4
AFTER VERENA AND her friends left, Lance stayed behind waiting for a chance to speak to Johnny, with whom he shared a good friendship. It was after midnight by the time the dining area closed and the kitchen was clean. Lance looked for his friend, eager to learn more about Verena Valent.
Johnny looked up from the reservation book he was making notes on. “Did you have a good night?”
Lance leaned against the host desk. “I’ll say. Not often I have a beautiful woman in my kitchen to cook for.”
“That’s only because you don’t let them in. You could have a line out the door if you wanted.” Johnny winked and loosened his bow tie.
“Not my style.” Lance knew that wasn’t the way Johnny operated either. They both worked too many hours and held important positions at the hotel. “More of my broth
