Free Seducing the Chef (At First Sight #1) by Janet Lane-Walters

you think?”
    “Do I know this woman?”
    Greg leaned on the counter. “Maybe a little. She bought a black teddy and thigh highs plus a ton of other stuff.”
    “Aha.” She turned to the shelf behind her and selected one of the bottles. “This should suit you both.”
    Greg sniffed. “Sage with a hint of lemon. Smells good.” He paid and left. Peggy Lou didn’t give her usual call since the customer had snagged her.
    At the apartment he unloaded the car and spent time prepping the food designed as a savory seductive meal. A cold cherry soup rich with creamy tartness. A salad topped with sour cream and lemon dressing. The veal cutlet he adorned with mushrooms and green beans paprika, delicate and savory.
    Once he had dinner in hand he checked the clock. He had time for the second part of his plan. He met the super outside the door of Steve’s apartment and placed the vase of roses along with a note on the coffee table. The sweet fragrance filled the room.
    Back in his apartment he set the table in the alcove for two. Just before they sat down to eat he would light the candle and open the wine.
    The phone rang. He answered. “Hi, Mom.”
    “Mike said you wouldn’t be here this evening. Are you ill?” Stella Ramsey asked.
    “Just following your advice.”
    “Oh. Good luck.” She hung up.
    Greg paced the room. Would Allie come? He had to know. He dialed the number he’d found using the address on the package she’d sent. After five rings he heard a message asking him to leave his name and number. He complied. If she didn’t arrive maybe she would call back.
    He showered, shaved and pulled on a pair of black silk lounge pants. He stepped outside. Had he heard noises from upstairs? He sucked in a deep breath and walked to the edge of the terrace.
     
     
     
    Chapter 6
     
    Allie sat in the visitor’s spot in the condo parking lot and stared at the Tappan Zee Bridge. She fingered the key to Steve’s apartment. Should she go inside? Did she really want to accept the invitation accompanying the superb Italian dinner? The food had brought memories both good and bad. Her feelings for Greg hovered on the brink of a commitment. Was that love? She didn’t know. She knew she wanted more than what she’d seen between her parents. Though supportive and courteous she’d seen few signs of passion.
    Her desire for Greg had been instant but had there been more than lust? Could she handle yearning to be in his arms and walk away unscathed when the affair ended? All her other relationships with men had been short. She had left them heart free. She feared this time she wouldn’t.
    Nothing ventured and you end up wondering. That’s what her dad said each time she’d faced a challenging situation. She didn’t think he would approve of this action especially when he’d forbidden a spread on Five Cuisines. How would he approve of her seducing the chef?
    She grabbed her overnight bag and left the car. No acting the coward and returning to the city without facing her fear. Everything ventured could mean everything gained.
    The doorman smiled. “Good to see you again. Will you be staying long?”
    “Just tonight and maybe tomorrow.” She carried her bag to the stairs and paused to glance at Greg’s door. She wanted to ring his bell. Would that ruin his plans? Be on the balcony at seven. Why? He should be at the restaurant preparing for the second seating. Since the hour had nearly arrived she would soon learn.
    She opened the door to Steve’s apartment. The scent of roses reached her. Had Steve arrived days earlier than expected and bought the flowers for someone? Had her sister sent them? Meg seemed to have an interest in the magazine’s top photographer.
    Allie admired the vase of deep red roses. She saw her name on an envelope and opened the card to read the message.
    When you step on the balcony wear what you wore the first time we saw each other and shared a kiss. Plan to spend the night.
    She laughed. For some