Shamrocks and Secrets by Cayce Poponea Read Free Book Online

it took me so long to figure out that Patrick was in the Mafia. She said it took her ten seconds to figure out that Dillion was.
    “ How can you be okay with this, Shannon? ”
    “ Easy, its just a job. It isn't any different from being a lawyer or whatever. ” She threw her hands in circles in the air to emphasize her point.
    “ Are you kidding me? They commit major crimes and kill people. ” I shouted back at her.
    “ Oh, and I suppose you ’ re are honest in everything you do? People lie, cheat and steal every day, Chris. Get off your self imposed high horse. He is just a guy with a different job, don't judge him for things you know nothing about. ”
    Since this wasn't a date and only dinner, I wasn't going to dress up. Yeah, that lasted long enough for my father to see me and demand that I change out of the jeans I had selected. I hadn ’ t gathered up enough courage to confront him about being a dirty cop. So here I sat drinking the last sip of my wine, wearing a sexy little black wrap dress and heels.
    If one positive thing could be said about Patrick, he was punctual. My dad raced to the front door like a kid on Halloween. Patrick looked so different tonight, his suit still tailored to his build, his features impeccable. However, his face didn't seem so fierce and his body didn't seem so rigid. This version of Patrick I could grow to like.
    "Good evening, Christi, you look very lovely this evening," Patrick said with the biggest smile on his face as he handed me a huge bouquet of lilies.
    My dad was so excited that he quickly snatched the flowers from my hand and began ushering us out the door. I knew with Patrick being in the position he was in, luxuries were a given. What I didn't expect was the stretch limo that was parked in front of my house.
    I also didn't expect him to have the entire restaurant reserved for just the two of us; well, the two of us and the four huge guys who sat across the room.
    Clair's was a local supper club and had been in business since the early 1900's. The building it was housed in was rumored to have been a speakeasy at one time, with caves that ran underneath. The walls were made of red brick and the walls that separated the different rooms had rows of arches. The tables were all square and draped with white tablecloths. Tiny votive candles illuminated our table.
    Patrick, acting as the proper gentleman he pretended to be, pulled my chair out and then took his own seat. This time, I noticed the gun he'd had earlier in the week was gone.
    I loved the feel of the old buildings here in the city. I had always wondered if the bricks could talk how exciting the stories would be.
    Clair's was old-style dining, where they took great pride in being over the top, from offering you hot towels to wash your hands, to placing your napkin on your lap for you. They were the only restaurant in town that employed a sommelier.
    "I'm impressed, Patrick, you must know someone to get them to close this restaurant on a Friday night."
    Patrick's eyes met mine as his trademark smirk crossed his face. "I'd love nothing more than to say I pulled a few strings, but I want to be honest with you. Clair's has been my family's business since my great-grandfather built this building and named it after his first wife."
    "Honestly, I'm impressed a little more now . I've always had a fascination with older buildings."
    "Well, anytime you want to take the grand tour, I'll be happy to set that up for you, get you down into the caverns."
    "Those aren't just rumors?"
    "No, Christi, this was a speakeasy during prohibition."
    "Then I'll be taking you up on that offer of a tour."
    Patrick ordered a Delmonico and I went with the lamb chops. Our salad was made table side and was by far the most amazing salad I had ever had.
    "So, are there any other places your family owns that might impress me?"
    Patrick leaned back in his chair and wiped his face with his napkin. "Actually, yes, I just recently acquired the building you