Page 58 of One Kind Hand

“Have you and she . . .” Charlie’s voice trailed off.

Austin nearly choked on the water he’d sipped. He grabbed his napkin and pressed it to his mouth after lowering his glass and shaking his head. When he was convinced he wouldn’t launch into a coughing fit, he said, “No way. Katherine scares me a little.”

“I guess I need to remember I’m not in Vermont anymore.” Charlie reached for her own water and sipped. “Although, truth be told, I’ve been hit on by women in Vermont too.”

“Of course. Who can resist you?”

“Oh, there’s plenty of people who can and have resisted me. I’m just saying getting the interest of a woman isn’t a totally new experience.” She held up an index finger. “Getting the interest of a woman in a red leather dress is though.”

Peter came over with the wine. “Good evening, Austin.” He turned his attention to Charlie. “And Katherine tells me your name is Charlie, yes?”

“Yes. Nice to meet you, Peter.”

“Likewise.” He poured wine into their glasses. “Is this your first time to Wicked Gates, Charlie?”

“It is. This place is something.”

“That it is. If Hell looks like this, maybe my soul won’t have it so bad.” He winked. “We have lobster-stuffed mushrooms for tonight’s signature appetizer. May I bring you some?”

“That sounds good,” Austin said.

“Great. Tonight’s entrée specials are listed on the first page of the menu. Give them a peek and I’ll be back to answer any questions.” He gave them a quick nod and bustled off to another table.

“Do you know everyone here?” Charlie asked.

Austin studied his wine glass for a moment before looking up at her. “Pretty much. One of the things I do with my acting pay is invest in people I believe in.” He caught sight of a man in a black suit with a bright red tie heading for their table. “And here’s one now.”

He stood to embrace the man then introduced him to Charlie. “This is Luki, the brains behind all you see around us.”

Luki shook Charlie’s hand. “Delighted to meet you, and I might be the brains, but this guy over here is a genuine dream maker.” He jostled Austin before letting him sit back in his seat.

Charlie looked between them then leveled her gaze on Austin. “You invested in this place?”

“He’s part owner,” Luki said. “And I’ve never had a better business partner in my life. You’re on a date with a miracle worker.”

“I only gave you some money, Luki.” Austin shrugged as if it weren’t a big deal.

“With which I built this kingdom right here. I’m living my dream because of you.”

“I knew you’d be a tremendous success the moment I met you.” Austin raised his wine glass to Luki.

The other man bowed a bit. “The right partnerships make all the difference.” Luki tapped Austin’s menu. “Order the swordfish special tonight. It’s sin on a plate.” He cuffed Austin’s shoulder and gave Charlie a nod. “Enjoy your night.”

“Thanks, Luki.”

Charlie’s mouth was a little agape again as she stared at him.

“You’re completely befuddled.” He should have taken her somewhere else, but this was his favorite place in the city.

She shook her head. “No. I’m in awe. There’s a difference. Just when I think you’re a nice guy, you get even nicer.” She picked up her wine again. “And I was specifically not looking for a nice guy.”

“Crap.”

Charlie chuckled. “There are a ton of nice guys in Maplehaven. Many of them claimed by some of my good friends. I tried a few nice guys out here and there, but I always felt as if I was too . . .” She shrugged. “Too mean for them, I guess.”

“You’re not mean,” Austin said. “Not at all.”

“I’m not mean with you,” she clarified. “I’m not sure who I am with you.”