Seducing the Chef (At First Sight #1) Read online

  Greg sat on the bed. He lifted her right hand, kissed the palm and stroked the back. After sliding her hand into a silk loop he fastened the scarf to a spindle on the headboard. He bent and kissed her forehead. “You still okay with this?”

  She nodded. His gaze brought a rush of heat flowing into and lodging in her belly. He handled her left hand as he had the right. He slid across her body the silk lounge pants whispered over her thighs. He kissed each eyelid and lingered on her mouth. Then he stood beside the bed where she could watch.

  He untied the drawstring at his waist and inched the cloth over his hips. When she saw his rampant shaft she wished her hands were free. She wanted to caress the hardness and stroke the length. She smiled. She would have her turn. He set a brandy snifter filled with condoms on the bedside stand and selected one.

  Allie laughed. “Optimist.”

  “Merely prepared. There’s a wide variety of styles.”

  He opened the packet with his teeth. When he grabbed his erection and sheathed himself the ember of heat in her belly ignited. She wanted him inside. Moisture gathered.

  Greg stood at the foot of the bed and removed her shoes. He caressed each foot and raised her leg to run his fingers over the laced back of the stockings. “What a turn on these are.”

  She raised her other foot and stroked his thigh with her toes. “I doubt you need help.”

  “Not when I’m with you.”

  He knelt between her spread legs and ran his finger around the top of the thigh highs. Her abdomen tightened. He leaned forward and caught her mouth in a kiss. Heat seared. His erection brushed the crotch of her teddy. She sucked in a breath. Heat bubbled. He slid his mouth over her chin to lick and suck her neck. Allie wanted to wrap her arms around him. Resentment for her bound arms rose. He untied the bow at the top of the teddy and unlaced the front to the end. Allie’s hands clenched. Low whimpers escaped. He slid his mouth over the exposed skin focusing in her breasts. Allie moved restlessly. Being bound kept her from controlling the event.

  She crossed her legs around his thighs. “Free me. I want you.”

  “Soon.” His voice vibrated against her skin.

  The intensity of his gaze increased her need. “Not soon. Now.”

  He laughed and continued his slow way over her skin. Allie ached. She thrust her hips. He slid a finger beneath the teddy and stroked her throbbing nub.

  “Yes,” she cried.

  He tried to ease the teddy down. “Damn.”

  “What’s wrong?”

  “I have to untie your hands to remove this blasted thing.”

  She laughed. “Tear it.”

  “No way. I like the look. Next time you make breakfast for me, wear it.”

  “So untie me. You talk too much.”

  She tightened her legs around him.

  He freed her hands and pulled the teddy from her body. She grasped the spindles of the headboard.

  Greg kissed her and slid his hands beneath her buttocks. In a swift move he plunged inside. “Fast enough?”

  “Yes.” He filled her completely. She locked her legs around his hips.

  As he moved she matched his rhythm. Heat shimmered and then boiled. The slap of flesh on flesh drove her into a frenzy of movement. Her climax hovered just beyond reach. Harder and faster he moved. A moan rose and blended with a triumphant shout. Her inner muscles spasmed with aftershocks rolling through her. He collapsed against her chest. Their raspy breathing slowed. She stroked his sweat drenched skin.

  He rolled over taking her with him. She rained kisses on his face. “I’m so sated.”

  “Me too. For now.”

  She nestled against him and sorted through the emotions storming through her thoughts. She wanted to cherish this man. She wanted to speak of love but love was ephemeral. Love vanished leaving hurt to remain. She closed her eyes and drifted into impossible dreams.

  * * *

  Greg opened his eyes. He tried to sit up and couldn’t move. Her eyes flew open. “What the…”

  Allie peered down at him. “My turn to have you at my mercy.”

  He sucked in a breath. “I’m all yours. His cock stirred. “What do you have in mind?”

  “A thorough examination of the goods.” She brushed her hand over his hair. Her nipples were tantalizingly close. He managed to flick the tip of one with his tongue. The sound she made brought him to life.

  She allowed his access while she finger combed his hair. Then she moved away. She selected several condoms from the snifter. As she examined them he held in words urging her to hurry. She leaned forward and ran her tongue over his lips. He opened his mouth and she stroked his tongue with hers. One of her hands caressed his chest.

  He groaned. “Want you.”

  “Patience and you’ll have all your desires answered.” She inched backwards while her hands moved over his chest, his abdomen and lower. Blood rushed from his head. He felt hard enough to shatter. She grasped his erection and pressed her fingers against the skin at the base. “Steel encased in silk.” She licked the head flicking her tongue over the sensitive skin.

  “Free me.”

  “Not yet.” She opened the condom and sheathed him. Then she took him into her mouth. She turned. If his hands had been free he would have tended to her most sensitive places. Before he could beg, she slid over him.

  “Allie.” He wanted to beg. He wanted her with every ounce of himself. She leaned forward and freed his hands. He grasped her hips. “Ride me. Ride me hard and fast.”

  She braced her hands on his shoulders and moved. Pressure built. He dug his feet into the mattress and thrust again and again. He heard her ragged breathing. With a suddenness making him catch his breath he came.

  “Mine,” he growled. “You are mine.”

  “For now.”

  He slid his hand between them. “We’ll see.” He stimulated her until her back arched and she cried out. She sprawled on his chest. He tightened his arms around her.

  No matter what she thought, she was his.

  Chapter Four

  Bright sunlight woke Greg. He rolled over and looked at Allie. Her tousled hair and swollen lips brought memories of heated kisses. He brushed strands of hair from her face and slid his hands over her throat and collarbone to caress her breasts. Her nipples pebbled. She moaned and pressed against his hands. He continued his explorations. When he reached her mound he slid his fingers into her cleft.

  Her eyes flew open. “What?”

  “Greg.” He kissed the corner of her mouth. “I want you again.”

  She turned. “And I want you but I need a shower more.” She looked at her watch. “It’s about ten.”

  He arched a brow. “How does a shower and sex sound?”

  “Perfect.”

  He rose and snatched a condom from the snifter. Selecting a unit with a double shower had been wise. There was room in the stall for play. “Let me shave first.”

  “If you tell me where things are I’ll start coffee.”

  “Fresh ground from The Coffee Mug is in the freezer. The maker’s on the counter.”

  “Be with you in a few.”

  He had just finished shaving when she entered the bathroom. He turned on the water and regulated the temperature. Once they were inside he closed the glass door and pulled Allie into his arms. He licked her lips. “You taste good.”

  “Brushed my teeth in the kitchen. You have impressive equipment.”

  “Glad you think so. I’m prepared to use it again.”

  She laughed. “I meant the state-of-the-art kitchen.”

  “I like to cook.”

  He cut off anything else she might ask with an open mouth kiss. Once their hunger for each other was sated there would be time to speak about their lives. He raised his head. “What now?”

  “Wash.”

  “Each other?”

  She shook her head. “Would take too long.”

  He handed her a cloth and soap and took some for himself. Moments later he step
ped from the shower to sheathe himself. He stepped inside and gathered her into his arms. He pressed her back against the tiles.

  She placed her arms around his neck. He grasped her waist. She raised her right to his hip. When he bent his knees she raised the other leg and straddled him. He slid home and reveled in the tightness of her sheath.

  As Allie raised and lowered herself she braced her hands on his shoulders. The moment he felt he would erupt he pressed her against the wall and they moved in unison. He erupted and reached between to build her to the peak.

  Her inner muscles tightened around him. She cried his name and collapsed against his chest. “That was…” She lowered her feet to the floor.

  “A pleasure. I…” He groaned. He’d been about to declare himself. “Too soon.”

  She met his gaze. “It is.”

  He hadn’t realized he’d spoken aloud. Did she understand what he’d been about to say?

  Allie dressed in clothes she took from the case that still stood at the side of the couch. She packed the ones she’d worn in the same case. She followed him to the kitchen. He poured coffee for her and indicated the cinnamon rolls.

  Allie chuckled at the logo on the mug. “The Coffee Mug.”

  He nodded. “I bought that the first time I stopped there. Always keep a supply of rills in the freezer.”

  “Guess you’re not cooking this morning.”

  He shook his head. “And burn the food because you distract me?”

  She smiled. “It’s great to have someone think of me as a distraction. You’re missing your morning exercise routine.”

  “Are you saying I didn’t have a good workout? We could go another round.”

  Her laughter made him grin. “Not if I expect to walk.”

  Pride and arrogance filled his thoughts. “I would really like to spend the whole day with you but I need to leave as soon as we’ve eaten. I’ve a few things to clear up at work.”

  * * *

  Part of Allie wished he didn’t have to leave. The other part knew being apart would give her time to add details to her article. “A shame.”

  “There’s always tonight.”

  “Your place or my borrowed one?”

  He pulled her into his arms. “You’re not leaving without a kiss.”

  She molded her body to his. Mouths touched. Tongues tangled. With a sign she broke the kiss. Any longer and they would be on the floor. She placed her hand on his erection. “Can you hold this until midnight?”

  He chuckled. “Won’t be a problem. Just looking at you makes me hard.” He touched her mouth with his fingers. “The moment I looked up and saw you leaning over the balcony I wanted you.”

  “I wanted you, too.” She picked up her case. “See you.”

  At the door he caught her hand. “Tonight we’ll talk. I’ve some ideas I want to run past you.”

  Allie stopped in the hall and blew a kiss. Ideas. About what? She ran upstairs to Steve’s apartment and headed to the guest room. She was in a bad way. She’d never met a man who made her consider a lifestyle change.

  She spent the afternoon completing notes from the Iberian meal. Tonight was France. What treats were in her future?

  With a shake of her head she saved her notes. The restaurant was as intriguing as Greg. Since she’d met him he’d been no further than seconds from her thoughts. What was she going to do? He said tonight they would talk. Though she’d planned to wind up the details for the spread by Monday morning she wasn’t sure she wasn’t sure she wanted to leave. Would he ask her to stay? How would she answer?

  * * *

  When Allie entered the French Room she studied the costumed dolls. A chuckle escaped when she saw the miniature ceramic loaves of bread. There must be a model of every type baked in France.

  A crisp rose arrived along with an individual cheese soufflé. A rich onion soup arrived next. Instead of a salad the entrée arrived. Allie tasted the mushrooms and chicken cooked in a wine sauce. She wanted to purr with pleasure. Asparagus and glazed carrots accompanied the main course. A green salad with a light vinaigrette arrived. For dessert she chose a strawberry tart.

  As she sipped the champagne and ate the tart an attractive middle-aged woman appeared in the doorway and scanned the room. Allie stiffened under the lady’s intense examination. When she turned and walked away Allie frowned. What was that about?

  The waiter presented the bill. Allie slipped a credit card into the folder. After signing she rose and entered the foyer. The woman who had appeared in the French Room approached. Her heels clicked an angry rhythm on the stone tiles.

  What did I do? Was there a problem with the card she only used for business expenses?

  “Just what are you doing here?” The woman’s clipped tone was low.

  “Enjoying a fabulous meal.”

  The woman scowled. “You’re a Blakefield.”

  “I am. Allie is my name. Who are you?”

  “Stella Ramsey. I won’t allow you to ruin my son’s restaurant the way your father destroyed my husband’s. Get out and don’t return.”

  “I don’t know what you’re talking about. My father never destroyed any restaurant.” Allie swallowed. Ramsey. The other half of the feud.

  “Just get out.”

  “Not until I know what this is about.” No way was this woman going to force her to run, especially when her father had been adamant about her not doing a feature on Five Cuisines. An old feud wasn’t a good reason.

  Stella Ramsey grasped Allie’s arm and dragged her toward the door. “If you publish one word about Five Cuisines in that rag your father owns, we’ll sue.”

  Allie shook her head. “Restaurants are thrilled to be featured in good Eatin’.”

  “Not this one.”

  “Mom, what are you doing?”

  Allie turned and stared at Greg. Why was he here? Then his words registered. “Five Cuisines is yours?”

  He nodded. “Yes.”

  Mrs. Ramsey fisted her hands on her hips. “Now you can see what I said was true. You sent her a letter refusing an article about the restaurant and yet here she is.”

  “Mom, I…”

  “What letter?” Allie asked. “If you’re interested to hear, my father forbade me to feature this place.”

  “Liar,” Mrs. Ramsey said.

  “I don’t lie.”

  “Allie, just go,” Greg said.

  The ice in his voice made her want to cry. “My reason for being here isn’t what she thinks.”

  “Don’t listen to her,” Mrs. Ramsey said.

  Allie strode to the door. Outside she edged around a group of people. Would he come to the apartment tonight or would he listen to his mother? Destroying Five Cuisines was the last thing Allie wanted to do.

  * * *

  Greg watched until Allie vanished. He turned to his mother. “What is going on?”

  “When she arrived for her setting I thought she looked familiar. I was busy with reservations. Later I went to check her out and knew she was Peter Blakefield’s daughter. He sent her here.”

  “Why would he do that?”

  “I told you about his rivalry with your father. Peter can’t stand to see a Ramsey succeed. Destroying your father’s family has been bread for years. He wants you to lose Five Cuisines the way your father lost Le Provencal. She’s a clever young woman. I imagine she flattered you.”

  Greg steered his mother downstairs to the office and closed the door. “That’s not how things went. I made the first move. I like her. She had no idea who I was.”

  “I don’t believe that. This is the third night she’s eaten here. She’s up to something. Once I saw the credit card I checked the reservations. Someone at the magazine made the reservations for her.” She clutched his arm. “Just how involved are you?”

  “I believe she’s the one.”

  “How could you? Haven’t you heard a thing I’ve said? You’re a fool.”

  He shook his head. “I don’t think the past has anything
to do with Allie and me.”

  Stella collapsed on a chair. “Are you sleeping with her?”

  “I’m not going to answer that.”

  “If you loved your father you’ll stay as far from that woman as you can. You can’t let your life be ruined, too.”

  “Just because her name’s Blakefield doesn’t mean she wants to cause trouble.”

  “Just how much do you know about her?”

  Greg swallowed. He knew she was beautiful, responsible and an exciting lover. He knew her taste in books, movies and music. She knew and appreciated good food. And holding her in his arms felt right. “Not much.” He looked at his watch. “I need to head to the kitchen and you have your duties as hostess.”

  His mother rose. “Make sure to see me before you leave. We need to discuss how much damage your little fling has done.”

  Greg wasn’t sure his mother’s fears were real. What he and Allie had shared was more than a fling. When he considered walking away from her he felt deep sadness. Pushing those thoughts aside he returned to the kitchen and concentrated on the food.

  By eleven the last order had been cooked and served. The staff busily cleaned the kitchen. Greg walked to the office. His mother waited. She sat at the computer.

  “What are you up to?” he asked.

  “Googled her. Read this.”

  Greg stepped behind her and saw Allie’s picture. She wore a business suit. Her delightful smile was missing. He read the opening paragraph and looked at the questions.

  Allie: Of course we don’t do spreads on every restaurant I visit. What you’re hinting isn’t correct. There are a number of reasons we don’t feature a particular place. There are owners who don’t want a feature article.

  Interviewer: I’ve heard some restaurant have failed when the public learns you visited and refused to do a feature.

  Allie: That’s odd since the only people who know which ones I visit are my staff and the owners of the restaurant. Some owners might tell their staff. If a leak came from mine, they would be gone.

  “See.” Stella Ramsey tapped the screen.