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

sweat-drenched skin. She wanted to speak of love and forever but she wanted him to speak first.
    He rolled to his side. He rained kisses on her face. “Each time is better.”
    “I know.”
    He rose on an elbow and looked down at her. “I want you in my life for the next hundred years.”
    “Are you serious?”
    “No matter how long I’ve searched I haven’t found another woman who suits me more.” He pulled her to her feet and handed her the tee shirt she’d removed.
    “What if our passion burns away?”
    “I doubt it ever will. If that happens we’ll find new ways to kindle the fire.” He kissed her forehead. “Ready for the meal I planned as a means of seduction.”
    She pulled on her clothes. “Absolutely. I’m starved.”
    With his arm around her waist he led her to the dining alcove, poured wine and lit the candles. He raised his glass. “To us.”
    She touched hers to his and echoed his words.
    From the yeast dumplings to cold cherry soup, the salad and the veal entrée Allie savored every bite. “You are a fabulous chef.” When he presented the wind cake and coffee served with a dollop of whipped cream she sighed with contentment. “I still want to do a spread for Good Eatin’.”
    “And I want you to do one.”
    She tasted the cream, berry and cognac mixture. “My dad’s against the idea.”
    “So is my mom.”
    “Did you know years ago they were a couple?” She sipped the coffee.
    “So I heard. She was really against us but she’s mellowed a tad.” He ran a finger along her arm. “On one level I don’t care what she things but I want her blessing.”
    She nodded. “Makes two of us wanting parental acceptance.” She met his gaze. “Where do we go from here?”
    “To bed.”
    “That’s a given. I meant how do we solve the parent problem?”
    “I wish I knew. We met, fell into lust. We’ve moved beyond. I’m in love with you.” He clasped her hand. “I’m not going to let a feud from the dark ages mess us up.”
    “Me either.” Allie smiled. “Frankly I’m over my head in love with you. Love seems to present a problem.”
    He rose. “Let’s clean up here and go to bed.”
    “At nine o’clock?”
    “Did I say we were going to sleep?”
    “Guess not.” She gathered some of the dishes. “Before we become involved in other more exciting matters, let’s end the feud. I’ll call my dad and invite him to meet me at the Coffee Mug at nine thirty for breakfast.”
    He chuckled. “I imagine I could ask my mom to do the same. She won’t make a scene in public.” He closed the dishwasher.
    “Dad might but I’ll handle him.”
    He draped an arm over her shoulder. “Phone calls and then there’s another present for you in the bedroom.”
    Allie pulled her cell phone from the side pocket of her overnight case. She called her father and heard the message to leave her name and number. “The Coffee Mug. Be there, please. This is vital to me.” She pulled a rose from the vase.
     
    * * *
     
    Greg dialed Five Cuisines and heard his mother’s voice. “Mom, I need you to do something for me.”
    “Are you ill? When Mike told me you weren’t working I nearly left and drove over.”
    He groaned. That would have covered he and Allie with a large problem. “Just needed a night off. Could you meet me at the Coffee Mug tomorrow morning at nine thirty? There’s something I need to tell you.”
    “It’s her.”
    “Now isn’t the time for a discussion. See you tomorrow.” He hung up and clasped Allie’s hand. “She won’t be able to resist satisfying her curiosity.”
    “Hopefully my dad will get the message.”
    When they reached the bedroom Greg started the action movie he’d rented this morning. He stripped off his shorts and pulled the spread back. Allie stopped and sliced into the bed beside him.
    “Is this my present?”
    He shook his head. “Later. Just relax.” He slid his arm around her. She lightly brushed the rose over her skin. He turned toward her.