A change of vibe inside the restaurant makes me lift my head. The normal tones of conversation have quieted down to be replaced by intrigued murmurs. At the table next to mine, the two women who’ve been bitching non-stop about their boss since I got here are now giggling, eyes fixated on the entrance door. I follow their stares, and my gaze lands on Mr. Tall, Dark, and Smoldering Hot.

Hair ruffled up in all directions, Diego is standing on the threshold scanning the tables, presumably to find me, and mostly unaware of the attention he’s commanding from the entire room. Clad in a pair of light-washed jeans, a black leather biker jacket, and with the matching black helmet propped under his arm, he’s the incarnation of the bad boy in every woman’s fantasy.

I wave to attract his attention. He spots me and reaches our high table in a few quick strides—not surprising with that impressive leg span. While he sits opposite me with a quick, “Hello,” I steal a glance at the two women sitting next to us and am ridiculously pleased with the vitriolic looks of pure envy stamped on their faces.

Ah, hell. For once I’m not the single lady having lunch alone, I’m the woman dating the hottest guy in the room—possibly the entire New York state—and who cares if I have to shell out a few thousand dollars for the privilege? Money well invested. I can’t wait to stick it to my family for once. To have one glorious Christmas before I become the official family spinster forever.

“Hi,” I greet him back. “Did you find the place all right?”

“Yeah.” Diego settles his helmet on the empty stool between us. “Been here before.”

We lock gazes for the first time since he arrived, and for a second, I have to steady myself. Today is a surprisingly bright day for December, and the sun is hitting Diego’s face with just the right light, turning his eyes into two sparkly emeralds.

I clear my throat. “Err, great.”

Good thing he’s not my type at all. I prefer blue eyes and blonde hair, and guys with a stable job. Guys like Paul, in short. And Diego sits at the opposite end of the male spectrum. At least there won’t be any risk of confusion on my part. And I’m sure on his, too. I don’t know what kind of woman is his type, but she must be a few leagues above me in the looks department.

“Are you ready to order?” I ask.

“Yeah, I—”

“Hello, I’m Adalynn, and I’ll be taking care of you today,” an eager-looking girl interrupts us. She’s sporting the smile of a server who’s just won the table lottery. “Would you like to hear today’s specials?”

Diego smiles back at her and says, “Sure.”