006 Meeting Him

Lana

Confused is an understatement. Surprised is an even bigger understatement for what I’m feeling right now.

The man who has invaded my thoughts for the last couple of weeks is right in front of me in a well-tailored suit, his hands in his pockets, looking at me with calmness that feels almost unreal.

“Mr. Karl Moretti, I didn’t know you would be coming here yourself,” Mr. Romero said, standing up from his seat. He looked just as confused as I was.

Wait.

Karl Moretti?

What?

The man standing in front of me is Karl Moretti?

“Romero, please give us space,” Karl said, his eyes still on me. My brain was so foggy that I could barely form words.

The glass door opened and closed, meaning Mr. Romero had left. Which also meant I was now alone in this office with Karl Moretti.

“Lana.” Karl smiled, my name rolling off his tongue with such ease it sent a tingling feeling through me. “We meet again,” he added, and I swear, I almost fell off the chair I was sitting on.

It’s like I’m in a dream, and I’m sure I’ll wake up any minute now. Maybe I’ve been daydreaming about this man way too much.

“How? How is this possible? You’re Karl Moretti?” I managed to stammer.

“You look surprised,” Karl said, amused, as if he were enjoying my reaction.

“Of course I’m surprised! The hot dude I met at a bar is now standing in front of me as one of the biggest, richest, and most powerful men in Los Angeles,” I blurted, and Karl smirked.

“And this man just gave you a job in the biggest restaurant in Los Angeles,” Karl replied.

I blinked.

Wait… I wasn’t emailed back for two years, and then all of a sudden, I got the job? I knew something was off, but I didn’t expect this.

“Why?” I asked, completely confused.

“Because I wanted to. It’s my restaurant, Lana,” Karl said simply.

Of course, I knew the Moretti family owned the restaurant, and it just so happens that the Moretti empire is run by him.

“I don’t believe you gave a girl you met at a bar this kind of job just because you ‘wanted to.’ And besides, I don’t want a job that was handed to me out of pity or power, not because I’m actually qualified,” I said, words spilling out before I could stop them. I knew I’d regret it later, but that was a problem for future me

“Trust me, I wouldn’t give you this job if I didn’t think you were capable. I’m a businessman, Lana, not a charity,” Karl responded.

I was genuinely surprised. He must have done a background check on me. It’s not like I went to some big university, but my certificate is decent, and every restaurant I’ve worked with said I’m good. Still, I didn’t think I was good enough for Vine Restaurant.

If my skills were as good as Karl said, then why didn’t I get feedback two years ago? This doesn’t sit right with me.

If I take this job, I’ll be indebted to Karl, and word will spread that he pulled strings to get me hired.

I’d be in the tabloids in less than a month. I really need the money, but I can’t.

“I appreciate your help, but I can’t take this,” I said, standing up. I hadn’t even realized I’d been sitting the whole time while he stood there.

“Why?” he asked, sounding almost offended. And now I was sure I’d regret this later.

“I don’t believe you’re doing this out of pure intention. Word would spread, and I don’t want that. My life may be shaky, but at least it’s peaceful,” I replied.

“If I don’t want anyone to know I recommended you, no one will. Trust me. And do you want to know the real reason I recommended you?” Karl asked.

I nodded cautiously.

He looked amused, clearly enjoying this.

“Because I’m interested in you. Ever since that night at the bar,” he said, and I had to clench my jaw to stop it from dropping open.

“Why?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

“You ask a lot of questions,” he said lightly. “If you still don’t want the job, I won’t force you. But the position will always be open whenever you’re ready, Lana.”

My heart was racing as I looked at the man in front of me. Was he serious about this? I took a deep breath.

“Thank you, Mr. Moretti. I’m honored to know you’re interested in me, but I won’t be needing the job,” I said as politely as I could before walking out of the office.

I passed Mr. Romero, who smiled at me, and I managed a small smile in return before stepping into the elevator.

Oh, Lana, what have you done?

I walked out of the restaurant as quickly as I could and hailed a taxi.

When I got to my apartment, I was still in a daze. I’d taken the day off from both my jobs for this “interview,” which turned out to be… I don’t even know what to call it.

How the hell did I get involved with Karl Moretti, of all people?

I was still deep in thought as I climbed the stairs and entered the apartment. The door was locked, meaning Beatrice wasn’t home yet.

I dropped my bag, took off my flats, and slumped on the couch with a sigh.

I can’t get involved with Karl. Not after what happened with Ethan. My heart has betrayed me enough, and I can’t let it happen again.

There was a knock on the door, and I groaned, forcing myself up.

When I opened it, I froze.

Standing there, right in front of me

Ethan Pierce.