Free Catering to Three by Kalissa Alexander

event, and without Mark, I’m not sure I would have been able to pull this off, as you put it. ”
    Noah took her hand in his, and for a brief moment she thought he was going to take her into his arms. Instead he stood up, bringing her with him. “Let’s dance.”
    She followed him back onto the dance floor, where he brought her body close to his, holding her tightly as they danced around the room.
    Julie let herself enjoy the dance and how good it felt to be in his arms.
    He whispered in her ear, “Just to let you know. Mark and Keith were both quite happy that you had relented for tonight and called them by their first names. You can be so formal at times.”
    “Well, this is a party and you were right. It would have seemed strange to your guests for me to continue addressing you or them by your surnames. However, you’re still my business associates and I know my place.”
    “And what place might that be?”
    Julie looked over Noah’s shoulder. His arms had tightened. He was holding her so close she was having a difficult time breathing. Not because he was cutting off her air supply but for other reasons she knew were even more dangerous. “You’ve been wonderful. I can’t thank you enough for all the introductions. You’re an amazingly generous man. But I’m not unaware that these people are in a totally different social class than I am.”
    “Are you a snob, Julie?”
    “Goodness no,” Julie said, taken back. “Why would you say that?”
    “Seems to me that they all like you and accept you for who you are. And yet, you don’t seem to be able to do the same?”
    “I didn’t mean…” she stuttered. Had she really come off as a snob when it was so far from the truth, she thought, embarrassed.
    “Not to worry. I’m just teasing. I know you’re not a snob. You’re so easy to tease and to work with. I love the fact that you blush so easily.”
    “I’m hoping you’ll want to use me again.”
    “I’ll use you, Julie, of that you can be sure.”
    She trembled slightly. She was enjoying herself way too much with him. She hoped Mark and Keith would be returning soon. She missed them. Startled by her own thoughts, she realized she needed to step away from the enchanted atmosphere of the evening and get back to the real world where she belonged. Her attraction to all three men was a fantasy she needed to get under control.
    “I really should go upstairs and change. I’m going to be needed in the kitchen. I have to help clean up. There’s so much to do when an event ends.”
    “What if I tell you I don’t want you to leave me? That I need you to stay right where you are until the last guest has departed?”
    “I would say that sounds lovely except I’m not really a guest, am I? I’m the hired help, and it’s time for Cinderella to get back to the kitchen.”
    “I have plans for you, Julie. And they don’t include washing dishes,” he breathed into her hair.
    At a loss for words, Julie continued let Noah guide her across the dance floor. Maybe a few more minutes of living the fantasy wouldn’t hurt. She felt her eyes drawn to the other side of the room. She caught her breath as her eyes met those of Mark and Keith. She smiled back and waved. Their dates were nowhere to be seen. She was suddenly happier than she thought possible.
    The evening continued to be everything she could have hoped for and more, with Noah never letting her stray too far from his side unless it was to dance with Mark or Keith. When the last guest had said good night, he reluctantly permitted her to check on the kitchen.
    She was delighted to see that it was cleaned and shining. Most of the staff had already left. The three chefs she had hired were sipping a cup of coffee together. She broke out in applause. They each stood and bowed.
    “You three were absolutely magnificent. I can’t tell you how pleased Noah is with the food. From everything I’ve heard, every dish was perfection on a plate. I’m in awe of