianca couldn’t suppress the bitterness in her voice.

  If it weren’t for Stefano’s daughter, the restaurant wouldn’t be sold. Why did Deborah have to demand such a sacrifice from her father? Couldn’t she see Stefano was giving away his life’s work just to accommodate a caprice of hers?

  Stefano’s left eye quivered, and his jaw hardened.

  Bianca shrugged. “I’m sorry, Ste. I know it’s your restaurant. I shouldn’t question your decision.”

  Stefano’s face softened. “No, Bianca. I get it, don’t worry. You’ve poured your soul into this place and worked your butt off to get it to the level it’s at now. I’ve told you, and I’ll repeat myself as much as necessary. You did a fabulous job. But you understand, family has to come first.”

  “I still think Deborah is asking too much of you. She’s just gotten married. Many freshly wedded couples live in small rented flats. Why does she have to buy a ranch? She and Ronnie can’t even farm.”

  Stefano shook his head. “No, but she said they want to learn how. And my grandchildren…you get it? They’ll need space, and no mortgage above their heads.”

  Bianca pursed her lips. “But Deborah isn’t even pregnant, yet.”

  No, but Stefano’s daughter probably knew it was a great argument to convince her dad to back up her crazy financial gamble. If she had at least chosen a small cottage and not that fancy mansion.

  Stefano wiped his forehead. “Yes, but soon she will be. Don’t think I didn’t give enough thought to this decision. I did. We’ve spoken about this with my wife, over and over again.”

  Bianca stifled a snort. Super. Assunta Celli was as sharp of a businesswoman as an old shoe. The Sicilian matron had plenty of other qualities, but handling money wasn’t one of them.

  “But why go with Bright Future? I’m sure some other smaller company or local businessman would have wanted to come on board in a sort of co-op with us.”

  Yes, if The Sapphire had to let some stranger interfere with their goals then at least they should’ve kept the danger minimized. With a billionaire like Ryan O’Connor, they didn’t have any power of negotiation. He was going to buy and then sell them off. Period.

  Stefano scratched his chin. “Don’t you think I explored that road? Nobody has the sort of money I need. Also, Mr. O’Connor is actually a local. He was born here.”

  Bianca’s brows arched. “Seriously?”

  She hadn’t known that the owner of Bright Future was from the area. A slight hope diffused into her heart. This might change everything. If he cared for his own roots, then he might see how much The Sapphire could bring to his town and the region.

  Stefano’s eyes flicked to the door. “Ah, hi, Mr. O’Connor. We were just talking about you.”

  Bianca whipped around, and her heart dropped. A man in a grey suit strolled toward them, a smile expanding on his face.

  Was this…? Oh, please, let it not be true. Bianca’s temples began to throb. Those lips, those dark eyes…that half-mocking smirk. Her breathing became shallow. Had she called the owner of the Bright Future a man with poor soul?

  Yes, unfortunately she had. She’d insulted the very person who was going to decide her future.

  Ryan reached them and stuck out his hand. “Sono lieto di conoscerla, Signor Celli.”

  Bianca’s eyes widened even further. I’m pleased to meet you in Italian, and with very little accent? Wow, this guy was good. He’d come prepared.

  The effect of Ryan’s gesture on Stefano was immediate. Bianca’s boss beamed so widely at Ryan that his ears lifted an inch toward the ceiling. “The pleasure is all mine, all mine. Let me introduce you to our restaurant manager, and the mind behind The Sapphire’s unique branding—Bianca Biagi.”

  Ryan’s eyes moved to Bianca’s face and a strange glint invaded his grey irises. He had to recognize her, of course. But he didn’t say anything. Only his lips twitched a little. “Nice to finally meet you, Bianca.”

  He held out his hand, and as Bianca shook it, a prickle shot through her skin.

  She withdrew her hand quickly. “I’m also pleased to meet you, Mr. O’Connor.”

  Ryan nodded. “Just Ryan, please. I like to be on first name basis with my business partners. It makes the transactions more agreeable.”

  He winked and tiny butterflies hit Bianca’s stomach. For Pete’s sake, this was the worst time for her body to have such reactions. And the worst subject for it, as well.

  She squared her shoulders. “Fine, Ryan then. I’ve heard much about your work already. I hope only half of it’s true, though. Otherwise agreeable won’t describe our future interactions.”

  Stefano’s eyes darted to Bianca’s face, and he let out a hiss.

  Okay, fine. She could’ve started with a softer approach. It wasn’t a great strategy to alienate Ryan in the first couple of minutes. She’d probably done a great job of that anyways when they’d met at the railway block.

  “Why do I get the feeling, Bianca, that you aren’t happy about our deal?” Ryan lifted a brow.

  Bianca took a deep breath and pressed her lips together. No, she mustn’t shoot back the first thing that came into her mind. Okay, the second. The first had to do with Ryan’s brows looking like Dean Martin’s. But the second wasn’t better. Instead, she needed to find a common ground and explore what exactly Ryan meant by “deal.”

  Bianca forced her lips into a smile. “No, I wouldn’t say that. I understand there are times in any business lifecycle when external aid can’t be avoided. I just hope the deal you’re referring to manages to keep our restaurant intact—or almost.”

  “What is your suggestion to proceed then?” He gazed at her without blinking.

  Bianca tucked a curl behind her ear. She hadn’t expected him to actually ask this question. She’d assumed Stefano and Ryan had already finalized plans behind her back.

  “Would you really be interested to know?”

  Ryan worked his jaw. “Well, I’m just a humble, poor soul, so my ideas shouldn’t be better than yours. Therefore I’m open to hearing about them.”

  Heat singed Bianca’s cheeks. Did he just refer back to their conversation? Why on earth did she have to be so hostile with him when he commented on her musical taste?

  As she recalled the exact words Ryan had used, her heart squeezed. Didn’t he tell her already that he disliked the oldies? How was she going to explain him the reasons behind The Sapphire’s branding and the long-term strategy tied to it? There wasn’t a chance in a million that Ryan would like her vision.

  Bianca’s glance drifted over to Stefano. Her boss gave her an encouraging little nod. Was Stefano imply
ing that she should speak openly to Ryan?

  Bianca’s stomach cramped.

  Holy crap, she had to do this right. She had to. If there was a chance Ryan O’Connor could support her ideas for the restaurant and back it with his money, then she had to try and persuade him. By all means.

  She drew in a deep breath and started to explain.

  Chapter 4

  Ryan watched Bianca’s face light up as she spoke. It was clear that this restaurant wasn’t just a simple job to her. Ryan was fascinated by her explanation. Not so much by its content, but her way of presenting it.

  Ryan had spoken to countless managers over the years when he acquired their properties, but none had the passion this woman possessed.

  Her green eyes flared, and her cheeks became even rosier. She shifted her hands in rapid gestures from left to right to underline the key points in her speech. She was a modern version of Sophia Loren in the movies Ryan’s mother used to love. Fierce, passionate. And extremely sexy.

  Ryan gulped and steered his thoughts away from these disturbing observations. He had to focus on the business at hand.

  Bianca pointed at the walls. “As you can see we’ve done an entire visual rebranding over the past three years.”

  Ryan’s eyes followed her hand. The theme of the good ol’ times was clearly visible everywhere he looked. The restaurant looked like it had been cut out from a Frank Sinatra movie, but in a good way. It was cozy and glamorous, without excessive clichés. The tables were dark nutmeg and the chairs were lined with fluffy, purple velvet. On the walls, pictures of various old singers and movie stars hung, rubbing elbows with photos filled with everyday life scenes from that era.

  Ryan’s gaze drifted to the large podium on the left. Did the restaurant also provide live entertainment? He would need to explore that further. It could raise the resale price of this place.

  He blinked at the giant painting above the entrance. It featured Sinatra in black and white, but the singer’s eyes were colored in a bright sapphire shade. Ryan cocked his head toward the picture. “Was he your inspiration for the restaurant’s name?”

  Bianca shook her head. “No, the name was already given when I arrived. I think Stefano picked it as a token of his love for the sea in Sicily?” Her eyes moved to her boss.

  “That was the basic idea.” Stefano nodded. “But we had no real strategy tied to it. When Bianca came on board, she suggested that, besides great food, we should also expand in the area of offering entertainment.”

  Bianca put an index finger to her chin. “My reasoning was that if the food was good, people will come, but to be truly unique and attract a wider audience we needed to reach further. I’ve always loved music…especially the oldies.” Her gaze dropped to the floor.

  He recalled her sitting in her convertible with her eyes closed. She’d looked so carefree, singing with abandon. Something Ryan hadn’t been…for a long time now.

  “Yes, I figured you like that,” he said.

  Ryan’s voice was a little too deep for his own liking. Was the memory of Bianca’s soft curls dancing in the wind messing with his mind? He had to avoid focusing on how attractive she was. He wasn’t here to admire her beauty, but to buy The Sapphire.

  Bianca raised her chin and their eyes met. “I tend to be a little harsh when someone criticizes my musical taste.” She bit her lip.

  Ryan’s gaze dropped to her mouth. Her lips weren’t full, but perfectly shaped. The image of Jenna’s painted lips flashed into his mind. Bianca had no lipstick on. The pale pink was her natural color, and it looked all the more inviting.

  Oh for heaven’s sake, he was doing it again. He shouldn’t be dazzled by Bianca’s charms or compare her to his girlfriend.

  “Our family likes Sinatra. He has a proud Italian origin after all.” Stefano patted Bianca’s shoulder. “So when Bianca suggested this new angle, and how it might resonate with the restaurant’s original name, I agreed immediately. Bianca managed to put together an exceptional band. They’re called The Sapphire Blues. They play anything from the forties to the fifties. Rock ’n’ roll, swing, jazz, you name it, those guys do it.”

  Ah, so that’s what they used the podium for. Ryan’s eyes drifted over to Bianca’s face.

  Her cheeks played in a deep crimson. Ryan lifted a brow. Why did Bianca seem so embarrassed? Was it because Stefan was praising her, or some other reason?

  Also why was his throat feeling so dry?

  Bianca brushed back her curls. “So, Ryan, what do you think about our concept for now?” Her voice was strained and the tension on her face was palpable.

  Ryan inhaled. He should stop this charade. Why was he even listening to the reasoning behind their branding? Hadn’t he decided already that he was giving this property to the Welles Brothers as soon as the papers were signed?

  Then he should just come out with it right now. He rubbed his neck with one hand. Yes, that’s what he was going to do. He was going to tell Bianca that it all sounded interesting but unfortunately irrelevant, because the only way he could buy their property was if they agreed it would be dismantled. He was going to explain why this would be advantageous to them all.

  He cleared his throat and gazed into Bianca’s eyes. “Yes, it sounds intriguing. I’d love to see it in action, maybe at a dinner here?”

  He would’ve clutched his hand to his lips as soon as he said that, but it was too late, the words were out. What was this? Did his mouth just acquire a life of its own?

  Stefano clapped and exclaimed, “Ma certamente. What a marvelous idea. It’s just what I wanted to suggest to you. Right, Bianca?”

  A glint of joy filled Bianca’s eyes. “Sure. I think it’s the best way for you to see what we’re trying to do here.”

  Ryan shifted his weight from one leg to the other. He should tell them it wasn’t what he’d meant to say. Or maybe it was? If he was honest with himself, he was curious to see Bianca’s vision play out in real life. He wasn’t a fan of the oldies, but this woman’s enthusiasm and the trust her boss seemed to put in her was rather enticing.

  It had nothing to do with her delightful curls or the little line that appeared between her brows when she frowned. It was pure business interest. After all, he needed to make sure he was making the best investment decision. If he saw how the restaurant operated, he could evaluate the purchase and selling price much better.

  Ryan straightened his back. “So, will you have dinner with me then? Tonight?”

  Bianca jerked. “Excuse me?”

  Why did he say that? Had he acquired a double personality? It would seem so. One that was clearly out to sabotage his reputation as a serious businessman. He could just dine in the restaurant like a regular guest. Alone. He didn’t need to invite Bianca.

  “Excellent.” Stefano raised his index finger. “Bianca can explain our plans for expansion over a delicious meal. Our goals are quite ambitious, I assure you. Maybe you’ll consider keeping our venue, after all.” He looked over at her. “Didn’t I tell you that Mr. O’Connor was one of ours? He’s just as interested in seeing this town flourish as we are. Isn’t it so, Mr. O’Connor?”

  Ryan didn’t hear Stefano’s question. His eyes were fixed on Bianca.

  She was fidgeting with the hem of her yellow blouse. The color complemented her creamy complexion. She peeked up at Ryan. “Is Stefano right? Are you willing to keep an open mind and learn about our plans before you make a decision about The Sapphire’s future?”

  Ryan swallowed. He hated to lie. Both in his personal life and in his business relations. Honesty was always the shortest way to achieve success. But maybe he could still agree. Being open-minded wasn’t the same as a promise. Also wasn’t it he who’d considered that this restaurant might have a different potential from what he’d originally envisioned? It was his chance to find out.

  He nodded. “Sure. I could do that.”

  A smile appeared on Bianca’s face. Small crinkles peeked out on the sides of her eyes.

&nbs
p; Ryan’s heart picked up speed and he wished he could see her smile more often.

  Bianca opened her hands. “In that case, I’d love for you to have dinner with me. I can show you why The Sapphire is a gem in the true sense of the word. Tonight we’re hosting a fundraiser here. It’s for next week’s Nostalgia Dance.”

  “Nostalgia Dance?” Ryan arched his brows.

  Stefano stomped with his feet. “Yes, a real ball in the tradition of the Happy Days. It’s an event the town has been organizing for five years in a row now. Everybody adores it. Most of the inhabitants will come to the fundraiser to contribute.”

  “Yes, it’d be a great occasion to witness how popular our restaurant is.” Bianca beamed.

  “Sounds good. What time shall we meet here?” Ryan said.

  “No, no.” Bianca shook her head. “You can’t drive in your fancy Tesla to a soirée like this. I want you to have a full immersion in the past, so I’ll pick you up with my car at eight.”

  The image of the rusty Mini Cooper puffing on the country road flashed into Ryan’s mind, but he nodded. “Fine. I stay at the Regency Hotel on—”

  Bianca held up her hand. “I know where it is.”

  Right, it was probably the only decent hotel in town.

  Ryan smiled. “Good. Then see you there.” He glanced at Stefano. “Signor Celli, I’ll hold back drawing up the necessary paperwork. Tomorrow we can discuss all final details.”

  Stefano flashed a bright grin and gave him a thumbs up.

  Ryan walked over to the exit. He could hear Bianca and Stefano whispering quietly in Italian behind him.

  As he stepped into the sunlight, he rubbed his forehead. If he had listened to his own mind, he would have closed off the acquisition of The Sapphire this morning. His analysts had already established that it was a worthwhile investment. Why didn’t he? What was happening to him?

  He recalled the dazzling smile that Bianca’d shot him when he’d promised to keep an open mind. Did he just make his first business decision based on his gut instead of his brain?