Marrying Mari Read Online Free

catch the west side subway downtown. By the time she hustled down the steps at 34th Street, her hair was soaked. By the time she hurried up the steps at Canal, thunder was rumbling, but miraculously the rain held off as she nearly ran the short distance to the restaurant’s door, stopping to shake off the excess as best she could.
    Inside the doors the space was stunning. And sensual. A gorgeous blonde hostess chatted with a couple about their reservation, then directed them toward what looked to be the bar.
    Mariella stepped forward. “Hello. I’m meeting someone.”
    “I’m sorry, we don’t have any tables open for the rest of the evening. If you’d like a drink?” The hostess barely glanced at her and indicated what was indeed the bar with a sweep of her arm, a very elegant and practiced gesture.
    “Thank you, but I’m meeting Ethan Stone. And Gabriel Pryor.” She smiled when the blonde blinked at her, blankly. “They do have a reservation, right? Are they here yet? Am I early?” Mari doubted that, given the weather and the trains, but maybe. The blonde looked so surprised.
    “No, no, both Ethan and Gabriel are here.” She looked around. “Eddie will take you.” She signaled Eddie, then turned back to Mariella. “Can I take your coat?”
    “No, I won’t be staying.”
    She followed Eddie through the restaurant, weaving in and around tables crowded with diners. The place was packed, but the thick rugs and luxurious hangings absorbed sound. The lighting, soft and focused, made each table seem like a private space.
    Eddie led the way through to the rear of the dining room, then up two wide, shallow steps. On that level there were three booths, slightly angled into the corner, each with a deep banquette of oxblood leather. Ethan was seated on the outer end of the third. He stood as she came up the steps.
    “Hello.” He held out his hand and without thinking about it, she put hers into it. Ethan smiled as she did, and then raised it to his lips to kiss the back of it.
    She caught her breath, then let it out in a gasp when he turned her hand over and pressed another kiss to her inner wrist. His lips were firm and warm, and her skin burned where they touched.
    He gestured toward the booth. “Sit down, won’t you?”
    Pulling her hand away from him, she turned to the banquette. The leather was perfect, and she bit her lip, knowing her wet coat would mark the seat. A quick glance at Ethan and she saw that he was watching her, waiting patiently, smiling that annoying smile. She wiped off her bum, quick, and sat, perched almost on the edge of the booth, one foot reaching down toward the floor outside the booth. Without comment, Ethan reseated himself in the farther end.
    “Do you want some wine?” he asked.
    She shook her head. “No, I’m fine. Where’s Mr. Pryor?”
    “Around somewhere. He’ll be here in a minute.” Ethan signaled one of the waiters. “And it’s Gabriel. I’m Ethan.”
    “What’s that?” She frowned.
    “A glass of wine for you. Take away the chill.” He sipped the red wine in his own glass.
    “I distinctly heard myself say no.” Mariella shook her head. “Maybe I wanted a beer. Or a shot of tequila.”
    Ethan shrugged. “Would you?” He smiled at her.
    A glass appeared before her. “Thank you,” she said politely to the waiter. After glancing at Ethan, the young man left.
    She fidgeted with the glass. Sliding her hand into her purse she pulled out the wad of bills, laid it on the table, pushed it toward him. She looked up and started to speak, but Ethan forestalled her.
    “Wait. Gabe will be here in just a moment, and you can tell us both.” He smiled again when she frowned at him, fiercer than ever. She raised her glass and took a huge mouthful, then froze.
    “I know. It’s an excellent Chilean cabernet. You shouldn’t gulp it.”
    She swallowed. “Wow, that might be better than sex!” She immediately threw a glance at him and away, and blushed. She took another,