The CEO's Surprise Family by Teresa Carpenter

was.”
    â€œThis is Las Vegas. It’s not unusual for the weather to be warm this time of year.”
    She laughed. “And here I thought you had no sense of humor.”
    â€œI’d like a bit of peace with my drink if you don’t mind.”
    â€œI do mind. I’m no good at waiting. I need someone to talk to and as I’m trying to be discreet about this whole thing, you’re the only one I can talk to.”
    â€œYou’re assuming a lot.”
    â€œNot so much.” Her wine appeared in front of her. She smiled her thanks at the bartender. “Our appointment tomorrow tells me you acted on the information I gave you.”
    â€œI may just want more information.”
    â€œIf that were the case, the appointment would have been for today. You don’t appear to be too good at waiting either.”
    He sent her a searing sideways glare. “The test results aren’t back yet.”
    â€œBummer.” She sipped her wine. “I guess we’ll have to talk about something else.”
    â€œOr you could go away.”
    â€œI just got my wine.”
    He tilted his drink, ice clinking against the glass. “I suppose next you’ll want dinner.”
    â€œI thought you’d never ask.” She snagged a pretzel from a bowl on the bar. “It’ll be our second nondate.”
    â€œIs that supposed to be funny?” he demanded, clearly annoyed. “Because it’s not funny.”
    â€œAh, the stuffed shirt is back. Now he has no sense of humor.”
    He lifted a finger and the bartender came over. “Sam, a table for two please.”
    â€œOf course.” Sam went back to serving.
    In less than a minute the maître d’ appeared beside them. “Sir, your table is ready.”
    â€œThank you.” Jethro gestured for her to follow the tall man.
    â€œDo you like salmon?” he asked as they wound through the tables.
    â€œI do.”
    The maître d’ stopped and waved them into a quiet alcove where a large table was set for two. “Is there anything I can get for you?”
    â€œTwo specials. Would you care for another drink?” Jethro addressed the question to her.
    â€œNo, but I’d like water, please.” She unfolded the linen napkin into her lap.
    Jethro nodded to the maître d’. The man bowed and acknowledged, “Two specials and two waters. Enjoy your meal.”
    â€œNice.” The alcove had the feel of an elegant library with a faux fireplace. Above the mantel Lexi admired the Kittrell picture the artist had given Jethro. The cigar-and-decanter piece fit the area perfectly. “I’m impressed.”
    Jethro pointed to the Kittrell. “Ethan said you helped pick out the picture he gave me.”
    â€œHe asked for some advice. I warned him we didn’t know each other well, but he insisted. The piece reminded me of The Beacon so I thought you’d like it.”
    â€œI do, very much.”
    Did he? His stoic features were so hard to read. “I’m glad. He wanted to please you. He was very grateful for what you’ve done for him.”
    â€œGood talent deserves to be recognized.” He sat back so the waiter could deliver the water and rolls. “Have you ever eaten here?”
    â€œNo, but I’ve wanted to. I’ve heard lots of good things about The Beacon, even before I came to the Pinnacle.” She grinned at him. “I never would have bet I’d be sitting at the owner’s table when I finally made it here.”
    â€œThe world works in mysterious ways.”
    â€œSo true.” She spread butter on one of the warm yeast rolls. “If I hadn’t gone to one more dance class, I would never have met Alliyah, never moved to Las Vegas, never have met you.”
    He eyed her speculatively. “One wonders if there would still be a Jasmine?”
    â€œI don’t know. Alliyah’s path might have been different as well. But