He walked out of the kitchen and I placed my hands against the counter, pushing myself back. Why the hell would Ryan be calling me after all this time?

****

Alex

Sitting in the car on the way to the office, the only thing on my mind was Emerson, the breakfast she made me, and the two hearts she broke. Why the fuck was I thinking about her so much? She was certainly a beautiful woman. Probably, no, definitely one of the most beautiful women I’d ever laid eyes on, but she was mouthy and disrespectful. Even though I despised those two things about women, she had me curious about her. Something was going on with her and I was going to find out what her story was, whether she wanted to tell me or not. I would give her the opportunity to tell me herself and if she didn’t, then I would hire someone to find out for me. She was a woman about whom I shouldn’t give a damn. She was my friend’s sister. But there was something about her that made me want to know more and my mind wouldn’t rest until I found out everything about her.

Chapter 7

Emerson

I couldn’t shake the feeling I’d had all day after feeling Alex’s hot breath sweep across my neck. The only way to describe it was riveting. Feeling him so close to me, I froze up, almost as if he had cast a spell on me. I was unable to move and take in a breath. When I googled him, the only information that came up was business related. There was nothing that told me about his personal life, except for all the pictures of him with different women. But even those seemed businesslike. They were photos of him attending charities, events, premieres, and the opening of whatever new business he took on. The type of woman he was photographed with was classy, rich, and uptight, just like him. How could I tell? It was easy to spot a bitch. But of course he would be into that type of woman. I wouldn’t expect anything less from him. It made me wonder if those women put up with his condescending bullshit and attitude. Too much thinking about Alex Parker was dangerous and a waste of time. I had other things to think about, like when Adam got back and we had our talk, where I was going to venture off to next.

As I was relaxing on the beach, soaking up the sun, and plotting my next move, I heard Jenna calling my name.

“Emerson, Mr. Parker just called and said that he needs you to cook dinner tonight for him and a guest. He’ll be home around seven o’clock.”

I sighed. “Would this guest be of the female species?”

She laughed. “I would say probably.”

“Okay, then. It looks like my time down here on the beach is done for the day. I’ll have to call Phillip and have him take me to the grocery store.”

I grabbed my towel and my water and headed back up to the house. As I walked to my room to change, I dialed Phillip.

“Hello.”

“Phillip, it’s Emerson James. I’m going to need a ride to the grocery store. Mr. Parker is having me cook dinner tonight for him and a guest.”

“Very well, Emerson. When would you like to go?”

“How fast can you be here?”

“About thirty minutes.”

“Okay. I’ll be waiting for you.”

After changing into my clothes, I went to the kitchen and pulled out a piece of paper and a pen from the drawer. As I sat on the stool next to the island, I began to jot down some items I would need. Just as I was completing my list, Phillip walked in.

“Are you ready to go, Emerson?”

“Yes. I just finished my list.”

I climbed into the back of the Bentley and Phillip drove me to the store.

“Are you coming?” I asked him as he held the door open for me and I climbed out.

“Where?” he asked with confusion.

“Into the store. I’ll give you half the list and we can split up. The sooner we get what I need, the sooner we can get out of here.”

“But, Emerson—”

“No buts, Phil. Let’s go.”

I heard him sigh as he walked behind me and into the store. I ripped the list in half and handed it to him.

“If you have any questions about these items, just ask.” I smiled.

****

I set the table with Alex’s fine china and placed two beautiful crystal candlestick holders in the center with red candles to create a romantic ambiance. After all, if he was bringing home his date for dinner, I wanted to make it as romantic as possible for them. Not really. I just did it to see what kind of reaction I’d get out of him. I didn’t know what the hell the matter with me was, but the thought of him bringing home a woman for a romantic dinner bothered me. Shit. I wasn’t even fond of Alex Parker.

It was 6:55. The candles were lit and the fresh red rose petals were laid perfectly around the table. I really went all out. As I was pouring two glasses of chardonnay, I heard the front door open, and my jaw dropped when Alex walked in with a guy.

Shit. Shit. Shit. His dinner guest wasn’t a woman!

I stood there nervously, thinking about the dining room table I’d set.

“Emerson, this is Greyson Adair, CEO of Adair Holdings and Securities.

Greyson, this is my houseguest and chef, Emerson James.”

Greyson looked at me as he took my hand and brought it up to his lips. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“Thank you. It’s nice to meet you.”

“Is dinner ready?” Alex asked.

“Yes. I just have to plate it. Why don’t the two of you go sit in the living room and have a drink? I’ll call you when dinner is served. All I need is a few minutes,” I spoke in a panic.

“There are two glasses of wine right there,” Alex said as he reached for a glass.

“No!” I voiced as I took both glasses from the counter. “I mean, these are for dinner and must only be drunk with your meal. It’s all about the pairing, Alex.”

He gave me a strange look. A look that told me he knew I was up to something. But I didn’t care. My only concern was getting the candles and rose petals off the table.

“Go on.” I smiled as I waved my hands. “Go enjoy a pre-dinner drink.”

He continued to stare at me as he led Greyson to the living room. When they were out of sight, I ran to the dining room, blew out the candles, grabbed them, and scooped up the rose petals, tossing them into the trash and hiding the candles in the cabinet. As I was plating their dinner, Alex and Greyson walked into the dining room and took a seat.

“Tonight’s dinner is chicken scallopini with a shitake sake sauce over udon noodle cakes, steamed broccoli, and homemade dinner rolls, paired with a chardonnay.” I smiled as I set down their plates in front of them.

“It smells like candles were blown out in here,” Alex spoke as he raised his eyebrow at me. He leaned over his chair and picked up a single rose petal that must have fallen from my hands. “What’s this?”

“It looks like a rose petal.”

“I know what it looks like, Emerson. Where did it come from?”

I shrugged. “I don’t know. Do you have roses around here somewhere?”

“No.”

“Weird.”

As I turned and began to walk away, Greyson called my name.

“Why don’t you join us for dinner, Emerson?”

“Thank you. But I have to clean up and I’ve already eaten.”

“Alex, tell your chef that she is required to join us.”

I watched as Alex gave Greyson an odd look.

“Emerson, go get yourself a plate and sit down and join us for dinner,” he spoke in an authoritative tone.

Flashing a fake smile, I went to the kitchen, made myself a plate, and sat down across from Alex.

“This chicken is amazing. May I ask where you learned to cook like this?” Greyson asked.

“I studied in Tuscany.”

Alex’s eyes focused on me when I said that.

“Under whom?” Greyson asked.

“Under Mario Ricci and his wife, Vanessa.”

“Interesting,” Alex spoke as he glared at me.

“Tuscany is a beautiful place. How long were you there?” Greyson continued with his questions.