The Renegade Billionaire (16 page)

This man wasn't about to give an inch, at least not easily. “When will he return so we can straighten things out?”

Dante leaned back in his chair and folded his arms. His dark eyes studied her. She'd love to know what he was thinking. Then again, maybe not. The past couple of days had been nothing but a blur. She'd rushed to wrap up her affairs in New York City before catching a transatlantic flight. The last thing she'd wanted to do was play hostess, but she figured she'd be a good sport. After all, Dante seemed to be in a really tight spot. But now she didn't understand why he was being so closemouthed about Massimo.

“All you need to know is that my grandfather won't be returning. So any business you have with him, you'll have to deal with me. Tell me about this agreement.”

Uneasiness crept down her spine. This man had disbelief written all over his handsome features. But what choice did she have but to deal with him since she had absolutely no idea how to contact Chef Massimo? The only phone number she had was for this restaurant. And the email had also been for the restaurant.

“The agreement is for him to mentor me for the next two months.”

Dante shook his head. “It isn't going to happen. I'm sorry you traveled all of this way for nothing. But you'll have to leave now.”

Lizzie hadn't flown halfway around the globe just to be turned away—she'd been rejected too many times in her life. Her reasons for being here ran deeper than appearing on the television show. She truly wanted to learn from the best and Massimo Bianco was a renowned chef, whose name on her résumé would carry a lot of weight in the culinary world.

“Surely you could use the extra help.” After what she'd witnessed this evening, she had no doubt about it.

“If not for this virus going around, Massimo's would be fully staffed. We don't have room for someone else in the kitchen.”

“Obviously Chef Bianco doesn't agree with your assessment. He assured me there would be a spot for me.”

Dante's eyes darkened. “He was mistaken. And now that I've heard you out, I must insist that you leave.”

These days she proceeded cautiously and was always prepared. She reached in her oversize purse and pulled out the signed document. “You can't turn me away.”

When she held out a copy of the contract, Dante's dark brows rose. Suddenly he didn't look as in charge as he had just a few seconds ago. Funny how a binding legal document could change things so quickly.

When he reached for the papers, their fingers brushed. His skin was warm and surprisingly smooth. Their gazes met and held. His eyes were dark and mysterious. Instead of being intimidated by him, she was drawn to him.

Not that she was in Italy to have a summer romance. She had a job to do and this man was standing between her and her future. He may be stubborn, but he'd just met his match.

Copyright © 2015 by Jennifer F. Stroka

ISBN-13: 9781460378496

The Renegade Billionaire

Copyright © 2015 by Rebecca Winters

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