Free Seducing His Heart by Jean C. Joachim

with
your other brothers? Your dad?”
    “ Jeff and I are still
close, though he lives in Baltimore now. Dad is in a senior
apartment. I visit him when I can.”
    “ And you’re other
brother?”
    “ Mal? He died in
Iraq.”
    Emotion closed Bess’s
throat. She blinked to keep her tears at bay. Don’t start crying. He won’t like it. “You’ve had a helluva life,” she said, wiping her mouth with
her napkin.
    “ On the other side, I’m a
major newscaster with Eagle Broadcasting. I’ve traveled all over
the world doing news stories. I had a great job reporting for The
New York Globe before I went into TV news.”
    “ You’ve been very
successful.”
    “ I rarely get turned down
for dates, no matter how famous or glamorous the lady. I’ve saved
money. I’m living the good life.”
    “ You are.”
    “ So, why ruin it with
marriage?”
    “ Why take a chance on one
woman when you can keep loneliness out with many,
right?”
    “ Absolutely! Wow, a woman
who understands.” He grinned. “I knew there was a special reason
why I liked you.”
    That’s the most pathetic thing I’ve ever
heard. But like I should talk? Like I have a great life outside of
my work? Like my family is warm and supportive? Not. I haven’t had
his tragedy, but I’m no better off than he is. At least I’m looking
for something more. Haven’t given up yet.
    “ What about your family?”
He took a sip of wine, his gaze steady, focused on her.
    “ Nothing to speak of. I’m
the black sheep. My little sister stayed home, got a great job, and
takes care of my mom. At least, they live in the same
house.”
    “ Don’t they acknowledge
your success?”
    She shrugged. “A cable TV cooking show isn’t
as impressive as bank vice president. And now, my sister is engaged
to an important man in town.”
    He nodded. “So, you’re in second place.”
    “ It isn’t a race. I’m
happy for Janie. She has what she wants. Problem is, so do I, or
almost. But I’m the only one who thinks it’s worth
much.”
    “ Does it matter what they
think? Aren’t you proud of your own accomplishments?”
    “ I am. I guess it doesn’t
matter, but it hurts.”
    He took her hand and kissed it.
    Not exactly the action of
a friend. She slipped it away.
    “ Oops. Friends don’t do
that, do they?”
    She shook her head.
    “ You can’t control the
feelings or perceptions of others. Don’t waste time
trying.”
    “ You’re right.”
    “ I got that when I gave up
on Robbie.”
    At the sound of a throat clearing, Bess
looked up. Jean Louis stood next to their table, dressed in all his
chef’s finery, including the proud, stiff, white hat.
    “ Ah, Mademoiselle Cooper,
enchanté, toujours. How lovely you are here again.” He kissed her
hand and bowed.
    “ Jean Louis, this is
Whitfield Bass. Whit, Jean Louis.”
    The chef gave a curt nod to Whit and turned
his attention back to Bess. “I will gladly pick up your bill if you
will only share your recipe for the Mocha Magic cake with me,” he
said, his eyes glowing with mischief.
    Bess wagged a finger at him. “Uh, uh, Jean.
You know I can’t do that.”
    “ But it looks so
wonderful! I need the formula. I want to serve it here. I promise
to call it Bess Cooper’s Mocha Magic Cake.”
    “ Nope. Sorry,” she said,
shaking her head.
    “ Perhaps, Monsieur Bass,
you can reason with her?”
    “ This lady has a mind of
her own, I’m afraid,” Whit replied.
    Frowning, Jean Louis bowed again and was
gone. Whit chuckled. “You sure have him around your little finger.”
The busboy cleared their empty plates away.
    “ He’s always asking for my
recipes.”
    “ Ever date
him?”
    “ Jean Louis? He’s probably
married with five kids.”
    “ Not all desirable man are
married.” He opened the dessert menu.
    “ Right. Some are only
interested in friendship,” she quipped, raising an
eyebrow.
    “ Or friends with
benefits.”
    “ A concept invented by men
like you.”
    “ Men like me? What am