Intimate Kiss (Bend To My Will #3) by Emily Jane Trent Page B

said.
    “But not like a date?”
    “It’s hardly a date, when we are already spending the weekend together.”
    “I didn’t think so,” Vivienne said. “Just thought I’d ask.”
    Since the cook was off duty, Jacob suggested brunch. “How about the Carlyle?”
    “Has a woman ever refused an invitation to the Carlyle?”
    Jacob laughed. “I hope you won’t be the first.”
    When Jacob texted the driver, he came up to get them. Vivienne smiled at him. “Good morning, Ian.”
    “Good morning, Vivie.” She had encouraged the staff to address her by her first name. But that only applied to her. “And good morning, Mr. Rinaldi.”
    They went down to the garage and Ian opened the door for her. “You work on Sundays?” Vivienne said.
    “Quite often.”
    Vivienne slid into the back seat and Jacob got in beside her. During the drive, he kept his hand on her knee. It was a possessive gesture, and she quite liked it. Leaning her head against his shoulder, Vivienne enjoyed the uneventful drive.
    The restaurant was in the Rosewood Hotel. The mirrored alcoves, a dramatic floral arrangement that had to be at least six feet tall, and English hunting scenes on the walls created a country house ambience. Yet the white linen tablecloths and crystal glasses made it an elegant affair.
    The meal started with a glass of Prosecco. The brunch menu was extensive, so Vivienne sipped her drink and nibbled smoked salmon to save room for the main dishes. Jacob ate a few oysters, then ordered drink refills for them.
    The relaxed Sunday morning encouraged conversation, and Jacob talked with her about his family, including more details about Rinaldi Imports. “My grandfather was somewhat of a pioneering figure in the wine trade,” he said, “an icon in the business in the fifties.”
    Vivienne was intrigued.
    “My grandparents were born in Verona, and my grandfather started the business after immigrating to New York,” Jacob said. “My father Vico was his only son.”
    “So he inherited the company?”
    “Yes, he took over when he was fairly young, before he met my mother Sophia.”
    “And now you run it by yourself?”
    Jacob leaned back. “I have a good team. I couldn’t do it without them. But yes, my father is mostly retired.”
    They interrupted their conversation long enough to help themselves to more food. Then Jacob changed the topic, wanting to know more about Vivienne. “So tell me about Decatur, and where you grew up.”
    “Well, it’s smaller than Atlanta. It’s a suburb of the metro area, and it’s a place where you feel like your neighbors are your friends.”
    “I’ve heard it called a peach of a city .”
    Vivienne grinned. “I would have to agree.” She missed home. “My father is in manufacturing, has worked for Koch for a long time.”
    “And your mother?”
    “She works downtown at a restaurant, but not a lot of hours,” Vivienne said. “I guess you could say that my mom has some emotional issues. She didn’t take the divorce well, and she’s lonely. I wish she’d go out more, but she won’t listen to me.”
    Jacob continued eating while listening. “So you came to New York for the theater?”
    “That was the idea,” Vivienne said. “But life has a way of sidetracking me. Although I think I’m better off in the perfume industry. The theater is so competitive. I doubt my nerves could take it.”
    “So you were able to start your business by yourself?”
    “With a little help,” Vivienne said. “My parents didn’t have much, but I qualified for a business loan. And Lana’s parents own their restaurant, and they are doing okay. So they helped me too, but I paid them back a while ago.”
    “You’re very entrepreneurial.”
    “I suppose I am.” Vivienne sipped her drink. “That trip to Paris with Alfred was a good move.” She saw the look in Jacob’s eyes shift.
    “In what way?”
    “Well, I told you he wants to create a business together. And I agree that selling online is the