The CEO’s Masked Secret Wife novel Chapter 119

119 A Taste of Something New

119 A Taste of Something New

“That,” he whispered, “was even more delicious than the dessert.”@

“Wait until you taste the food.”

Levi’s eyes darkened slightly. “Worth crossing boundaries for?”

My breath caught as he leaned closer. “What’s that?”

I took a bite of the cake and couldn’t suppress an appreciative moan. “This is sinful.”

I swallowed hard. “Then what is this?”

My cheeks burned as I pulled back slightly. “We should probably head back. I have a meeting at two.”

I laughed so hard I nearly choked on my water. “What did

you

do?“.

When we finally broke apart, I was breathless. Levi rested his forehead against mine, his eyes still closed.

Our server approached with a warm smile. “Mr. Romano, wonderful to see you again. The usual?”

“You’re making that up.”

“You don’t have to decide anything now.” He touched my hand gently. “I just wanted you to know. I’m patient.”

I found myself responding, my body remembering how to kiss someone new. His other hand slid to my waist, pulling me slightly closer as his tongue teased the seam of my lips. When I opened to him, the kiss became something else entirely–something that sent shivers down my spine and flutters through my stomach.

Heat rushed to my cheeks. “The car is impressive.”

I hesitated briefly before leaning forward to take a bite from his hand. The combination of flavors exploded on my tongue.

“Señor Romano, always a pleasure.” The maître d‘ pulled out my chair with a flourish.

“This is me telling you I’m interested in you, Hazel. Have been since that dinner at my

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119 A Taste of Something New

sister’s.” His eyes searched mine. “I’d like the chance to see where this could go, when you’re ready.”

“I can’t promise anything.”

Levi’s gaze dropped to my lips. “There’s something else I’d like.

“Was it that good?” he asked, voice lower than before.

“Oh my god,” I mumbled through the bite.

“You have to try this one with the mango salsa,” Levi said, dipping an empanada and holding it out to me.

“Just the car?” His eyebrow arched playfully.

He leaned over and pressed another kiss to my lips, this one gentle and brief. “I’ll pick you up at seven.”

The sleek sports car purred through the streets as Levi navigated with confident ease. I stole glances at his profile–strong jaw, perfect nose, those long eyelashes that seemed unfair on a man. He caught me looking and flashed a smile that crinkled the corners of his eyes.

“So there I was, knee–deep in mud because the foundation flooded, arguing with an Italian contractor who spoke no English, while his mother shouted cooking

instructions from the window above us.”

Hazel’s POV

We sat on the bench inside, surrounded by climbing jasmine that perfumed the air.

I hesitated only briefly before nodding. “I’d like that.”

“You come here often?” I asked once we were seated.

Our empanadas arrived–golden half–moons filled with spiced beef, chicken, and seafood. The first bite was revelatory, flaky pastry giving way to savory filling.

“I fired him, hired his mother as a consultant, and learned to speak Italian.” His grin was infectious. “Best decision ever. That house won three design awards.”

The drive back to Sterling Group was comfortable, filled with light conversation. When Levi pulled up to the curb, he turned to me.

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“Fair enough.” He chuckled, turning onto a palm–lined avenue. “I hope you like Cuban food. There’s this place I discovered last time I was in town.”

“Of course.” He helped me to my feet, his hand lingering on mine. “But for the record- worth crossing boundaries for?”

“Whenever I’m in town. The owner’s father was my first client when I started my firm. He taught me everything about Cuban architecture.” Levi’s eyes lit up as he spoke. “And their mojitos are unbeatable.”

“Two Papa Dobles, please, Miguel. And we’ll start with the empanadas sampler.”

My heart quickened. “Please.”

“I’m in town until Friday. Dinner tomorrow?”

I nodded, suddenly breathless. “You should try it.”

Hope. Small and fragile, but unmistakably there. Maybe this was what moving on felt like–not forgetting, but finding space in your heart for something new.

“Good?” Levi watched me, clearly pleased.

By the time dessert arrived–a decadent tres leches cake drizzled with rum caramel–I realized I hadn’t thought about Liam for almost an hour.

The maître d‘ greeted Levi by name, leading us to a secluded corner table. A live band played gentle Latin rhythms that filled the air with romance.

Levi’s fork paused halfway to his mouth. “That sound should be illegal in public places.”

“Delicious,” I admitted. “You weren’t kidding.”

After dessert, Levi suggested we walk through the restaurant’s garden. The space was magical–a hidden oasis with fairy lights strung between tropical plants and a small gazebo nestled beside a koi pond.

“Hand to heart.” He raised his right hand solemnly. “I have pictures to prove it.”

“I’ve never had it, actually.”

“This place is incredible,” I said as we strolled along the stone path. “Thank you for bringing me here.”

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119 A Taste of Something Now

I smiled, feeling oddly brave. “Definitely”

“Can I be honest with you?” Levi turned to face me, his expression serious now.

Throughout our meal–ropa vieja with black beans, plantains caramelized to perfection

Levi kept me entertained with stories of his travels and architectural

disasters–turned–triumphs,

“What’s a Papa Doble?” I asked after Miguel departed.

“Then you’re in for a treat.”

I nodded slightly, and Levi closed the distance between us.

“I’m not asking for promises. Just time. Dinners. Maybe a movie.” His thumb traced circles on my palm. “The chance to make you smile.”

“But…” I paused, surprised by what I was about to say, “I enjoyed today. More than I thought I would.”

I couldn’t help the smile that tugged at my lips. “Definitely.”

A slow smile spread across his face. “That’s all I hoped for.”

I took a deep breath. “I should be honest too. I’m still in love with Liam. That won’t change overnight.”

His lips were soft as they brushed against mine, tentative at first. When I didn’t pull away, he deepened the kiss, one hand coming up to cup my cheek. It was gentle yet confident, his mouth moving over mine with practiced ease.

I nodded, feeling something unfamiliar flutter in my chest. Not the desperate longing I felt with Liam, but something softer, gentler. “I think I’d like that.”

“Hemingway’s favorite daiquiri–double rum, grapefruit, lime. Trust me, it’s perfect.”

Part of me screamed this was too soon, that my heart belonged elsewhere. But another part–the part that was tired of crying, tired of pain–whispered to take this moment of

sweetness.

As I watched his car pull away, I touched my still–tingling lips. The kiss hadn’t healed my broken heart. But for the first time since leaving Liam’s penthouse, I felt something other than pain.

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“Enjoying the view?” he teased.

“To kiss you.” He was inches away now. “May I?”

“I wouldn’t expect it to.”

Our eyes locked, and suddenly the air between us felt charged. His gaze dropped to my lips before meeting my eyes again.

The drinks arrived, frosty and garnished with mint leaves. I took a sip and closed my eyes as the tangy sweetness balanced the rum’s kick.

“I know about you and Sterling. Scarlett filled me in.” His directness surprised me. “I know you’re hurting, and I’m not trying to take advantage of that.”

“This is… wow.” I took in the restaurant’s lush interior–ceiling fans spinning lazily, potted palms, and warm terracotta walls adorned with vintage photographs of Havana

streets.

“Levi, I—”

“Thank you for coming.” Levi guided me toward the gazebo. “I wasn’t sure you would.”

laughed despite myself. “Your ego seems healthy enough without my help.”

We pulled up to a grand building with wrought–iron balconies and vibrant tropical flowers cascading down its façade. A sign read “Havana” in elegant script. Levi handed his keys to the valet and offered me his arm.

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