Chapter 9 - A New Foundation
A month later, the grand reopening of the diner—now renamed Elena’s Bistro—was packed to capacity.
The local neighborhood had rallied around the grand opening, and the kitchen was filled with the rich, comforting smells of fresh pastries and roasted espresso. I stood behind the counter in a clean apron, laughing as Leo—supervised by two very discreet bodyguards standing near the kitchen doors—attempted to steal a chocolate chip cookie from the display case.
“Ah-ah, Mr. Moretti,” I teased, pointing a spatula at him. “No cookies before dinner.”
Leo grinned mischievously, pulling his hand back just as Dante walked through the front doors.
The restaurant seemed to quiet down slightly as Dante entered, his commanding presence filling the room, but the intimidating mobster persona was entirely gone. He wore a simple black button-down shirt with the sleeves rolled up, looking relaxed and completely at home in the bustling diner.
He walked straight up to the counter, ignoring the murmurs of the patrons, and stopped right in front of me.
“How is the grand opening going, Chef?” Dante asked, a faint, knowing smile playing at the corners of his mouth.
“We’re completely sold out of apple pie,” I beamed proudly, leaning against the counter. “And Leo hasn't caused any structural damage yet.”
Dante reached across the counter, gently catching my chin in his hand, and pressed a soft, lingering kiss to my lips right there in the middle of a crowded dining room. The customers discreetly looked away, smiling into their coffee mugs.
When Dante pulled back, his dark eyes shone with absolute devotion.
May you like
“Good,” he murmured softly. “Because I’m canceling all my meetings for the rest of the week. My son and I are officially moving in.”
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