Blaze (Heat #3)(22)

"Brendon?" I feel an instant flood of anxiety. "No. That's messed up. Did you tell him not to come?"

"The guest list was sent out to the press." He shrugs his shoulder. "His name is on there. He's been posting about it on Axel's social media sites, saying how pumped he is to be there to support Hunter."

"Fuck," I mutter under my breath. "I can call him and tell him not to come."

"It'll look bad. He'll post about it. Call me out for making things personal." His tone is stern. "The bastard is coming. I have to deal with it."

"We'll deal with it together." I bite my lower lip to try and curb my nervousness.

He sucks in a deep breath. "I'm worried about what he'll do when he sees you. I'm going to be preoccupied."

"I can handle, Brendon," I say assuredly. "He'll be so busy telling everyone there how great he is that he won't notice me at all."

"Do you still think it's a good idea for you to be there?"

I ignore the pounding of my heart as I look into his eyes. "This is the second time you've told me I don't have to come to the soft launch. Do you want me there, Tyler?"

He hesitates. It's brief but it's there. "This is a big night for me. My family's going to be there. I want you there, it's just …"

"It's just that drama follows me around like a shadow?" I snap. "You think my relationships with Sergio and Brendon are going to ruin your big night. Is that what this is about?"

"No," he answers harshly. "I want to protect you. I want to keep you safe. I can't do that if I'm busy with critics and reporters."

"I can take care of myself," I say calmly. "Things with Sergio are improving. Brendon won't make a scene in public."

His gaze shifts from my face to the counter. "I spoke to Sergio this morning. He called Nova to congratulate me on the launch. He's bringing me a signed cookbook as a gift."

It's a thoughtful gesture. It's typical of my dad. He spreads his good will with his own work. He knows how much value is placed on a signed copy of one of his cookbooks. I've seen them displayed in a few restaurants in Manhattan.

"I need to go home to shower before I get ready for tonight." He leans down to cover my mouth with his in a slow, deep kiss. "I love you. I'll see you in a few hours.





CHAPTER 25


"You should totally tell him you love him tonight." Sophia tugs on the zipper at the back of my dress. "It would make the launch extra special."

It's been my plan all along. I envision the end of the night, when everyone has cleared out and it's just the two of us left inside Nova. I downloaded a song to my phone that I'll play so we can dance and that's when I'll tell him that I love him too.

"I agree." I smile at her reflection in the mirror. "This dress is seriously stunning, Soph. I think it's my favorite so far."

It's strapless, black with a shimmer to the fabric. The hem falls above my knee giving it a refined feel. It's snug and when I turn to the side, it's obvious that I'm just the right amount of curvy. I've pinned my hair up so my shoulders are bare. I look sophisticated, confident and in love.

"I love it, Den." She adjusts the fabric on my hip. "I'll take some photos of it before we leave, if that's okay?"

"Sure." I turn to the side. "You look amazing too."

She does. Her red dress is form fitted on top with a full skirt. It's vibrant and immediately draws the eye to her tiny waist.

"It's safe to say I'm hot." She giggles. "I need some snaps of this one for my portfolio too."

"Let's get on it." I start down the hall toward her room. "We need to leave soon."

"Wait." She stalls in place a few steps behind me. "I just heard your phone. It chimed. You have a message. You should check that, right?"

I should. Barbara has been texting me non-stop most of today. We're arranging a meeting with a butcher in Connecticut. It's not happening for another four days but Barbara is on top of it. She wants me to prepare a list of questions for him and she's eager to know what I'll be cooking with the beef I bring back with me.

"It's my boss." I roll my eyes. "She's all about meat today."

"Meat?" Sophia's brows wiggle. "I have a million jokes for that, Den."

"Don't start." I thrust my hand in the air as I pass her on my way back to the kitchen.

"Just one?" She whines as she steps behind me.

I shake my head, my attention focused on my smartphone. It's a text message from Tyler.

Sergio's at my place. There were some crossed wires. He brought the cookbook here and a bottle of Hennessy.

"My dad is at Tyler's apartment." I look back at Sophia. "How random is that?"

"What's he doing there?"

I type back a response to Tyler.

That's the good stuff, Chef. Toast to your success tonight and then get your ass to your restaurant.

"Sergio brought him a signed cookbook as a gift." I turn to look at Sophia. "They're going to have a drink."

I look down again when my phone chimes.