Free The Billionaire's Daughter by Maggie Carpenter

kitchen in ten minutes.”
    While
the estate boasted a grand, formal dining room, the large kitchen had a   built in breakfast nook with butcher
block table set against a bay window.  
    “Yes,
Sir,” she replied, and turned to leave.   He swatted her as she moved away and she let out a little cry of
surprise, looking over her shoulder as she left the room.   He was smiling that incredible smile
and she felt her heart fill with joy.
    Dante
considered that Kate might not even know where the plates were kept, but he was
determined fixing them a quick meal would soon be as easy pouring a glass of
water.   He back down on the couch
and stretched out, lifting his leg to rest.   His ankle welcomed the respite and he closed his eyes. Ten
minutes and he’d be refreshed and ready to deal with her yet again.
    When
he entered the large, gourmet kitchen she was nowhere to be seen, but the table
had been set, thermos of coffee in the center and hefty sandwiches neatly laid
out on two plates.  
    “Dante,”
she called, scurrying towards him from the pantry.
    “There
you are.   This looks perfect,” he
smiled.
    She
smiled back and rose up on her toes and kissed him on the cheek.   There was a happy twinkle in her eye
and Dante saw a glimpse of a very sweet girl.
    Placing
his crutches against the wall, he settled in and they turned to their
food.   The sandwiches were
delicious, the coffee steaming hot and rich, and Dante discovered he was even
hungrier than he had realized.   Kate was her bubbly, vivacious self and he couldn’t help but enjoy her
company.   He had just finished his
meal when Lois entered and moved to the sink.   She smiled warmly at Dante, and Dante grinned back.   He picked up his plate and mug and
hobbled across to her without his crutches.
    “Oh
you poor thing,” she said, looking at his foot.   “I’m so sorry.”
    “Thank
you, Lois.   The stupid snap gave
out as I was lowering myself down on the sling.   Anyway, I’ll be fine.   I’m a fast healer,” he replied.
    “Well
if you need anything, don’t hesitate to ask,” she offered.  
    “Thank
you.   I appreciate that,” he
smiled, stacking his plates in the dishwasher.   A moment later Kate joined him but did not put her plates in
the dishwasher, instead placing them on the counter.
    “I
could make you another sandwich if you’re still hungry,” Lois continued.
    Dante
frowned and glanced down at Kate standing beside him.  
    “No,”
Dante replied, looking back up at the friendly housekeeper he’d known for so
long. “That was plenty.   Thank
you.”
    “Anytime,”
she beamed, taking the plates Kate had left on the counter and placing them in
the dishwasher next to Dante’s.
    “Kate,”
he said casually, “I need to speak with you.   Please come with me.”
    “Sure,”
she replied.   “I’ll just get your
crutches,”
    He waited while she retrieved them, and
as they left the kitchen she glanced across her shoulder at Lois.
    “Thanks,
Lois,” she said.
    Lois
looked back at her, a little shocked.   A thank you!  
    “You’re
welcome MIss Hollister,” she replied.
    As
soon as they were out of sight of the housekeeper Dante gripped her elbow.
    “I
swear if I wasn’t injured you’d be over my shoulder right now, being carried up
those stairs to your bedroom for a visit with one of your riding crops,” he
said testily.
    “Why?”
Kate whimpered.   “What have I done
now?”
    “You
are so spoiled.   When I asked you
to rustle us up something to eat that’s what I meant.   You!   Not Lois.”
    They
had reached his bedroom, and as he opened the door he gave her a slight push
inside, then shut the door firmly behind them, turning the the lock.
    “But,
but --” she whined, turning to face him.
    “But
nothing!” he barked, interrupting her.   “And you couldn’t even deign to place your dirty plates in the
dishwasher?   Of course not.   Had to put them on the counter for
Lois.”
    He
took a deep